Northeast Michigan is filled with a lot of woods and water.

Thus, outdoor conservation issues always are important to residents.

That is why it is especially important right now to have Carol Moncrieff Rose, of Hillman, chairing the state’s Natural Resources Commission.

Rose is an exceptional person, and her leadership will be welcomed on the commission, which oversees all things impacting hunters and anglers in Michigan.

It has been a long time since Northeast Michigan had such clout. Harry Whiteley, of Rogers City, was the last person to chair the body, and that was back in the 1960s and 70s.

Rose always has had a love for the outdoors, and, for as long as we can remember, she has been involved in conservation efforts, such as the Michigan United Conservation Clubs and Upper Black River Council.

Having Rose represent sportspersons of Northeast Michigan would have been welcomed, indeed. Having her chair the Natural Resources Commission, however, is that much better.

Make no mistake that the NRC Commission has many tough issues before them in the months ahead.

It is comforting to know, however, that Rose will be leading the group through those issues, with the same strong and courageous leadership we have seen from her in the past.

(THE ALPENA NEWS)