Changes in Fishing Tournament Requirements for Access Sites

Hamilton Reef · Post by **Hamilton Reef** » Thu Dec 07, 2006 2:34 pm

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 7, 2006

Contact:
Jason Fleming 517-241-2054
Ann Wilson 517-335-3014

Proposed Changes in Fishing Tournament Requirements for Access Sites

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources will host three meetings this month to provide information and receive public comment on proposed changes to procedures for obtaining fishing tournament permits at DNR boating access sites.

The DNR issues nearly 700 permits each year for these tournaments, primarily in southern Michigan. The proposed changes focus on reducing the number of boating access sites requiring permits, expanding monitoring efforts by staff and making adjustments to the procedures.

The meeting dates and locations are:

* Tuesday, Dec. 12, from 3 to 5 p.m., at the Gerald E. Eddy Discovery Center, 17030 Bush Road, between Pierce and McClure roads, in the Waterloo State Recreation Area, Chelsea.

* Monday, Dec. 18, from 6 to 8 p.m., at the Wolf Lake Fish Hatchery Visitor Center, 34720 County Road 652, Mattawan. The hatchery is located at Hatchery Road and M-43, six miles west of US-131.

* Wednesday, Dec. 20, from 6 to 8 p.m., at Gander Mountain, 43825 West Oaks Drive, Novi.

DNR staff will present a history of the tournament procedure and discuss proposed changes, including new scheduling procedures and the collection of tournament fish data. Time also will be made available for questions regarding the proposed changes in this process.

Individuals attending the meeting are requested to refrain from using heavily scented personal care products in order to enhance accessibility for everyone. Persons with disabilities needing accommodations for these meetings should contact Jason Fleming at (517) 241-2054 a minimum of five business days before the meeting. Requests made less than five 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.