Post by ridge on Feb 24, 2024 17:06:45 GMT -5
Natural Resources Commission Meeting Minutes Date: January 11, 2024 Time: 9:00 a.m. Location: Lansing Community College West Campus Rooms M119-121 5708 Cornerstone Drive Lansing, MI 48917
Roll Call
Present for the Natural Resources Commission (Commission): • Dave Anthony • Tom Baird, Chair • Robin Clark • David Cozad • Pete Eardley • Dave Nyberg - absent • John Walters
Present for the Department of Natural Resources (Department) and Office of the Attorney General: • Scott Bowen, Director, Department of Natural Resources • Nathan Gambill, Legal Counsel, Office of the Attorney General Meeting Minutes
Chair Baird called the meeting of the Commission to order at 9:04 a.m.
Chair Baird introduced new commissioner Robin Michigiizhigookwe Clark, appointed effective January 1 for a 4-year term, by Governor Whitmer. Chair Baird noted that Robin’s career has focused on Michigan Natural Resource management and research, further stating that Robins background and experience will serve the commission well. Robin has several degrees associated with Fish and Wildlife matters. She is a member of the Sault St. Maria tribe of Chippewa Indians and was recently appointed as the natural resource Director for the tribe. Chair Baird stated he is looking forward to working with her immensely, welcomed her to the commission and asked if she wished to speak.
Commissioner Clark opened with remarks in her native language expressing thanks to Chair Baird. Commissioner Clark shared she is from Sault St. Marie, a member of the Wolf Clan and she is honored and humbled to be sitting here and is looking forward to pitching in on strong hunting, fishing, and trapping regulations based on the best available science.
Chair Baird conducted a roll call of Commissioners, the Director, and the Office of the Attorney General, with Nathan Gambill filling in for Dan Bock. All were present.
Chair Baird called for a motion to approve the day’s agenda. Commissioner Cozad made a motion to approve, supported by Commissioner Anthony. The day’s agenda was approved unanimously.
The next item on the agenda was the approval of the December 14, 2023, Commission meeting minutes. Chair Baird called for a motion to approve the December 14, 2023, meeting minutes. Commissioner Walters made a motion to approve, supported by Commissioner Cozad. Chair Baird called for a discussion. After no discussion, Chair Baird called for a vote. The motion was approved unanimously.
Director’s Report
Director Bowen welcomed everyone and asked that Mark Monroe come forward for the first presentation.
a. Land Use Order of the Director Amendment No. 2 of 2024, Forest Road Inventory (Mark Monroe, Forest Resources Division)
b. Fisheries Order 255.24 (Dr. Seth Herbst, Fisheries Divisiion
c. Elk Season Results (Chad Stewart, Wildlife Division) Presentations for the Director’s Report may be found on the Commission’s webpage at www.michigan.gov/nrc under “Presentations.”
The Directors report ended at 10:12 a.m. at which time Chair Baird requested Brooke Parmalee read the official timekeeping procedures and guidelines for the meeting’s public appearances.
Public Appearances Before the NRC
a. 5-Minute Comment
i. Mike Taylor, U.P. Whitetails of Marquette – U.P. Deer Herd
ii. Brian Reynolds, U.P. Whitetails of Marquette – U.P. Deer Herd .
3-Minute Comment
i. Marcie Terwilliger – Lead ammunition and regulations
ii. Dan Ulfig, Sportsman Against Hunger – Deer Management
iii. Nichole Biber, LTBB Odawa Tribal Citizen – Elk and Deer
iv. Erik Schnelle, National Deer Association – Deer Regulations
v. Bob Jones, Michigan Bow Hunters – Deer Regulations
vi. Justin Tomei, MUCC – Lead ammunition
Chair Baird adjourned the public comment portion of the meeting at 11:01 a.m. and moved to the regular meeting of the NRC.
REGULAR MEETING OF THE NATURAL RESOURCES COMMISSION
New Business Chair Baird noted there were two items for information this month that were discussed during the Director’s Report.
a. Director Matters
i. Land Use Order of the Director Amendment No. 2 of 2024 Forest Road Inventory Update
ii. Fisheries Order 255.24 – Reporting Requirements – Charter Boat, State-Licensed Commercial, and Sport Fishing Guides
Chair Baird noted there were three land transactions for the Director this month.
a. Land Transactions
i. Acquisition of State Land Forest Resources Division, Baraga County The Kettunen Trust Tract Land Transaction Case #20230023
ii. Requisition of State Land Parks and Recreation Division, Washtenaw County The Cassidy Lake Tract Land Transaction Case #20230222
iii. Sale of Surplus DNR-Managed Land Forest Resources Division, Arenac County Land Transaction Case #20230143
b. NRC/Director Orders - None
Director Bowen indicated he will sign all land transactions.
Old Business Chair Baird noted there are two items for action for the Director this month.
a. Director Matters
i. Land Use Order of the Director Amendment No. 1 of 2024 Order to Regulate Target Shooting at Port Huron State Game Area
ii. Fisheries Order 243.24 – State Licensed Commercial Fishing b. NRC/Director Orders – None Director Bowen indicated he will sign both the above orders. Chair Baird noted that this concludes the day’s agenda.
The following Commissioner reports were then given.
Commissioner Walters reported that he continues to meet with folks from Burt Lake and Mullett lake to discuss Fisheries management. As a result of those meetings, Commissioner Walters met with Fisheries Biologist Tim Cwalinski and Neal Godby to discuss fisheries management on inland lakes in Northern Michigan. He also attended the Natural Resource Stewards meeting held at the RAM Center and was extremely enlightened with the subjects, the in-depth knowledge, the data that was brought forward and how they conduct business. Commissioner Walters plans to attend much more of those meetings. He attended the Headwaters Trout Unlimited Christmas party where he won $100 in a raffle and immediately spent it at Gates Lodge. Traveled with CO Paul Fox during the Elk hunt, anyone who hasn’t done that he highly encouraged participation, stating it was awesome. It was very enjoyable hanging out with a CO, and he indicated he made a new friend out of the experience. They did see two dead cows due to successful harvest. Very enriching experience.
Commissioner Anthony reported that deer has been the focus of the last couple months, the committee on wildlife met recently and invited Sarah Thompson, Chief of Wildlife. They had a long conversation and exchange of ideas and started to see where they can find common ground and stated we are off to a good start. Commissioner Anthony stated he is very excited about the idea of the deer initiative. The UP issue is probably going to be handled in a little more of an aggressive and hopefully time sensitive manner but overall, very optimistic about where we are going. On a personal note, Green Bay is starting to freeze over, I have an invite to go fishing this weekend and will provide an update next month.
Commissioner Eardley stated we look forward to pushing through some new regulations in 2024 on the deer initiative. That seems to be the major topic of the entire state and that’s why we’re here listening to everyone, we’re getting emails, phone calls and were looking forward to working towards solutions for 2024.
Commissioner Clark stated that during her brief time as a commissioner she has been able to attend a couple NRC related meetings. She attended the Eastern UP Advisory council and heard some of what was shared by UP Whitetails, and she was able to attend the Wildlife Committee meeting as well. Commissioner Clark has spoken with some hunters and fishers and is starting to respond to the NRC inbox and is mostly focused on deer and wildlife wintering complexes in the UP, changes in access and hunting opportunities, changes in the population, and habitat for that population. She spoke about the importance of state land and water access for hunters and fishers and looks forward to the deer management initiative and anxiously awaits more information.
Commissioner Cozad thanked all who came today to provide public comments as well as those who have emailed or made comments by telephone. Commissioner Cozad welcomed Dr. Clark, stating he looks forward to getting to know her better and working with her. Also thanking Commissioner Walters for his leadership with representatives on Burt and Mullett Lakes, we know they have questions and concerns, and we will be looking at those concerns at the Fisheries Committee as the year progresses. Commissioner Cozad and Commissioner Walters have spoken to Chief Claramunt on these issues. Lastly Commissioner Cozad shared that he is looking forward to the Steelhead Task Group, convening in early February. The task group is a Page 5 collaboration between the DNR staff, the NRC, and stakeholders. Commissioner Cozad feels we will be able to find some common ground and ways to move forward in terms of data collection and stock assessment.
Chief Claramunt also indicted he would like to extend the discussion to management opportunities in the future. So, we will tackle data collection and stock assessment first and then move on to management matters. We will be keeping you all informed as that process moves forward.
Chair Baird noted that Commissioner Clark is now a member of the Wildlife Committee along with Commissioners Walters and Anthony. As everyone said the topic is deer and I have been fielding many phone calls on this topic. Commissioner Baird had a great briefing with the Sportsman Against Hunger, stating they have their nose to the grindstone right now and are looking at all options. He is very impressed by their enthusiasm and the scope of what they are involved in. Looking forward to great things there. Commissioner Baird had a chance to speak to a grad school class at MSU in the Wildlife area about Wildlife policy and they are interested in hearing more about the how the DNR and NRC work and interrelate. They are also interested in providing comments on their individual fields of study, so we’ll be seeing some MSU students throughout the year.
Chair Baird asked for a motion to adjourn. Commissioner Walters made a motion to adjourn; Commissioner Anthony supported the motion. The motion was carried unanimously. The meeting adjourned at 11:12 a.m.
The next regular meeting of the Commission is scheduled for Thursday, February 8, 2024, at Lansing Community College, West Campus, 5708 Cornerstone Drive, Lansing, MI 48917.
Thomas Baird, NRC Chair M. Scott Bowen, DNR Director
DATE: February 8, 2024
Roll Call
Present for the Natural Resources Commission (Commission): • Dave Anthony • Tom Baird, Chair • Robin Clark • David Cozad • Pete Eardley • Dave Nyberg - absent • John Walters
Present for the Department of Natural Resources (Department) and Office of the Attorney General: • Scott Bowen, Director, Department of Natural Resources • Nathan Gambill, Legal Counsel, Office of the Attorney General Meeting Minutes
Chair Baird called the meeting of the Commission to order at 9:04 a.m.
Chair Baird introduced new commissioner Robin Michigiizhigookwe Clark, appointed effective January 1 for a 4-year term, by Governor Whitmer. Chair Baird noted that Robin’s career has focused on Michigan Natural Resource management and research, further stating that Robins background and experience will serve the commission well. Robin has several degrees associated with Fish and Wildlife matters. She is a member of the Sault St. Maria tribe of Chippewa Indians and was recently appointed as the natural resource Director for the tribe. Chair Baird stated he is looking forward to working with her immensely, welcomed her to the commission and asked if she wished to speak.
Commissioner Clark opened with remarks in her native language expressing thanks to Chair Baird. Commissioner Clark shared she is from Sault St. Marie, a member of the Wolf Clan and she is honored and humbled to be sitting here and is looking forward to pitching in on strong hunting, fishing, and trapping regulations based on the best available science.
Chair Baird conducted a roll call of Commissioners, the Director, and the Office of the Attorney General, with Nathan Gambill filling in for Dan Bock. All were present.
Chair Baird called for a motion to approve the day’s agenda. Commissioner Cozad made a motion to approve, supported by Commissioner Anthony. The day’s agenda was approved unanimously.
The next item on the agenda was the approval of the December 14, 2023, Commission meeting minutes. Chair Baird called for a motion to approve the December 14, 2023, meeting minutes. Commissioner Walters made a motion to approve, supported by Commissioner Cozad. Chair Baird called for a discussion. After no discussion, Chair Baird called for a vote. The motion was approved unanimously.
Director’s Report
Director Bowen welcomed everyone and asked that Mark Monroe come forward for the first presentation.
a. Land Use Order of the Director Amendment No. 2 of 2024, Forest Road Inventory (Mark Monroe, Forest Resources Division)
b. Fisheries Order 255.24 (Dr. Seth Herbst, Fisheries Divisiion
c. Elk Season Results (Chad Stewart, Wildlife Division) Presentations for the Director’s Report may be found on the Commission’s webpage at www.michigan.gov/nrc under “Presentations.”
The Directors report ended at 10:12 a.m. at which time Chair Baird requested Brooke Parmalee read the official timekeeping procedures and guidelines for the meeting’s public appearances.
Public Appearances Before the NRC
a. 5-Minute Comment
i. Mike Taylor, U.P. Whitetails of Marquette – U.P. Deer Herd
ii. Brian Reynolds, U.P. Whitetails of Marquette – U.P. Deer Herd .
3-Minute Comment
i. Marcie Terwilliger – Lead ammunition and regulations
ii. Dan Ulfig, Sportsman Against Hunger – Deer Management
iii. Nichole Biber, LTBB Odawa Tribal Citizen – Elk and Deer
iv. Erik Schnelle, National Deer Association – Deer Regulations
v. Bob Jones, Michigan Bow Hunters – Deer Regulations
vi. Justin Tomei, MUCC – Lead ammunition
Chair Baird adjourned the public comment portion of the meeting at 11:01 a.m. and moved to the regular meeting of the NRC.
REGULAR MEETING OF THE NATURAL RESOURCES COMMISSION
New Business Chair Baird noted there were two items for information this month that were discussed during the Director’s Report.
a. Director Matters
i. Land Use Order of the Director Amendment No. 2 of 2024 Forest Road Inventory Update
ii. Fisheries Order 255.24 – Reporting Requirements – Charter Boat, State-Licensed Commercial, and Sport Fishing Guides
Chair Baird noted there were three land transactions for the Director this month.
a. Land Transactions
i. Acquisition of State Land Forest Resources Division, Baraga County The Kettunen Trust Tract Land Transaction Case #20230023
ii. Requisition of State Land Parks and Recreation Division, Washtenaw County The Cassidy Lake Tract Land Transaction Case #20230222
iii. Sale of Surplus DNR-Managed Land Forest Resources Division, Arenac County Land Transaction Case #20230143
b. NRC/Director Orders - None
Director Bowen indicated he will sign all land transactions.
Old Business Chair Baird noted there are two items for action for the Director this month.
a. Director Matters
i. Land Use Order of the Director Amendment No. 1 of 2024 Order to Regulate Target Shooting at Port Huron State Game Area
ii. Fisheries Order 243.24 – State Licensed Commercial Fishing b. NRC/Director Orders – None Director Bowen indicated he will sign both the above orders. Chair Baird noted that this concludes the day’s agenda.
The following Commissioner reports were then given.
Commissioner Walters reported that he continues to meet with folks from Burt Lake and Mullett lake to discuss Fisheries management. As a result of those meetings, Commissioner Walters met with Fisheries Biologist Tim Cwalinski and Neal Godby to discuss fisheries management on inland lakes in Northern Michigan. He also attended the Natural Resource Stewards meeting held at the RAM Center and was extremely enlightened with the subjects, the in-depth knowledge, the data that was brought forward and how they conduct business. Commissioner Walters plans to attend much more of those meetings. He attended the Headwaters Trout Unlimited Christmas party where he won $100 in a raffle and immediately spent it at Gates Lodge. Traveled with CO Paul Fox during the Elk hunt, anyone who hasn’t done that he highly encouraged participation, stating it was awesome. It was very enjoyable hanging out with a CO, and he indicated he made a new friend out of the experience. They did see two dead cows due to successful harvest. Very enriching experience.
Commissioner Anthony reported that deer has been the focus of the last couple months, the committee on wildlife met recently and invited Sarah Thompson, Chief of Wildlife. They had a long conversation and exchange of ideas and started to see where they can find common ground and stated we are off to a good start. Commissioner Anthony stated he is very excited about the idea of the deer initiative. The UP issue is probably going to be handled in a little more of an aggressive and hopefully time sensitive manner but overall, very optimistic about where we are going. On a personal note, Green Bay is starting to freeze over, I have an invite to go fishing this weekend and will provide an update next month.
Commissioner Eardley stated we look forward to pushing through some new regulations in 2024 on the deer initiative. That seems to be the major topic of the entire state and that’s why we’re here listening to everyone, we’re getting emails, phone calls and were looking forward to working towards solutions for 2024.
Commissioner Clark stated that during her brief time as a commissioner she has been able to attend a couple NRC related meetings. She attended the Eastern UP Advisory council and heard some of what was shared by UP Whitetails, and she was able to attend the Wildlife Committee meeting as well. Commissioner Clark has spoken with some hunters and fishers and is starting to respond to the NRC inbox and is mostly focused on deer and wildlife wintering complexes in the UP, changes in access and hunting opportunities, changes in the population, and habitat for that population. She spoke about the importance of state land and water access for hunters and fishers and looks forward to the deer management initiative and anxiously awaits more information.
Commissioner Cozad thanked all who came today to provide public comments as well as those who have emailed or made comments by telephone. Commissioner Cozad welcomed Dr. Clark, stating he looks forward to getting to know her better and working with her. Also thanking Commissioner Walters for his leadership with representatives on Burt and Mullett Lakes, we know they have questions and concerns, and we will be looking at those concerns at the Fisheries Committee as the year progresses. Commissioner Cozad and Commissioner Walters have spoken to Chief Claramunt on these issues. Lastly Commissioner Cozad shared that he is looking forward to the Steelhead Task Group, convening in early February. The task group is a Page 5 collaboration between the DNR staff, the NRC, and stakeholders. Commissioner Cozad feels we will be able to find some common ground and ways to move forward in terms of data collection and stock assessment.
Chief Claramunt also indicted he would like to extend the discussion to management opportunities in the future. So, we will tackle data collection and stock assessment first and then move on to management matters. We will be keeping you all informed as that process moves forward.
Chair Baird noted that Commissioner Clark is now a member of the Wildlife Committee along with Commissioners Walters and Anthony. As everyone said the topic is deer and I have been fielding many phone calls on this topic. Commissioner Baird had a great briefing with the Sportsman Against Hunger, stating they have their nose to the grindstone right now and are looking at all options. He is very impressed by their enthusiasm and the scope of what they are involved in. Looking forward to great things there. Commissioner Baird had a chance to speak to a grad school class at MSU in the Wildlife area about Wildlife policy and they are interested in hearing more about the how the DNR and NRC work and interrelate. They are also interested in providing comments on their individual fields of study, so we’ll be seeing some MSU students throughout the year.
Chair Baird asked for a motion to adjourn. Commissioner Walters made a motion to adjourn; Commissioner Anthony supported the motion. The motion was carried unanimously. The meeting adjourned at 11:12 a.m.
The next regular meeting of the Commission is scheduled for Thursday, February 8, 2024, at Lansing Community College, West Campus, 5708 Cornerstone Drive, Lansing, MI 48917.
Thomas Baird, NRC Chair M. Scott Bowen, DNR Director
DATE: February 8, 2024