DNR wants to hear your ideas on state forest planning for Alcona, Crawford, Iosco and Oscoda 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 Mitchell Township (Alcona County); Beaver Creek, Frederic, Grayling, Lovells, Maple Forest and South Branch townships (Crawford County); Oscoda Township (Iosco County); and Clinton, Elmer and Greenwood townships (Oscoda 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. An ERA plan has been prepared for 14 acres of old-growth red pine in the Dyer Red Pine area in Crawford County.

In addition, plans for Hubbard Lake State Game Area in Alcona County are under review. Management efforts will be focused on maintaining current cover types and protecting the fen and conifer swamp natural communities.

You're invited to look over proposals, view maps of the affected areas and provide feedback. Come to the following public meetings:

Grayling – Oct. 18
12:30-5:30 p.m. at the DNR's Grayling Field Office, 1955 Hartwick Pines Road
DNR staff will approve final plans at a meeting Nov. 1 at 9 a.m., also at the DNR's Grayling Field Office.

If you can't make either meeting, you can find maps and information online at www.michigan.gov/forestry. Select the "Find a Forest" button and click the "Grayling" button on the map. You also can submit comments via email to Susan Thiel using the subject line "Grayling Forest Management Unit open house comment."

If you have a disability that requires accommodations to attend these meetings, contact Susan Thiel at ThielS1@michigan.gov or at 989-348-6371, ext. 7440 before 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.



Contact: Susan Thiel, 989-348-6371, ext. 7440