Natural Resources Commission to meet Thursday in Lansing

Press Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 7, 2015

Contact: Jolene Priest, 517-284-5925


Natural Resources Commission to meet Thursday in Lansing

The Michigan Natural Resources Commission will hold its regular monthly meeting Thursday, April 9, at the Michigan State University Diagnostic Center for Population and Animal Health, 4125 Beaumont Road in Lansing.

The day begins with a 9 a.m. meeting of the Michigan State Parks Advisory Committee. The committee will receive presentations on the Bay City State Recreation Area’s lakefront and beach-access study; the Department of Natural Resources’ Parks and Recreation Division 2015 budget; changes to 2015 Silver Lake State Park ORV Area access; and the summer youth employment program, as well as an update on parks and recreation activities.

At 1 p.m., the Policy Committee on Wildlife and Fisheries will discuss the status of Lake Michigan salmon and the effects of water withdrawal on brook trout; preview small-game, upland-bird and bear-damage shooting permit regulations; and receive a report on bovine tuberculosis surveillance.

The Committee of the Whole meets at 3 p.m. First, there will be a brief moment of silence to honor DNR wildlife biologist Mark Knee, who recently passed away. Immediately following, the committee will receive DNR Director Keith Creagh’s report and a legislative update. At the conclusion of this meeting, the Shikar Safari Club will recognize conservation officer Ken Kovach as its officer of the year.

Immediately following the award presentation, the NRC will receive public comments. Those wishing to make public comments before the commission should contact Cheryl Nelson, executive assistant to the NRC, at 517-284-6237 or nelsonc@michigan.gov to register.

Following public comments, the NRC is expected to set bear regulations and license quotas for the upcoming season. Additionally, commissioners will consider several fishing regulations, including those for catch-and-release bass fishing, spawning closures, special hook sizes, warm-water species on select waters, and possession of crayfish.

Director Creagh is scheduled to announce the next oil and gas auction, and consider an order to regulate use of the Ishpeming to Humboldt Rail-Trail segment of the Iron Ore Heritage Trail in Marquette County.

For more information about the Natural Resources Commission, including full agendas and meeting minutes, visit www.michigan.gov/nrc.