March 23, 2009

Determining Conservation Priorities

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 23, 2009

Contact: Mary Dettloff
517-335-3014

DNR Announces Series of Statewide Town Hall Meetings to Engage Public
in Determining Conservation Priorities

The Department of Natural Resources will host a series of public
meetings across the state in April to discuss conservation priorities
for the department and the state of Michigan. The Conservation Town Hall
meetings will be led by DNR Director Rebecca Humphries, with the
assistance of the Michigan State University Extension Service.

"These meetings are a chance for the DNR to discuss with a broad
range of recreational enthusiasts how to best invest in conservation
during these tough economic times," said Humphries. "As the
department charged with managing the state's natural resources, we
want to ensure we are making the best possible decisions in meeting our
mission and ensuring a natural heritage for the future."

All the meetings will take place from 6 to 8 p.m. The meetings are
scheduled for:

● Monday, April 6, at the Prince Conference Center Great Hall at
Calvin College in Grand Rapids, located at 1800 E. Beltline SE.

● Wednesday, April 8, in Rooms 100 A-B-C at Davenport University in
Midland, located at 3555 E. Patrick Rd.

● Monday, April 13, in the Michigan Room of the Bottum University
Center at Northern Michigan University, located at 540 W. Kaye Ave. in
Marquette.

● Tuesday, April 14, in the meeting room of the Grand Traverse County
Civic Center, located at 1213 W. Civic Center Dr. in Traverse City.

● Monday, April 20, in the banquet room of the Novi Civic Center,
located at 45175 W. 10 Mile Rd. in Novi.

Among the topics Humphries will discuss with participants are the role
of the DNR in natural resources management, land management, how best to
recruit new outdoor enthusiasts, the priorities for the future, and what
citizens value the most about their outdoor activities in Michigan.

Humphries encouraged anyone interested in outdoor recreation and
natural resources to attend the public meetings, including hunters,
anglers, trail riders, campers, boaters, mountain bikers, hikers,
birdwatchers, and representatives from resource-based industries.

Persons with disabilities needing accommodations should contact Natalie
Elkins in the DNR Office of Communications at 517-373-6919 a minimum of
five business days before the meeting. Requests made less than five
business days before the event may not be accommodated.

The DNR is committed to the conservation, protection, management, use
and enjoyment of the state's natural resources for current and future
generations.