February 14, 2014
LANSING, Mich. – Gov. Rick Snyder today announced three new appointments and eight reappointments to the Michigan Snowmobile and Trails Advisory Committee.
The purpose of the 11-member Michigan Snowmobile and Trails Advisory Council is to advise the Department of Natural Resources on the creation, development, operation, and maintenance of motorized and non-motorized trails in the state, including, but not limited to, snowmobile, biking, equestrian, hiking, off-road vehicle, and skiing trails.
“Michigan’s vast networks of trails highlight the natural beauty of our state and I am confident that these appointees will protect and grow these vital assets,” Snyder said.
Appointed members:
Tim Kobasic, of Escanaba, is a paramedic with Rampart EMS and also works for KMB Broadcasting where he is an outdoors editor and executive producer of Trails & Tales Outdoors. He is also an outdoors columnist with The Daily Press. Kobasic is involved with several organizations, including Wildlife Unlimited of Delta County, Ducks Unlimited – Hiawatha Chapter and the Sportsmen’s Off Road Vehicle Association. He will represent ORV owners and replaces Greg Yager for a four-year term expiring Jan. 17, 2018.
Jason Rolling, of Negaunee, is vice president of premier client services for mBank. Rolling served as a captain in the U.S. Army and is an avid outdoorsman and trail user. Rolling attended Northern Michigan University. He will represent non-motorized trail users and replaces Carolyn Kane for a two year term expiring Jan. 17, 2016.
Drew YoungeDyke, of Ann Arbor, is a public relations manager for the Michigan United Conservation Clubs. He has experience with the Michigan League of Conservation Voters, Topp Law PLLC, and Clean Water Action. YoungeDyke holds a bachelor’s degree in political theory and constitutional democracy and a law degree from Michigan State University. He will represent non-motorized trail users and replaces Erin McDonough for a one-year term expiring Jan. 17, 2015.
Reappointed members:
Dr. Sandra Batie, of Mason, is professor emeritus of Agricultural, Food, and Resource Economics at Michigan State University. She has taught at the university for 20 years. Previously, she was an assistant professor in the Department of Agricultural and Applied Economics at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University. Batie holds a degree from the University of Washington, and a master’s degree and doctorate in agricultural economics, both from Oregon State University. She will continue to represent the Equine Trails Subcommittee for a four-year term expiring Jan. 17, 2018.
James Dickie, of Chesaning, is retired after working for the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service. Dickie is a past president of the Michigan Snowmobile Association and is a board member of the Michigan Trails and Greenways Alliance. He holds a bachelor’s degree in agriculture business from Western Michigan State University. He will continue to represent snowmobile owners for a three-year term expiring Jan. 17, 2016.
James Duke, of Munising, is retired after a career with General Motors. He has been active in the Michigan Snowmobile Association for nearly 30 years and has been elected to the International Snowmobile Hall of Fame. Duke studied at the University of New Haven. He will continue to represent snowmobile owners and residents of the Upper Peninsula for a one-year term expiring Jan. 17, 2015.
Thomas Dunn, of Lansing, is president of the American Motorcycle Association, District 14; president of Michigan Off Road Events LLC.; and a member of the Lansing Motorcycle Club. Dunn currently works for Town and Country Automotive as an automotive repair professional. He has experience with Westside Car Care, Wood’s Okemos Marathon, and Ken’s Automotive Center. He will continue to represent ORV owners for a three-year term expiring Jan. 17, 2017.
Michael Foote, of Ada, is a senior chemist with BISSELL Homecare Inc. Foote has served as district chair for the Michigan Interscholastic Horsemanship Association; represented Michigan at meetings of the AHC committee, Coalition of State Horse Councils, and provided input on many legal issues affecting Michigan’s equine industry. He is also a member of the Ionia Horse Trails Association. Foote holds a bachelor’s degree in environmental science from Grand Valley State University. He will continue to represent the Equine Trails Subcommittee for a four-year term expiring Jan. 17, 2018.
Nancy Krupiarz, of Haslett, is executive director of the Michigan Trails and Greenways Alliance, a position she has held since 2005. She previously worked with the Michigan chapter of the Rails-to-Trails Conservancy and in the Michigan Legislature. Krupiarz holds a bachelor's degree in office management and psychology from Central Michigan University. She will continue to represent non-motorized trail users for a three-year term expiring Jan. 17, 2017.
William Manson, of Rockford, is the executive director of the Michigan Snowmobile Association, a position he has held since 2002. Previously, he spent nearly 20 years as a volunteer with the association. Manson studied at Grand Rapids Community College. He will continue to represent snowmobile owners for a two-year term expiring Jan. 17, 2016.
Frank Wheatlake, of Big Rapids, is chairman of Utility Supply & Construction. He previously served on the Natural Resources Commission and the Natural Resources Trust Fund Board. Wheatlake holds a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from Michigan Technological University. He will continue to represent snowmobile owners for a two-year term expiring Jan. 17, 2016.
Appointments to the committee are not subject to the advice and consent of the state Senate.
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