Tuesday, October 21, 2014

MI DNR holds informational meetings on new General Management Plan for Fisherman's Island State Park

The Department of Natural Resources will hold two meetings Monday, Nov. 3, to inform the public about the start of a general management planning process for Fisherman's Island State Park in Charlevoix, Michigan. The meetings will be held 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. at Charlevoix Public Library, Conference Room B, 220 West Clinton St. Each meeting will provide an overview of the DNR's General Management Plan process, including a timeline and future opportunities for stakeholders and public involvement.

The DNR uses General Management Plans to define a long-range planning and management strategy for its state parks and recreation areas to guide future decisions. The plan will assist the DNR Parks and Recreation Division in meeting its responsibilities to protect and preserve the site's natural and cultural resources, and to provide access to land- and water-based public recreation and educational opportunities.

The 2,678-acre Fisherman's Island State Park includes over 6 miles of Lake Michigan shoreline in Charlevoix County, with 80 rustic campsites, a picnic area and foot trails.

"The DNR is excited to have funding in place to start the General Management Plan process for Fisherman's Island, which has been a priority for many years," said Gaylord District Supervisor Rich Hill. "These meetings will provide an opportunity for members of the public to be fully informed regarding the upcoming planning effort."

Additional information on the DNR's General Management Plan process is available at www.michigan.gov/parkmanagementplans.

Each meeting will begin with a short presentation describing the planning process, but members of the public are welcome to attend at any time during either of the two-hour meetings to review the planning material and talk to DNR staff.

For more information about the public meetings or the General Management Plan, contact Richard Hill at 989-732-3541 (TTY/TDD711 Michigan Relay Center for the hearing impaired) or via email at HillR5@michigan.gov. Persons with disabilities who need accommodations for the meetings should contact Hill at least five business days before the meetings.


The Michigan Department of Natural Resources is committed to the conservation, protection, management, use and enjoyment of the state's natural and cultural resources for current and future generations. For more information, go to www.michigan.gov/dnr.


Contact: Richard Hill, 989-732-3541; Debbie Jensen, 517-284-6105;
or Ed Golder, 517-284-5815