MI DNR wants to hear your ideas on state forest planning for Lake, Missaukee, Osceola and Wexford counties
Whether you're interested in healthy forests, quality wildlife habitat or a strong forest products industry, don't miss the chance to get involved in state forest planning.
The Michigan Department of Natural Resources currently is making plans for the forest in 2019. These management plans include harvesting timber, planting trees, prescribed burning and maintaining fields and open areas – activities that help to provide wildlife habitat, control invasive species and improve the overall health of the forest.
This year, areas are under review in Peacock and South Newkirk townships (Lake County); Pioneer, Norwich, Enterprise, Caldwell, Lake and Holland townships (Missaukee County); Cedar Township (Osceola County), and Liberty and Greenwood townships (Wexford County).
The DNR also is seeking public input regarding management plans for
Ecological Reference Areas, rare or high-quality natural communities that have been relatively undisturbed by human intervention. The DNR's long-term goal is to maintain these areas as an example of Michigan's biodiversity. This year, an ERA plan has been prepared for the Walton Pine Barrens site in Wexford County.
You're invited to look over proposals, view maps of the affected areas and provide feedback. Come to the following public meetings:
Cadillac – Thursday, Aug. 17
3-6 p.m. at the Carl T. Johnson Hunt and Fish Center, 6087 E. M-115
DNR staff will approve final plans at a meeting Sept. 7 at 9 a.m. at the Carl T. Johnson Hunt and Fish Center.
If you can't make any of these meetings, you can find maps and information online at www.michigan.gov/forestry. Select the "Find a Forest" button and click the "Cadillac" button on the map. You also can submit comments via email to David Fisher using the subject line "Cadillac Forest Management Unit open house comment."
If you have a disability that requires accommodations to attend these meetings, contact David Fisher at FisherD1@michigan.gov or at 231-745-4651, ext. 6946 at least five business days prior to each meeting.
Learn more about the state forest planning process at www.michigan.gov/forestplan.
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.