The Michigan Department of Natural Resources is seeking public input on a new draft general management plan for Cheboygan State Park. The DNR will host a public meeting Thursday, July 13, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Cheboygan Area Public Library, 100 S. Bailey St. in Cheboygan.

The draft general management plan defines a long-range (10- to 20-year) planning and management strategy that will assist the DNR Parks and Recreation Division in meeting its responsibilities to 1) protect and preserve the site's natural and cultural resources, and 2) provide access to land- and water-based public recreation and educational opportunities.

A link to the Cheboygan State Park draft general management plan and additional information on the DNR's general management plan process can be found on the DNR's General Management Plan website at michigan.gov/parkmanagementplans.

Cheboygan State Park is located on the shores of Lake Huron and Duncan Bay, approximately four miles east of the city of Cheboygan, at the northern tip of Michigan's Lower Peninsula. This 1,345-acre state park features a swimming beach, carry-in boat launch and seven miles of hiking, biking and ski trails that provide access to scenic Lake Huron vistas and glimpses of rare wildflowers. Visitors have a choice of lodging, including modern camping, tepees, rustic cabins and a modern lodge. In addition, the majority of the park is open to hunting, and plenty of fishing opportunities are available in Duncan Bay and Elliot Creek – a designated trout stream that flows through the park.

The July 13 meeting will begin with a short overview presentation of the draft plan. The public is welcome to attend at any time during the two-hour period to review the planning materials, provide comments and talk to DNR staff. Comments also may be sent via email through July 21 to DNR park management plan administrator Debbie Jensen at jensend1@michigan.gov.

For more information about the public input meeting or the proposed plan, contact Jensen at 517-284-6105 (TTY/TDD711 Michigan Relay Center for the hearing impaired) or jensend1@michigan.gov. Anyone with disabilities who needs accommodations for the meeting should contact Jensen at least five business days before the meeting.

Contact: Debbie Jensen, 517-284-6105, jensenD1@michigan.gov