The Michigan Department of Natural Resources could receive a few changes this year.

The Natural Resources Commission, which establishes general policies for the department, met last week to discuss its goals for the year.

The commission agreed on five goals to update the department’s policies but DNR spokesman Brad Wurfel said the biggest change in the commission’s outlook is its involvement in the department’s operations.

“Clearly they’re making a move to become more involved in the agency and in the legislature,” he said.

Wurfel said while a strong relationship is the highlight of the commission’s goals, the group has progressed in that respect over the past five years.

Director K.L. Cool has consulted the commission on all major issues and in turn the commission has taken advisory votes.

“I don’t mean to flatter, but this is one of the best commissions the department has ever seen,” Wurfel said.

The five goals also include updating and streamlining management strategies.

The commission generally avoided specific issues but set a goal to develop a long-term strategy for land management.

The commission also discussed the development of committees to better organize its time.

Public opinion also concerned the commission.

“We just have a higher public profile and most of the time we tend to be in a reaction mode,” commissioner Nancy Douglas said.