FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: July 22, 2004
Contact: Todd Grischke
517-373-1280; http://www.michigan.gov/dnr/0,1607,7-153–97723–,00.html
State fisheries officials today announced 24 public meetings throughout the state in August to gather input on proposed bass season changes.
The DNR in April finalized a report called “Black Bass Fishing Seasons in Michigan,” now available on the DNR web site at www.michigan.gov/dnr. The report identifies ways to provide additional recreational fishing opportunities without putting bass populations at risk.
At a May meeting of the External Coolwater Regulations Committee – a group that includes Michigan United Conservation Clubs, Michigan BASS Federation, Michigan Musky Alliance, Michigan Darkhouse Angling Association, Pikemasters, Michigan State University and University of Michigan fisheries professors – the group reviewed the report and unanimously supported moving forward with the public review process.
Four of the seven scenarios identified in the report will be the focus of the public meetings. The forums are intended to provide background information on the proposed season changes, answer questions about the report, and take public input on the proposals. The meeting schedule includes the following:
Aug. 2: 7 p.m., Newaygo County Sportsmans Club, 7951 Elm Avenue (just north of M-82), Newaygo
Aug. 3: 7 p.m., Cadillac Junior High School Cafeteria, 500 Chestnut Street, Cadillac
Aug. 4: 7 p.m., Traverse City Civic Center, 1213 West Civic Center Drive, Traverse City
Aug. 5: 7 p.m., Gander Mountain, 43825 West Oaks, Novi
Aug. 10: Walli’s East Motor Lodge, G-1341 South Center Rd, Flint
Aug. 10: 7 p.m., Escanaba Civic Center, 225 N. 21st St., Escanaba
Aug. 10: 7 p.m., Charlevoix High School, library room
Aug. 11: 7:30 p.m., Jackson County Outdoor Club, 3550 Hart Road, Jackson
Aug. 12, 7:30 p.m., Caledonia Sports Club, 10721 Coldwater SE, Middleville
Aug. 17: 7 p.m., Great Lakes Grill Conference Center, 817 E. State St., Cheboygan
Aug. 17: 7 p.m., Bay City State Park, near Bay City
Aug. 18: 7 p.m., Best Western, M-32, Gaylord
Aug. 18: 7 p.m., Chesterfield Twp., 47275 Sugarbush, Chesterfield
Aug. 18: 6 p.m., Dickinson County Library Conference Room, Iron Mountain
Aug. 18: 7:30 p.m., Three Rivers Community Center, 103 South Douglas Ave, Three Rivers
Aug. 19: 7 p.m., Van Buren Township Hall, 46425 Tyler Road, Belleville
Aug. 19: 7 p.m., Days Inn, 1496 M-32 West, Alpena
Aug. 20: 7 p.m., Jay’s Sporting Goods in Clare
Aug. 23: 8 p.m., Tahquamenon Area Sportsmen’s Clubhouse
Aug. 24: 7 p.m., MSU Extension Office, 1040 S. Winter St., River Raisin Room, Adrian
Aug. 24: 7 p.m. (EST), Negaunee Township Hall, 43 M-35, Negaunee
Aug. 25: 7 pm (CST), Gogebic Comm. College, Solin Center, Room B-2, Ironwood
Aug. 31: 7 p.m., Manistique Courthouse, Manistique
END