Aug. 7, 2017

Contact: Steve Anderson, 989-275-4522

DNR wants to hear your ideas on state forest planning for Roscommon and Ogemaw 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 Klacking and Foster townships (Ogemaw County) and AuSable, Backus, Higgins, Gerrish, Lyon, Markey, Richfield and Roscommon Townships (Roscommon 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 an example of Michigan’s biodiversity. An ERA plan has been prepared for the Nine Mile Complex, which is composed of the following natural communities: muskeg, poor fen, and mesic and dry mesic northern forest. Maintaining the natural soil moisture and flow of water is very important in these communities. Management plans include limiting new infrastructure such as roads, culverts and ditches, and allowing natural processes, including fire, to occur within the complex.

In addition, the DNR is proposing to create walking trails at the newly established Backus Creek State Game Area Grouse Enhanced Management Sites. The trails will provide a walk-in opportunity for hunters, birdwatchers, hikers and wildlife enthusiasts. Wildlife habitat will be protected and enhanced by gating or permanently blocking 14 spur roads, seven unauthorized trails, and three utility right-of-ways. Several county roads provide access throughout the game area and will remain open.

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

• Roscommon – Sept. 7 
  3-6 p.m. at the Roscommon Field Office, 8717 N. Roscommon Road

DNR staff will approve final plans at a meeting Sept. 20 at 9 a.m. at the Roscommon Operations Service Center, 8717 N. Roscommon Road.

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 “Roscommon” button on the map. You also can submit comments via email to Steve Anderson using the subject line “Roscommon Forest Management Unit open house comment.”

If you have a disability that requires accommodations to attend these meetings, please contact Steve Anderson at AndersonS1@michigan.gov or at 989-275-4622, at least five business days 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.