Share your thoughts with the DNR at upcoming virtual meetings

The Department of Natural Resources is committed to providing Michigan residents the opportunity to share input and ideas on policy decisions, programs and other aspects of natural resource management and outdoor recreation opportunities. One important avenue for this input is at meetings of the public bodies that advise the DNR and, in some cases, also set policies for natural resource management.

With COVID-19 public health and safety in mind, most upcoming meetings have been changed to virtual meetings or conference calls. Frequently check the DNR boards, commissions, committees and councils webpage for updates.

The links below will take you to the webpage for each group, where you will find specific virtual and teleconference meeting information and, when finalized, meeting agendas. Please check these pages frequently, as meeting details and agendas may change and sometimes meetings are canceled.

January meetings

• Belle Isle Park Advisory Committee – Jan. 21, 9 a.m., virtual (Contact: Barbara Graves, 517-284-6135).
• Board of Foresters - (Full board meeting) Jan. 6, 8:30-9 a.m., teleconference. (Executive committee) Jan. 21, 8:30-9:30 a.m., teleconference. (Contact: Brenda Haskill, 989-370-9557).
• Citizens Waterfowl Advisory Committee – Meeting will be held in three sessions: Jan. 7, 6:30-8:30 p.m.; Jan. 9, 9-11 a.m. and 1-3 p.m., virtual (Contact: Don Avers, 517-927-8059).
• Forest Management Advisory Committee – Jan. 13, 1-4 p.m., virtual (Contact: Kimberley Korbecki, 517-284-5876).
• Michigan Natural Resources Commission – Jan. 14, 9 a.m., virtual (Contact: Cheryl Nelson, 517-284-6237).
• State Historical Records Advisory Board – Jan. 21, 10 a.m., virtual (Contact: Mark Harvey, 517-449-5885).
• Western Upper Peninsula Citizens’ Advisory Council – Jan. 7, 5 p.m. CDT/6 p.m. EDT, virtual (Contact: Stacy Welling Haughey, 906-226-1331).

Upcoming opportunities to serve

The following boards and commissions are currently seeking applicants for vacant seats:

• Michigan Freedom Trail Commission is seeking candidates to fill four potential seats available in February. These seats, which are ultimately appointed by the governor, include one with knowledge of historic preservation; one with an active involvement in civil rights issues; one from the academic community knowledgeable in African-American history; and one member at large with no specific requirements. Contact Sheri Giffin at 517-335-2591 for more information or apply here.
• Michigan State Waterways Commission is seeking a candidate to fill a vacant seat. The new member will represent the general public. Apply soon. For more information, call or email Michelle Wieber at 517-285-0747, or apply here.