Aug. 29, 2017

Contact: Bob Burnham, 906-452-6227, ext. 1240

DNR wants to hear your ideas on state forest planning for Alger, Delta and Schoolcraft 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 Burt and Munising townships (Alger County); Doyle, Germfask, Hiawatha, Manistique and Seney townships (Schoolcraft County), and Fairbanks and Garden townships (Delta 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. Plans have been prepared for four sites this year, including the Garden Shoreline Complex in Delta County, a wooded dune and swale in Delta and Schoolcraft counties, a rich conifer swamp in Schoolcraft and Alger counties and a patterned fen in Schoolcraft County.

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

• Shingleton – Sept. 28
  4-7 p.m. at the Shingleton Field Office, E1234 M-28 West

DNR staff will approve final plans at a meeting Oct. 12 at 9 a.m. at the Shingleton Field Office, E1234 M-28 West, Shingleton.  

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

If you have a disability that requires accommodations to attend these meetings, please contact Robert Burnham at burnhamr2@michigan.gov or at 906-452-6227, ext. 1240 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.