June 2, 2011

The Michigan State Waterways Commission will hold its regular meeting on Friday, June 17, at the Little Bear East Arena and Community Center, located at 275 Marquette Street in St. Ignace. The public meeting will begin at 9 a.m.

The Commission will receive a presentation on the Harbor Marketing Plan, and receive updates regarding Grand Marais Harbor, Grayhaven Marina and other waterway projects. The Commission will also receive updates and reports from Department of Natural Resources staff on various boating projects, operations and other related items that affect the boating program, and the Commission members will also tour area waterway facilities and sites on Thursday, June 16. The public will also have an opportunity to address the Commission on boating issues during the public commentary portion of the agenda during Friday's meeting.

The Michigan State Waterways Commission is an advisory group, created under Public Act 451 of 1994, Part 781, to address issues concerning public boating opportunities in the State of Michigan, including the acquisition, construction and maintenance of recreational harbors, channels, docking and launching facilities, administration of commercial docks in the Straits of Mackinac, and to advise on regulations and grant funding for the Great Lakes Harbors of Refuge.

For more information about this meeting, persons wishing to provide public comment on any boating-related issue, or persons needing accommodations to attend this meeting, contact Cheri Lee, DNR Parks and Recreation Division, at 517-373-2699 (TTY/TDD 711 Michigan Relay Center for the hearing impaired), or visit the website at www.michigan.gov/dnr, under "Commissions, Boards and Committees," to see meeting schedules, agendas and learn more about the Commission members.

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.