August 19, 2015
Wednesday, August 19, 2015
LANSING, Mich. – Gov. Rick Snyder today announced the appointments of Brian Abbott, of Haslett, Rob Campau, of East Lansing, and James Nowka, of Brutus, to the Underwater Salvage and Preserve Committee.
Supported by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources and the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality, the nine-member Committee provides technical and other advice with respect to maintaining Michigan's 13 underwater preserves. It makes recommendations regarding the creation and boundaries of Great Lakes underwater preserves, reviews applications for underwater salvage permits, gives recommendations regarding issuance of permits, and provides input regarding the charging of permit fees and the use of revenue generated.
"Preserving our underwater preserves is an important task and I am happy to appoint these experienced individuals to this committee," Snyder said.
Abbott is the owner of Nautilus Marine Group International LLC where he is an engineer and HSE part 1 diver. Abbott has more than 20 years of experience in project management, underwater engineering inspections, hydrographic surveys, and acoustic imaging. Abbott earned a bachelor’s degree in geophysics from Michigan State University and a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from the University of Colorado. He represents members of the general public with experience in recreational scuba diving and replaces Peter Lindquist.
Campau is CEO of the Michigan Realtors Association. Prior to joining the realtors, he served as director of environmental affairs for the Michigan Manufacturers Association and in the office of former state Rep. Mick Middaugh. Campau earned a bachelor’s degree in communication from Michigan State University and a degree from Thomas M. Cooley Law School. He represents the general public and replaces Gail Vander Stoep.
Nowka most recently worked as an associate publisher for F&W Media, where he created content for books, e-books, videos, and websites on the themes of survival and preparedness. He is the author of Prepper's Guide to Surviving Natural Disasters, and has more than 20 years of experience with the Charlevoix County Sheriff’s Department as a reserve officer and dive team member. Nowka earned a bachelor’s degree from Michigan State University. He represents members of the general public with experience in recreational scuba diving and replaces Peggy Kurpinski.
Appointees will serve three-year terms expiring Aug. 17, 2016. Their appointments are subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.
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