July 11, 2017

Contact: Scott Whitcomb, 989-983-4101

DNR wants to hear your ideas on state forest planning for Pigeon River Country State Forest

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 Pigeon River Country State 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 Forest and Walker townships (Cheboygan County), Montmorency Township (Montmorency County) and Corwith and Dover townships (Otsego County). 

You’re invited to look over proposals, view maps of the affected areas and provide feedback. You also can get a preview tour of the Pigeon River Country Discovery Center, which currently is under construction. Come to the following public meetings:

• Vanderbilt – July 18
  3-6 p.m. at the Pigeon River Country Headquarters, 9966 Twin Lakes Road
  *See additional location information/directions at the end of this release.  

DNR staff will approve final plans at a meeting Aug. 15 at 9 a.m. at the Pigeon River Country Headquarters.  

If you can’t make either of these meetings, you can find maps and information online at www.michigan.gov/forestry. Select the “Find a Forest” button and click the “Pigeon River Country” button on the map. You also can submit comments via email to Scott Whitcomb using the subject line “Pigeon River Country State Forest open house comment.”

If you have a disability that requires accommodations to attend these meetings, please contact Scott Whitcomb at Whitcombs@michigan.gov or at 989-983-4101 prior to each meeting.

Learn more about the state forest planning process at www.michigan.gov/forestplan.

Additional location information/directions

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