NRC to remain through DEQ, DNR merger

ONTONAGON -- There were many issues discussed at the Natural Resources Commission meeting held in Ontonagon on Thursday afternoon.

They discussed increasing the lake trout limit from three to five in Lake Superior, east of Copper Harbor.  They hope to get public input at the next meeting, then take a vote in December. 

One issue that wasn't brought up:  whether to move the opening day of firearms season to a Saturday.

But the announcement that got the most attention was when D.N.R. Director Rebecca Humphries told the audience and D.N.R. employees that the department was merging with the D.E.Q. into the new Department of Natural Resources and Environment.

"We're looking forward to working with the transition manager," said Humphries.  "And we'll do our best to make this a smooth transition and a good thing for Michigan."

The Natural Resources Commission will remain intact after the transition.

"We still have the authority to set policy," said Commission Chair, Keith Charters.  "We still have the authority to set wildlife regulations."

Still, some of their responsibilities have changed.  They will no longer chose the director of the new D.N.R.E.  That job will become the governor's.

As for how the change will affect employees, those details are still unclear.

"I think the benefit of the merger is going to be some public assess for people with D.E.Q.. issues," said commission member, John Madigan.  'They're going to have an open forum where they can come and present their issues in front of a board, and it will be open and transparent."