Feb. 16, 2012

The Michigan State Waterways Commission will hold its regular meeting on Friday, Feb. 24, in the Superior Room of the Country Inn & Suites by Carlson, 6511 Centurion Drive, Lansing, MI 48917. The public meeting begins at 11:45 a.m.

Prior to the regular public meeting, the commission will be engaged in a workshop beginning at 8:30 a.m. The commission will receive updates and reports from the Department of Natural Resources on various boating projects, operations and other related items that affect the boating program. It also will receive an update of the 2012 meeting locations and dates, and an update on the sale of Recreation Passports.

Last September Governor Rick Snyder announced the appointment of Alex Declercq, and the re-appointment of Gary Marowske to the Michigan State Waterways Commission.

Declercq, of Grosse Pointe Park, is president of Doyle Sails Detroit, one of the largest sail-makers in the industry. Declercq is appointed to represent the marine-trades industry that does not own or operate a harbor or marina. He succeeds former commissioner Bob Brown.

Marowske, of Grosse Pointe Farms, has served on the commission since 2009. He is a past director of the Grosse Pointe Yacht Club and past director of the Grosse Pointe Power Squadron. He is president of Flame Heating, Cooling, Plumbing and Electrical in Warren.

The appointees will serve three-year terms that will expire on Sept. 18, 2014.

The Michigan State Waterways Commission is an advisory group, created by 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.

Persons wishing to provide public comment on any boating-related issue or persons needing accommodations to attend this meeting can contact Terri Jensen, DNR Parks and Recreation Division, 517-335-3035 (TTY/TDD711 Michigan Relay Center for the hearing impaired), or visit the MSWC website at www.michigan.gov/dnr, under "Commissions, Boards and Committees." A copy of the agenda is also available on the website.

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.