A series of open houses and meetings known as “compartment reviews” begins Thursday, May 16, and runs through fall as the DNR Forest Resources Division seeks input from the public on management activities scheduled for 2026.

Management activities in the state forest – which covers nearly 4 million acres in the northern Lower and Upper peninsulas – include such things as cutting and thinning trees, prescribed burning and planting new trees.

Planned management activities are described on this interactive map.

There are multiple ways to participate and make sure your voice is heard: Email your thoughts during a 30-day period prior to each open house, attend an open house, and attend compartment review meetings where final decisions are made.

The open houses start May 16?for the Crystal Falls and Baraga management units and run through the fall. Management units are Atlanta, Baraga, Cadillac, Crystal Falls, Escanaba, Gaylord, Gladwin, Grayling, Gwinn, Newberry, Pigeon River, Roscommon, Sault Ste. Marie, Shingleton and Traverse Cit.

See a full open house and compartment review schedule with locations, times and contact information.