May 18, 2016

Contact: Brad Carlson, 906-353-6651, ext. 117

They’re your forests! Share ideas on state forest planning for Baraga, Houghton, Keweenaw counties

If you live adjacent to, have a cottage or camp near, or simply like to spend time on the state-managed forest land in Baraga, Houghton or Keweenaw counties, here’s an opportunity to look over and comment on proposed 2018 forest plans for these areas.

June open house

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources will host an open house from 3 to 7 p.m. Thursday, June 16, at the DNR Customer Service Center, 427 U.S. 41 North, in Baraga.  

For more efficient oversight, the DNR divides each forest management unit into smaller units or "compartments." This year, compartments under review are in Baraga, Covington and Spurr townships (Baraga County); Elm River, Laird and Portage townships (Houghton County); and Grant Township (Keweenaw County).

Maps and information regarding proposed management activities (treatments) can be found at www.michigan.gov/forestry. Compartment Review Packets for the 2018 year of entry can be found by selecting the “Find a Forest” button and clicking the “Baraga” button on the map. This information also will be available at the open house.

In addition to the review of these forest treatments, the DNR will seek public input regarding Special Conservation Areas, or areas recognized as having unique values, such as old growth, springs or wildlife habitat corridors. This review will utilize the most up-to-date categories of Special Conservation Areas and values.

July meeting – final treatment plans

The DNR will complete its formal compartment review Thursday, July 14, to decide on final treatment plans for these areas. That meeting will take place at 9 a.m., also at the DNR Customer Service Center in Baraga.

Anyone with a disability that requires accommodations to attend these meetings is asked to contact Brad Carlson, carlsonb@michigan.gov or 906-353-6651, ext. 117, at least five business days before each meeting.

Those unable to attend either the June open house or the July meeting are encouraged to submit comments via email to Brad Carlson using the subject line “Baraga Forest Management Unit open house comment.” All comments must be received at least three days 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.