LEGISLATIVE AND NATURAL RESOURCES COMMITTEE

MEETING MINUTES

March 21, 2006

A regular meeting of the Chippewa County Board of Commissioners’ Legislative and Natural Resources Committee was held on Tuesday, March 21, 2006 at the Chippewa County Courthouse in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan. Chairperson Richard Timmer called the meeting to order at 5:00 p.m. with a quorum present.

MEMBERS PRESENT: Richard Timmer, Chairman, Scott Shackleton and Earl Kay

MEMBERS ABSENT: None

OTHERS PRESENT: Kelly Beaune, Recorder; Jim Moore, Cathy Edgerly, Heather Smith, Jane Duffield, Mike Bailey, DNR; and approximately 100 audience members.

Additions/Deletions to the Agenda

Chairman Timmer called for additions or deletions to the agenda. It was moved by Commissioner Shackleton, seconded by Commissioner Kay to approve the agenda as presented. On a voice vote, the motion carried.

Public Comments

Chairman Timmer called for public comments to be after the scheduled presentation. Commissioner Timmer spoke briefly regarding the County’s lack of jurisdiction regarding the laws of hunting and trapping within the County boundaries, explaining that the Committee was only listening to the issues presented to the Board of Commissioners.

Presentation – Cathy Edgerly

The presentation was briefly outlined including a video presentation, a power point presentation, letters of support and follow up comments. The group indicated that they are not against trapping, just against certain types of body gripping traps. The group indicated it is a public safety issue. A short film “Cull of the Wild” was shown followed by the power point presentation. Ms Edgerly spoke of her and her family’s incident with a conibear trap while out walking their dog Candi. Jane Duffield shared her story, of the loss of her family pet to a conibear trap. Before public comment the group indicated this was a public safety issue, not a personal attack on any individual or groups.

Department of Natural Resources Officer Mike Bailey who handle the compliant with the Edgerly’s dog was asked to address the incident next by Chairman Timmer. Officer Bailey first thanked everyone for the orderly conduct of the meeting. He then indicated that he was the Officer of record regarding this incident. He briefly went over the facts of case, stating the trap was legal; and the trapper had proper permission from the land owners (Northern Sand and Gravel). No citations were given to either party, as Officer Bailey indicated Ms. Edgerly had been through enough, even though she did not have legal access to the property. The Department of Natural Resources already have laws in place, and this incident could have been prevented had the laws been followed. Officer Bailey provided copies of the 2005 Michigan Hunting and Trapping Guide highlighting sections showing that the State is aware and has taken steps to prevent similar situations. He also gave out the poaching hotline phone number 800 292 7800. He also indicated the correct way to change the hunting/trapping laws is to petition the change through the township affected.

Public Comment

The trapping community and its supporters made up a large percentage of the standing room only audience and spoke on the importance of trapping, indicating that trapping is essential to the area, explaining that beavers can cause flooding and power outages. Trappers don’t try to catch dogs; they try to help the community with the majority of trappers limiting their efforts to private lands in an effort to avoid potential conflicts. Mike Anderson, District 17 Trappers, and support legal trapping in Michigan as long as the law is followed there should be no problems. He indicated that trapping helps reduce disease and helps the ecology process. Many other comments were heard supporting trapping to continue as is, trappers take steps to ensure pet safety which also concerns trappers, as well as, the use of metal ring spacers. Discussion also included educating non-trappers on how to release the traps, if an incident did occur. The public comments continued with both pros and cons of trapping and the effect on the area.

Committee Comments

Commissioner Shackleton thanked everyone, indicating that at this level of government, the County can not set laws; he referred to an Attorney General opinion of 1989. Municipalities are precluded, local government can not set regulations – it would not be valid.

Commissioner Kay indicated the importance of this meeting as at the regular Board meeting the County did not know its jurisdiction limits. As it is the Boards job to serve the public, the time was needed to get the correct answers and to listen to the concerns presented. He thanked everyone involved with the meeting.

Chairman Comments

Chairman Timmer, thanked everyone for their participation in the meeting, and thought the meeting was a good process where knowledge from the audience was appreciated.

Adjourn

Commissioner Kay, supported by Commissioner Shackleton, moved to adjourn the meeting. On a voice vote the motion CARRIED.

Chairman Timmer declared the meeting adjourned at 6:40 p.m.

_______________________________ ______________________________________

Kelly J. Beaune, Recorder Richard Timmer, Chairman