'Coffee with the Commissioners' and all committee sessions will take place at Jay's Sporting Goods
Developments at Michigan state parks and trails, the retirement of the state's long-serving wildlife veterinarian, an update on the 2015 deer hunting season, and a proposal to restore a once-native fish to Michigan waters are all on the agenda for the next regular meeting of the Michigan Natural Resources Commission Thursday, June 9, at Jay's Sporting Goods, 1151 S. Otsego Ave, in Gaylord, Michigan.
The day starts with a "Coffee with the Commissioners" session 8-8:45 a.m. at Cops & Doughnuts-Jay's Precinct, inside Jay's Sporting Goods. These informal morning meetings offer area residents another opportunity to connect with commissioners on natural resources issues.
Commission business begins with a 9 a.m. meeting of the Michigan State Parks Advisory Committee in the Headwaters Conference Room, where all commission sessions will take place for the remainder of the day. The committee will discuss a public survey about Belle Isle, learn about the assessment of a pet-friendly lodging pilot program, hear updates on the trail corridors review process in state forests and the policy review process regarding event permitting in state parks and recreation areas, and receive the MSPAC finance subcommittee's update.
At 1 p.m., the Policy Committee on Wildlife and Fisheries will discuss the Hunting Access Program and the results of the 2015 deer harvest survey, and receive updates on chumming regulations and cormorant management.
The Committee of the Whole meets at 3 p.m. Department of Natural Resources Director Bill Moritz's report will include updates on forest resources, the DNR budget, a proposal to restore the arctic grayling to Michigan waters, and a legislative update. During the meeting, Ogemaw County conservation officer Kyle Bader will be presented with a DNR Law Enforcement Division Lifesaving Award for his efforts to locate a person who was attempting to commit suicide by carbon monoxide poisoning and then safely extracting him from his vehicle. Additionally, retiring state wildlife veterinarian Steve Schmitt will be honored for his dedicated, 38-year career and contributions to wildlife disease management.
Immediately following the Committee of the Whole, the commissioners 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 will set furbearer regulations and fishing regulations for trout, salmon, whitefish, lake herring and smelt.
Director Moritz is expected to announce his decision on approval of the most recent oil and gas lease auction, as well several proposed land transactions.
For more information about the Natural Resources Commission, including full agendas and meeting minutes, visit www.michigan.gov/nrc.
The Michigan Department of Natural Resources is committed to the conservation, protection, management, use and enjoyment of the state's natural and cultural resources for current and future generations. For more information, go to www.michigan.gov/dnr.
Contact: Ed Golder, 517-284-5815
