The Outspoken Sportsman

STATE REPRESENTATIVE TOM CASPERSON

BACKGROUND:

Tom Casperson was elected in November 2002 to the Michigan House of Representatives in an upset of Menominee Mayor Laurie Stupak. He was re-elected in 2004 and 2006, securing as much as 68% of the vote.

Prior to being elected to the State House, Casperson worked in his family’s log trucking business for 27 years, including 12 years as owner and operator of Casperson and Son Trucking. He represented the third generation in the business started by his grandfather.

Casperson was born July 20, 1959 in Escanaba, and graduated from Escanaba High School in 1977. He and his wife Diane, whom he married in 1982, continue to reside in Escanaba with their four children: Ashley, Tommy, Hillary, and Dane.

Casperson, elected by his peers as an Assistant Majority Whip, has served as the Chair of the House Conservation, Forestry and Outdoor Recreation Committee. He has also served as Vice-Chair of the Transportation Committee, as well as a member of the Committees overseeing Agriculture, Energy & Technology, Veterans Affairs, Tourism, and Transportation Appropriations. Additionally, Casperson has served on House Sub-Committees that examined a wide range of issues, including: Tourism, Alternative Energy, Gas Pricing, Cormorants, and Secretary of State Fees.

Casperson served on the Board of Directors and the Transportation Committee for the Michigan Association of Timbermen; as President of the Michigan Professional Log Truck Council; and on the Legislative Committee of the Timber Producers Association. He also served on the Board of New Life Assembly of God Church in Escanaba for nine years, and is a member of the Bark River Lions.

Casperson is a member of the National Rifle Association; the National Federation of Independent Business; and the Michigan Coalition for Responsible Gun Owners, whom he also serves as a Board member.

Although Casperson represents only 3 of the District's 31 counties, he is already well established throughout the District, and has unique knowledge of the issues and dynamics of the District, for a number of reasons, including:

Additionally, to promote and tackle issues facing the First District, Casperson has brought over 50 of his legislative colleagues into the District.

Advocate of the Year presented by the Michigan Manufacturer's Association in recognition of "advocacy and outstanding performance;"

The Tuebor Award, presented by Michigan Forest Products Council in recognition of "excellence in defending Michigan's forests;"

Legislative Leadership Award presented by Great Lakes Timber Professionals in recognition of "leadership in supporting sustainable forest management;"

Legislator of the Year presented by Safari International. Legislative Leadership Award presented the County Road Association in recognition of "tireless efforts for safe roads and bridges;"

Outstanding Conservation Award presented by the Delta Conservation District in recognition of "outstanding accomplishments in the conservation of forestry;"

Lake States Region Logging Safety and Innovation Award" presented by Husqvarna;

Literacy Award presented by the Friends of Education in recognition of "support for Michigan's Free Book Program;"

Certificates of Appreciation from Northern Michigan University, Abate, and the Upper Peninsula Optometrists;

Special Volunteer Award presented by the Michigan Association of Timbermen in recognition of involvement on the Log Truck Safety Task Force;

National Logging Safety & Innovations Award presented by the American Logging Council in recognition of designing, building and using a "state of the art" cribbed trailer to safely haul timber.

LEGISLATIVE ACCOMPLISHMENTS:

Since being elected to the House, Casperson has introduced fifty three Bills and seven Resolutions, and authored twenty Public Acts, including:

The Crib Truck Bill: The issue that drove Casperson to run for the House after a mother and her daughter were killed as a result of a log spill. The legislation permits timber haulers to haul wood "cross-ways" in "crib," which is a measurably safer manner to haul timber. (Public Act 142 of 2003)

The Healthy Forest Package: A package of Bills requiring the Department of Natural Resources to certify Michigan’s forest as sustainable forests. (Public Act 125 of 2004)

Metallic Mining Reform: Legislation that permitted (through arguably the worlds most stringent rules) Metallic Mining in Michigan, and allows for significant job growth. (Public Act 449 of 2004),

The Castle Doctrine: An Act that gives Michigan citizens the right to use force to defend themselves, and providing law abiding citizens with civil immunity. (Public Act 313 of 2006)

House Bill 5339: A Bill which prevented the State from seizing control of the Mackinac Bridge (Public Act 332 of 2005).

House Bill 6003: Legislation that provided $80 million to county road commission to allow them to expedite local road projects. (Public Act 141 of 2006)

House Bill 5843: An Act that protects children, homeowners and communities from the growing threat of methamphetamine labs. (Public Act 263 of 2006).

Driving Michigan: A package of Bills that provides greater retail access to renewable fuels. (Public Act 116 of 2006).

House Bill 6245: Legislation that amended the Cervidae Producers Act at the request of the Industry to provide for updated and industry-acceptable standards. (Public Act 561 of 2006).

Amendments: In addition to being the primary author of twenty public acts, Casperson also successfully authored countless amendments to bills on a wide range of issues confronting the District, including amendments that: provided needed funding for the Sex Offender Registry; kept the Iron River State Police Post open; maintained the judicial staffing of the Dickinson County Circuit Court; provided needed funding for Northern Michigan University and Newberry Correctional Facility; and provided additional base funding for Bay De Noc Community College.

http://www.tomcasperson.com/index.html

Gregg D. Stoll

Biography

Born in Grand Rapids, Michigan, Gregg graduated from Ottawa Hills high school. After attending two years at Grand Rapids Junior College (Kent Community College) he earned a Bachelors of Science in Wildlife Ecology from Michigan State University in 1972 and a Masters of Wildlife Ecology in 1976 from Michigan State University.

From 1972 until 1974 he was employed by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources as a conservation officer in Monroe and Washtenaw Counties. From 1974 until 1977, Gregg worked in the Lansing headquarters of the DNR performing law enforcement research. In 1977 Gregg Transferred to the Wildlife Division in Manistique and served with the DNR there until 1990. Several research papers were authored or co-authored by Gregg Stoll, along with presentations at the Mid-West Conservation Law Enforcement annual conference, Canadian Natural Resource Law Enforcement Conference and the Mid-West Fish and Wildlife Conference.

In 1992 Gregg started a forestry and wildlife management consulting business specializing in land management for private landowners through the Forest Stewardship Program and timber sales. 1997 Gregg started a separate environmental consulting business specializing in wetlands, sand dunes and alternative technology septic systems.

A 1984 recipient of the Midland Nature Club biologist of the year award, a former DU Chapter Chairman for nine years, past president of Kiwanis Club and member of numerous conservation organizations over the years, Gregg has made numerous presentations to outdoor groups on wildlife management issues.

A lifelong hunter and fisherman, Gregg has always had a message tucked away in his hunting gear of early years. As he trucked the backwoods of the Upper Peninsula this message grew as he discovered the truths and untruths of resource management in Michigan. 

Kyle D. Randall

"The Wilderness Journal" television program, that airs nationally and on Great lakes area PBS stations. He is also the author of, "The End of the Asphalt" magazine series.

As a leader in the Sporting community, Kyle has answered the call as well. He has authored and/ or co-authored 17 separate pieces, of positive legislation of on behalf of out-door families in Michigan.

As an individual; Kyle possess an unending wealth of out-door knowledge and in addition to his hunting and fishing prowess, shows a keen wit, a rye sense of humor, and maintains that he will answer publicly; any question, on any subject, at any time.

"So far" Kyle explains: "The Lord has indeed, been very kind to me, I have been blessed with the love of one tremendous woman for over 29 years, and with her, I’ve been given the chance to raise, 3 wonderful children, 4 outstanding grandchildren, at least one "good", bird dog, and just a little hell, every now and again. You see along the way I know we must have collected, at least 10 thousand meals .........100 thousand fond memories ........ and made at least a million friends ........all in all........ A pretty good start."

Kyle D. Randall

http://www.twowolvesproduction.com/Welcome.htm 

Dale McNamee

Biography

Dale is a former educator.  He taught conservation and Biology for 30 years at Escanaba following his graduation from Northern Michigan University.  He holds a BS and MA in Biology.  He spent 11 years as a fisheries technician during the summers with the MDNR and later worked summers for the U.S. Forest Service (5yrs).  He is a past president of the Bay de Noc Great Lakes Sportfisherman and is currently a trustee for U.P. Whitails Inc. and the President of the Upper Peninsula Sportsman's Alliance.

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