Boards and Committees

The Accessibility Advisory Council (AAC) consists of private citizens, appointed by the DNR Director, who demonstrate a clear interest in improving accessibility to Michigan’s natural resources. The AAC provides guidance to help the Department develop, manage and plan opportunities for those of all abilities to enjoy Michigan’s natural resources.

The Belle Isle Park Advisory Committee advises the state on implementation of improvements, master planning and public safety for Belle Isle Park.

The Board of Foresters oversees Michigan's Registered Forester program. Their duties include promoting the program, handling complaints, reviewing applications and managing finances. 

The Citizens Waterfowl Advisory Committee provides feedback to the Department on waterfowl hunting regulations and wetland issues. In addition to existing and proposed waterfowl regulations, the committee offers input on issues such as wetland conservation, planning of habitat projects, support for priority wetland acquisitions, and waterfowl hunter recruitment and retention.

The Department of Natural Resources Fisheries Division has seven citizens advisory committees, made up of members from angling organizations and individuals with an interest in Michigan’s aquatic resources. These committees provide input, advice and recommendations on fisheries management and meet several times each year.

The Forest Management Advisory Committee helps the Department of Natural Resources balance environmental, social and economic issues in managing Michigan’s forest resources. The committee advises the DNR on priorities and practices related to renewable and non-renewable resource use opportunities, timber-related activities, forest health, recreation, biological diversity and habitat.

We value the effort, enthusiasm, advice and contributions of people who care about Michigan history.

Council members — appointed by the governor and subject to the advice and consent of the Michigan Senate — are entrusted with educating the public about the importance of conserving and managing our forests, waters and wildlife.

The Natural Resources Commission is a seven-member public body whose members are appointed by the Governor. The Commission has exclusive authority to regulate the taking of game and sportfish, and is authorized to designate game species and authorize the establishment of the first open season for animals through the issuance of orders.

The Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund Board’s primary function is to submit to the Legislature a priority list of lands recommended for acquisition and/or development through the Natural Resources Trust Fund Grant Program, which supports development and improvement of public outdoor recreation opportunities across the state. The board also provides guidance to Department staff responsible for evaluating grant applications, making project recommendations and administering projects funded by the grant program. 

The Outdoor Recreation Advisory Council makes recommendations to the DNR and Natural Resources Commission (NRC) on ways to improve partnerships, collaborative strategies and policies that will increase the outdoor recreation economy, employment and consumer spending, and support conservation and public recreation assets. 

The Pigeon River Country Advisory Council considers, and advises the Department of Natural Resources on,  plans, programs and activities proposed for, conducted within or affecting the Pigeon River Country State Forest. One of the council’s primary roles is to develop public support and local cooperation for programs adopted for this forest management unit.

The Pigeon River Country Equestrian Committee advises the DNR Director on issues related to equine use of the forest, including implementation of a “leave no trace” policy, improving equestrian facilities and addressing enforcement issues. 

The Michigan State Parks Advisory Committee is a subcommittee of the Natural Resources Commission, serving as a citizens’ advisory committee to the NRC and the Department of Natural Resources on all Michigan state park-related issues. This diverse panel of individuals ensures that the public has a voice in the operations, planning and development of Michigan's premier state park system. 

The Timber and Forest Products Advisory Council provides advice and counsel to the governor, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, the Michigan Economic Development Corporation and the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development on timber management matters and how to foster the growth of the timber industry in the state.

The Michigan Trails Advisory Council advises the Department of Natural Resources and the governor on the creation, development, operation and maintenance of motorized and nonmotorized trails in the state, including  snowmobile, biking, equestrian, hiking, off-road vehicle and skiing trails.

Michigan has two 20-member citizens’ advisory councils in the Upper Peninsula, east and west, which are designed to provide local input to advise the DNR on regional programs and policies, identify areas in which the department can be more effective and responsive and offer insight and guidance from members’ own experiences and constituencies.

Michigan's Upper Peninsula experiences high snowfall that requires deer to seek conifer shelter to survive typical winters. The Upper Peninsula Habitat Workgroup, comprised of natural resource professionals, private landowners and sportsmen's groups, is focused on improving and conserving this critical UP winter deer habitat.

The Michigan Urban and Community Forestry Council is a volunteer organization that works to advance the conservation and maintenance of urban forests throughout Michigan. The council assists and advises the Department on Michigan’s urban and community forestry program, promoting, recognizing and supporting effective and sustainable urban and community forestry throughout the state. 

The Michigan State Waterways Commission is a seven-member advisory board that works with the Department of Natural Resources on the use of dedicated funds, provided by boaters, for the acquisition, development and maintenance of public harbors and boating access sites, as well as certain locks and dams.