MINUTES of MEETING NATURAL RESOURCES COMMISSION Larry
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MINUTES OF MEETING NATURAL RESOURCES COMMISSION Stevens T. Mason Building • 530 W. Allegan Lansing, Michigan October 25, 1995 PRESENT Larry DeVuyst, Chairman Keith J. Charters Paul Eisele, Vice Chairman James Hill David Holli Joey M. Spano ABSENT Jerry Bartnik • OTHERS PRESENT Michael D. Moore, Director Mark Matus, Assistant Attorney General Department Staff * * * Chairman DeVuyst called the meeting to order at 9:00 a.m. • Minutes Page 2 October 25, 1995 INTRODUCTIONS :AND COMMISSION DISCUSSION • Commissioner Keith Charters reported that, at its last meeting, the Hunting and Fishing Heritage Task Force completed the final recommendations and is in the process of developing the preliminary draft for submittal to the Governor. DIRECTOR'S REPORT Director Moore expressed appreciation for being appointed Interim Director. He reviewed recent communications with staff regarding the short-term department goals during his tenure. He stated that Phase I of the reorganization plan, as approved by the NRC and Governor's Office, has been implemented including elimination of Regional Supervisors. Reassignments of impacted employees, becoming effective November 6, have been announced. He stated that passage of Hunting and Fishing License Fee package in the legislature is top priority. The Department is proceeding with the transition. Director Moore reported that the 75th Anniversary of the Department of Natural Resources is March 1996 and that activities are being planned. Discussion ensued regarding the DNR reorganization plan as approved by the NRC on • September 7, 1995. The implementation process has been approved by the Governor. The Chief of Staff position has been abolished. The Executive Assistant and Press Secretary, unclassified positions, are vacant and will not be filled until a permanent director is named. On November 5, the Regional Supervisor positions will be eliminated and field coordinator pOSitions established. Mindy Koch, has been appointed DNR Legislative Liaison. Director Moore and staff will develop an implementation plan for presentation at the November 9, 1995 NRC meeting. Discussion followed on other aspects of the reorganization, as well as budget issues. Commissioner Hill questioned the status and future of Conservation Officers. Discussion ensued on the present and future level of conservation officers. DISCUSSION OF LEFTOVER ANTLER LESS DEER HUNTING LICENSES George Burgoyne reported that the antlerless deer hunting drawing has been completed. Approximately 50,000 antlerless deer hunting licenses will be available for sale over the counter at more than 1,500 license dealers throughout the state beginning November 4, 1995. He provided the NRC with the number of licenses and • where they will be available for purchase. Chairman DeVuyst stressed the! importance that this information being widely distributed. Discussion followed regarding overabundance of deer in specific areas of the state. , Minutes .' Page 3 October 25, 1995 • DISCUSSION OF DIRECTOR SEARCH AND TIMETABLE Discussion was held on the selection process and timeframes for this process. Following discussion, Commissioner Charters made a motion, supported by Commissioner Eisele that the deadline for submittal for applications for DNR Director be December 5, 1995 at 5:00 p.m. Motion unanimously carried. Chairman DeVuyst stated that a Screening Committee will be selected in the near future. Discussion ensued on the draft selection criteria and the position notice as provided by staff. Mark Matus, Assistant Attorney General, stated that the screening process can be held in confidence in a closed session. Interviews will be held in an open session. Staff was directed to conduct a broad, national search for applicants. Commissioner Eisele made a motion, supported by Commissioner Charters that the Screening Committee report back to the full Commission on January 9, 1996. Motion unanimously carried. • Commissioner Hill made a motion to recommend that Mr. John Rebers be the seventh member of the ORV Advisory Committee. Motion failed for lack of support. This issue will be discussed further at the November 9, 1995 NRC meeting. The meeting adjourned at 11 :25 a.m. Approved: //1;/;5 Date' • MINUTES OF MEETING NATURAL RESOURCES COMMISSION Crowne Plaza ." • 610 Hilton Boulevard Ann Arbor, Michigan October 11-12, 1995 PRESENT Jerry Bartnik Larry DeVuyst, Chairman Keith J. Charters Paul Eisele, Vice Chairman James Hill David Holli Joey M. Spano Mark Matus, Assistant Attorney General Department Staff * * * • PUBLIC APPEARANCES Beth Duman, Howell Martin Lagina, Vice Chairman, Michigan Oil and Gas Association Rick Jameson, Michigan United Conservation Clubs Thomas Washington, President, Michigan United Conservation Clubs Joe Pienta, representing A & W Oil Company Charles Moskowitz, Mt. Pleasant Eddie Parker, Tawas City Keith Schneider, Executive Director, Michigan Land Use Institute Dr. Sylvia Taylor, Michigan Natural Areas Council Gordon Everett, Gaylord Myles Wietzman, Gold Petroleum Ray Lasich, Cycle Conservation Club of Michigan David Zaber, Grass Lake ~. Minutes Page 2 October 11-12, 1995 Chairman DeVuysf'called the regular monthly meeting of the Natural Resources • Commission (NRC) to order at 4:30 p.m., Wednesday, October 11, 1995. RESIGNATION OF DIRECTOR ROLAND HARMES Chairman DeVuyst read the following letter into the record: "Members of the Michigan Natural Resources Commission: On September 14, 1995, I completed four years as Director, and a total of 30 years of public service, in the Michigan Department of Natural Resources. I have been truly blessed to work with dedicated professionals to preserve and promote Michigan's natural resources. Transition issues regarding the "split" of the DNR are reaching final resolution, and Executive Order 1995-18 has been implemented. I feel that now is the time for me to pursue other career opportunities in both the public and private sectors. I, therefore, request that the NRC accept this letter as my official resignation as Director of the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, effective immediately. • The Department has accomplished a great deal in recent years, and it has been my pleasure and honor to be a part of the DNR Team. I have every confidence that the Department will continue to be a nationally recognized leader in the prudent management of our natural resources. Sincerely, Roland Harmes." Commissioner Bartnik made a motion supported by Commissioner Eisele to accept this resignation. Commissioner Bartnik commended Director Harmes for his efforts and wished him well. Commissioner Spano stated that she enjoyed working with Roland Harmes and is saddened by his resignation and wished him well. Chairman DeVuyst stated that the Director is looking forward to enjoying time with his family. He stated that the Director is a man of extreme personal integrity and stated he is proud to have worked with him. Motion unanimously carried. • Minutes Page 3 October 11-1 2, 1995 • PUBLIC APPEARANCES: Beth Duman, Howell, made a presentation on the wolf recovery program and stated it is progressing very well due to both the protection afforded to the wolf by the Endangered Species Act and support of the people who live and hunt in areas where the wolf is returning. She stated that inadequate enclosures for wolf hybrids are responsible for deaths of children and other animals in Michigan. At this time, wolf hybrids are not regulated by the state and it is necessary to control the keeping of wolf hybrids before irreparable damage is done to the image and genetic integrity of endangered wild wolves. Chairman DeVuyst requested that the Fish, Wildlife and Law Policy Committee address this issue at a future meeting. Martin Lagina, Vice Chairman of Michigan Oil and Gas Association, discussed post production costs. He believes many misunderstandings exist on this issue. Mr. Lagina stated that payment is no longer included at the wellhead and the price of gas has gone down at the wellhead. He stated that the Real Estate Division of the DNR appropriately questioned all aspects of the Antrim well transaction. Mr. Lagina reviewed several items which he believes are myths surrounding this issue. • Commissioner Charters requested clarification of the location of the wellhead and the where payment is made. Mr. Lagina stated that between the wellhead and payment many costs are incurred. Commissioner Bartnik stated, regarding the Antrim Lease, the NRC should review the lease and make recommendations. Commissioner Eisele questioned whether there is an understanding on what is allowable. Mr. Lagina stated there is agreement on what is allowable under the contract between the industry and the DNA. Commissioner Bartnik suggested that the Commission discuss this issue and move toward a change in policy. Chairman DeVuyst stated that the NRC Policy Committee on Forestry, Parks and Land is addressing this issue. Rick Jameson, Michigan United Conservation Clubs, presented a resolution in support of the Forest Recreation 2000 plan. Mr. Jameson, on behalf of the MUCC, expressed support for re-establishment • of the ORV Advisory Committee. Minutes Page 4 October 11-12, 1995 Mr. Jameson, on behalf of the MUCC, expressed support for the designation of • the mourning dove as a game bird in Michigan and establishment of a hunting season on mourning doves in Michigan. Discussion ensued on the re establishment of the ORV Advisory Committee; establishment of the mourning dove hunting season; and these issues will be discussed later in this meeting. Tom Washington.