Aug. 11, 2016

Contact: Dave Fisher, 231-745-4651, ext. 6946

They’re your forests: Share ideas on state forest planning for Lake,  Missaukee, Osceola and Wexford 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 Lake, Missaukee, Osceola or Wexford counties, here’s an opportunity to review and comment on proposed 2018 forest plans for these areas.

August open house

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources will host an open house Thursday, Aug. 18, 3-6 p.m. at the Carl T. Johnson Hunt & Fish Center, 6087 E. M-115 (adjacent to Mitchell State Park), Cadillac.

For more efficient oversight, the DNR divides each forest management unit into smaller units or "compartments." This year, compartments under review are in Newkirk and Pinora townships (Lake County), Aetna, Holland, Norwich, Pioneer and West Branch townships (Missaukee County), Rose Lake Township (Osceola County), and Cherry Grove, Clam Lake, Haring, Springville and Wexford townships (Wexford 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 “Cadillac” 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.

September meeting – final treatment plans

The DNR will complete its formal compartment review Tuesday, Sept. 13, to decide on final treatment plans for these areas. The meeting will take place at 9 a.m. at the Cadillac Public Library, 411 S. Lake St., Cadillac. 

Anyone with a disability that requires accommodations to attend these meetings is encouraged to contact Dave Fisher at FisherD1@michigan.gov or 231-745-4651, ext. 6946, prior to each meeting.

Those unable to attend either the August open house or the September meeting are invited to submit comments via email to Dave Fisher using the subject line “Cadillac 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.