(1) Prior to issuance of any permit by the State Fish and Wildlife Commission, a public hearing shall be held. Notice of the hearing shall be published at least once and at least 10 days prior to the hearing in a newspaper of general circulation in each of the counties in which the hearing is to be held, or if no such newspaper is published in that county or counties, then such a newspaper in an adjoining county.

(2) The hearing shall be conducted by either the commission or a representative designated by the commission. [1971 c.203 § 2; 1975 c.253 § 31]