July 5, 2016

Contact: Dave Lemmien, 231-922-5280

They’re your forests: Share ideas on state forest planning for Benzie, Grand Traverse, Kalkaska, Manistee counties

If you live adjacent to, have a cottage or camp near, or simply like to spend time on state-managed forest land in Benzie, Grand Traverse, Kalkaska or Manistee counties, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources is offering opportunities to look over and comment on proposed 2018 forest plans for these areas.

July open houses

The DNR will host open houses Tuesday, July 12, 4-7 p.m. at East Bay Town Hall, 1965 N. 3 Mile Road, in Traverse City, and Wednesday, July 13, 4-7 p.m. at the DNR Kalkaska Field Office at 2089 N. Birch St.

For more efficient oversight, the DNR divides each forest management unit into smaller units or "compartments." This year, compartments under review are in Almira, Benzonia, Colfax and Weldon townships (Benzie County); East Bay and Whitewater townships (Grand Traverse County); Bear Lake, Blue Lake, Cold Springs, Excelsior, Garfield, Kalkaska, Rapid River and Springfield townships (Kalkaska County), and Springdale Township (Manistee 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 “Traverse City” 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.

August meeting – final treatment plans

The DNR will complete its formal compartment review Thursday, Aug. 4, to decide on final treatment plans for these areas. That meeting will take place at 9 a.m. at the DNR Traverse City Customer Service Center, 2122 S. M-37, Traverse City. 

Anyone with a disability that requires accommodations to attend these meetings should contact Dave Lemmien at lemmiend@michigan.gov or 231-922-5280 prior to each meeting.

Those unable to attend either the July or August meetings are encouraged to submit comments via email to Dave Lemmien using the subject line “Traverse City 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.