Aug. 1, 2016

Contact: Scott Whitcomb, 989-983-4101

They’re your forests: Share ideas on state forest planning for the Pigeon River Country State Forest 

If you live adjacent to, have a cottage or camp near, or simply like to spend time in the Pigeon River Country State Forest, here’s an opportunity to look over and comment on proposed 2018 forest plans for the area.

August open house

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources will host an open house Wednesday, Aug. 31, 2-6 p.m. at the DNR Pigeon River Country Headquarters, 9966 Twin Lakes Road, Vanderbilt. *See additional location information/directions at the end of this release.  

For more efficient oversight, the DNR divides each forest management unit into smaller units or "compartments." This year, compartments under review are in Nunda and Forest townships (Cheboygan County) and Corwith and Charlton townships (Otsego County).

Starting at 2 p.m. there will be a short presentation on the history of the forest, followed by a tour of the new Discovery Center currently undergoing refurbishment. Hikers also can choose to explore a 3-mile hike around the newly completed interpretive trail. From 3 to 6 p.m. members of the public may speak with area staff about proposed timber sales, wildlife habitat, campgrounds, pathways or other topics concerning the forest. 

“We want this to be a time that anyone who wants to know more about this forest can come out and talk about the area with our staff over a cup of coffee,” said Scott Whitcomb, Pigeon River Country State Forest unit manager.

Maps and information regarding proposed management activities such as timber harvests or prescribed burns 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 Pigeon River Country 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 be seeking 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.

September meeting – final treatment plans

The DNR will complete its formal compartment review at 9 a.m. Wednesday, Sept. 21, to decide on final treatment plans for the Pigeon River Country. That meeting also will take place at the Pigeon River Country Headquarters*.

Anyone with a disability that requires accommodations to attend these meetings should contact Scott Whitcomb at whitcombs@michigan.gov or 989-983-4101 at least five business days before each meeting.

Those unable to attend either the August and September meetings are encouraged to submit comments via email Scott Whitcomb using the subject line “Pigeon River 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.

Additional directions/location information

*Please note: The headquarters address will not work when entered into GPS. Coordinates for the headquarters are 45.169742°, -84.439495°. You can also use the following directions: 

• Take 1-75 to exit 290 (this is the Vanderbilt exit).
• Turn east onto Mill Street. This will take you into the town of Vanderbilt. Stay on Mill Street for 0.5 mile.
• Turn left onto Main Street. There will be a sign at the intersection pointing to the left for the Pigeon River Country.
• Main Street turns into Sturgeon Valley Road. Stay on Sturgeon Valley Road for 11 miles.
• At the end of the pavement, turn left onto Twin Lakes Road.
• Travel north on Twin Lakes Road for 1 mile. The headquarters will be on the left-hand side of the curve with a sign in front.

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.