Conservation and Environment

A DNRE director will be appointed by the governor to head the department. From now until January 17, a transition manager will coordinate the transfer of functions to the new state department. The governor today named Bruce Rasher as the transition manager.

Replacing two departments with one also is part of the Granholm administration's ongoing efforts to streamline state government. Previously, three state departments, plus more than 150 state boards and commissions, were eliminated. Including the new DNRE, the total number of state departments is now 16. Lt. Governor John D. Cherry, Jr., at the governor's request, is leading a broad review of state government that could eventually result in the number of state departments being reduced to eight.

"The new department will be leaner, more efficient and better able to manage our natural resources and protect our environment," Cherry said. "I've been traveling around the state hosting town halls to get the public's input on government streamlining. Creating this new department will put the interests of conservationists at the forefront."

Rasher is a former mayor of the city of Marshall and worked for many years for Consumers Energy in areas such as brownfield redevelopment and air quality. He has a bachelor's degree in fisheries and wildlife and a master's degree in business administration and finance. Rasher presently is director of operations, asset repositioning and global corporate services for CB Richard Ellis.

The executive order also transfers the Commission of Natural Resources to the DNRE and renames it the Natural Resources Commission. The commission retains its authority to regulate the taking of game and other duties as prescribed by law. The NRC also will advise the director on natural resources and conservation issues.

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