May 18, 2017

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

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

Whether you’re interested in healthy forests, quality wildlife habitat or a strong forest products industry, here’s an opportunity to get involved in state forest planning. The Michigan Department of Natural Resources currently is making plans for the forest in Baraga, Houghton and Ontonagon counties in 2019. Come to an open house or compartment review to look over proposals and provide feedback.

June open house

The DNR will host an open house Thursday, June 15, 3-6 p.m. at the Baraga Customer Service Center, 427 U.S. 41 North, 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, L’Anse, Covington and Spurr townships (Baraga County), Portage and Laird townships (Houghton County) and Bohemia township (Ontonagon County). 

Maps and information regarding proposed management activities (treatments) can be found at www.michigan.gov/forestry. Compartment Review Packets for the 2019 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.

July meeting – final treatment plans

The DNR will complete its formal compartment review at 9 a.m. Thursday, July 13, to decide on final treatment plans for these areas. That meeting will take place at the Baraga Customer Service Center, 427 U.S. 41 North, Baraga.   

If you have a disability that requires accommodations to attend these meetings, contact Brad Carlson at carlsonb@michigan.gov or at 906-353-6651, ext. 117 at least five business days prior to each meeting.

Those unable to attend either the June or 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.