December 2024 NRC Recap

There were no items for information or action at the December Natural Resources Commission meeting, held today in Lansing. 

This was the first meeting for new commissioner James LaPorte of Highland. From Governor Whitmer's press release: 

James LaPorte, of Highland, is the president of Luna Entertainment. He holds a Bachelor of Arts with a concentration in business administration and economics from Augsburg College and a Master of Business Administration from the University of St. Thomas. LaPorte is appointed to represent Independents for a term commencing December 10, 2024, and expiring December 31, 2027. LaPorte succeeds Robin Michigiizhigookwe Clark, who has resigned. 

This was the final meeting for NRC Chair Tom Baird. Chair Baird did not seek reappointment and will enjoy retirement with his family in Elk Rapids. 

Updates on deer harvest were presented to the committee, alongside announcement that the new version of the Deer Management Initiative will begin next week with a joint meeting of UP and lower peninsula members. 

The Saab land transaction was pulled from the agenda and will be an action item for the Director at a later date. 

The next commission meeting will be January 9, 2025 at Lansing Community College Downtown Campus.