June 29, 2017

Contact: Cody Stevens, 989-785-4251, ext. 5240

DNR wants to hear your ideas on state forest planning for Alpena, Cheboygan, Montmorency and Presque Isle counties

Whether you’re interested in healthy forests, quality wildlife habitat or a strong forest products industry, don’t miss the chance to get involved in state forest planning.

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources currently is making plans for the forest in 2019. These management plans include harvesting timber, planting trees, prescribed burning and maintaining fields and open areas – activities that help to provide wildlife habitat, control invasive species and improve the overall health of the forest.

This year, areas are under review in Alpena, Maple Ridge and Sanborn townships (Alpena County); Grant Township (Cheboygan County); Albert, Briley, Hillman, Loud, Montmorency and Vienna townships (Montmorency County), and Allis, Bismarck, Krakow, North Allis and Ocqueoc townships (Presque Isle County).

The DNR also is seeking public input regarding management plans for Ecological Reference Areas, rare or high-quality natural communities that have been relatively undisturbed by human intervention. The DNR’s long-term goal is to maintain these areas as examples of Michigan’s biodiversity. The Atlanta Management Unit has five such plans being reviewed this year. 

The public is invited to look over proposals, view maps of the affected areas and provide feedback. Come to the following public meetings:

• Atlanta – Thursday, July 6, 2017
  2-6 p.m. at the DNR Atlanta Field Office, 13501 M-33

DNR staff will approve final plans at a meeting Thursday, Aug. 10, at 9 a.m. at the Tri-Township Fire Department Hall, 11700 M-32 West, Atlanta.  

If you can’t make any of these meetings, you can find maps and information online at www.michigan.gov/forestry. Select the “Find a Forest” button and click the “Atlanta” button on the map. You also can submit comments via email to Cody Stevens using the subject line “Atlanta Forest Management Unit open house comment.”

If you have a disability that requires accommodations to attend these meetings, please contact Cody Stevens at stevensc@michigan.gov or at 989-785-4251, ext. 5240 prior to 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.