Sept. 22, 2016

Contact: Dan McNamee, 906-875-6622

They’re your forests: Share ideas on state forest planning for Dickinson, Iron 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 Dickinson and Iron counties, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources reminds there's an opportunity to look over and comment on proposed 2018 forest plans for these areas.

September open house

The DNR will host an open house Thursday, Sept. 29, 3-7 p.m. (CDT) at the DNR Crystal Falls Field Office, 1420 U.S. 2 West, Crystal Falls.  

For more efficient oversight, the DNR divides each forest management unit into smaller units or "compartments." This year, compartments under review are in Breen, Brieting, Felch, Norway, Sagola and West Branch townships (Dickinson County) and Crystal Falls, Mansfield and Mastadon townships (Iron 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 “Crystal Falls” 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.

October meeting – final treatment plans

The DNR will complete its formal compartment review Thursday, Oct. 20, to decide on final treatment plans for these areas. That meeting will take place at 9 a.m. (CDT) at the Crystal Falls Michigan Department of Transportation office, 120 Tobin-Alpha Road, Crystal Falls.

Anyone with a disability that requires accommodations to attend these meetings is asked to contact Dan McNamee at mcnameed@michigan.gov or 906-875-6622 prior to each meeting.

Those unable to attend either the September or October meetings are encouraged to submit comments via email to Dan McNamee using the subject line “Crystal Falls 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.