August 31, 2005

The Department of Environmental Quality will convene the first Agriculture and Rural Communities Roundtable on Tuesday, September 13, from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at the Newaygo County Regional Educational Service Agency, 4747 West 48th Street (Main Street) in Fremont.

The Roundtable, established by legislation passed in June, provides a forum to discuss how the laws, rules, and policies administered by the DEQ affect farmers, food processors, agribusiness, and rural communities. The Roundtable will consist of a discussion among a panel of representatives from various sectors and an opportunity for public comment.

“This forum will provide an excellent dialogue on the issues that Michigan’s rural communities currently face,” said DEQ Director Steven E. Chester. “We look forward to hosting these meetings on an ongoing basis across the state to discuss new ways of working together to better protect Michigan’s environment.”

For more information on the Roundtable, contact Frank Ruswick, Special Assistant to the Director, at 517-373-6093. For mobility, visual, hearing, or other assistance, contact Mary Goodhall at 517-241-7968.

Editor’s note: DEQ news releases are available on the department’s Internet home page at www.michigan.gov/deq.

“Protecting Michigan’s Environment, Ensuring Michigan’s Future”

Revised August 31, 2005 by Pat Watson