The Michigan Natural Resources Commission will meet on Thursday, Feb. 5, in the Diagnostic Center for Population and Animal Health, located 4125 Beaumont Rd. in Lansing, near the Michigan State University campus.

Prior to the regular business meeting, the NRC Policy Committee on Land Management will meet at 12:15 p.m. The committee will be updated on a draft NRC policy on appeals to Department of Natural Resources decisions, recent conservation easements, and the completion of Phase II of the DNR's Land Consolidation Strategy.

At 1:15 p.m., the NRC Policy Committee on Wildlife and Fisheries will meet to receive updates on the effort to have the coaster brook trout listed as an endangered species, the recent bear and furbearer harvests, discussions to change taxidermy regulations and the early antlerless hunt that took place in September.

At 2:15 p.m., the proposed Wildlife Conservation Order amendment regarding expansion of crossbow options will be discussed. The amendment will not be voted on by the Committee of the Whole at this meeting.

At 3 p.m., the NRC Committee of the Whole will meet to discuss action items before DNR Director Rebecca Humphries, to receive a legislative update, to review the DNR monthly spend plan, to review the Department's Single Audit report, and to hear the final report on Chronic Wasting Disease surveillance efforts in 2008.

Public appearances before the commission will begin at 4:30 p.m. Persons who want to speak to the commission during public appearances, should contact Teresa Gloden, executive assistant to the NRC, at (517) 373-2352, by e-mail at glodent@michigan.gov or at the meeting site.

Among the action items for DNR Director Rebecca Humphries at the February meeting are authorizing several land transactions.

More information about the NRC, including agendas and past meeting minutes, are posted on the DNR's Web site at www.michigan.gov/nrc.