Michigan Natural Resources Commission to Meet June 14 in Lansing
OutdoorHub 06.11.12
The Michigan Natural Resources Commission will hold its regular monthly meeting on Thursday, June 14 at the Diagnostic Center for Population and Animal Health, 4125 Beaumont Road, Lansing.
The day begins at 10 a.m. with a meeting of the State Parks Advisory Committee. The committee will provide an overview of the State Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan as well as updates on the Blue Ribbon Panel on State Parks and Outdoor Recreation; the state’s role in the future operation of Belle Isle park in Detroit; the transition of state forest campgrounds from the Department of Natural Resources’ Forest Resources Division to the Parks and Recreation Division; and off-road vehicle (ORV) trails. Also, the committee will consider a resolution supporting plans for Hartwick Pines State Park and Sanilac Petroglyphs Historic State Park.
At 1 p.m., the Policy Committee on Fish and Wildlife will discuss the Wildlife Division’s recommendations for antlerless deer quotas for the upcoming season. In addition, the Wildlife Division will report on the 2011 deer season, the division’s update to the chronic wasting disease surveillance and response plan, and a new bovine tuberculosis model.
At 3 p.m., DNR Director Rodney Stokes will make a report to the Committee of the Whole, including an update on legislation affecting the department.
At 4 p.m., the NRC will present Michigan United Conservation Clubs with a Partners in Conservation Award in celebration of MUCC’s 75th anniversary. The oldest statewide conservation club in Michigan, MUCC has been a long-time partner with the DNR on numerous natural resources initiatives.
Also, three young people will be recognized for having received awards as “Outstanding Outdoor Kids.” The young people in February helped choose the official ice cream flavor of Michigan state parks, Pure Michigan Caramel Apple. Samples of the ice cream will be available at the meeting.
Public appearances before the NRC will begin immediately following award presentations. Those wishing to make public comments to the NRC should contact Deb Whipple, executive assistant to the NRC, at 517-373-2352 or whippled1@michigan.gov to register. Registration is also available at the meeting.
The regular NRC meeting will begin immediately following public appearances.
The following items are scheduled for action by the commission: an update to deer regulations; a change to special deer permits to conform to new statutory requirements; rules clarifying the law on collecting antlers shed by a deer, elk or moose; and a technical amendment to elk license applications.
Items eligible for action by Director Stokes are new statewide trout, salmon, whitefish and lake herring regulations; approval of the results of a May 8 oil and gas lease auction; and four land transactions.
For more information on the NRC, including this meeting’s agenda, informational memos and past meeting minutes, go to www.michigan.gov/nrc.
