Sept. 20, 2017

Contact: Steve Olson, 269-685-6851

Network upgrade Thursday at DNR Customer Service Center in Plainwell; limited service, purchase options during outage

New phone system, wireless connectivity will provide staff with tools to better serve the public

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources wants to alert customers who use the DNR customer service center at 621 North 10th St. in Plainwell that the facility will undergo a network upgrade Thursday, Sept. 21. The upgrade requires computers to be completely disconnected from the state’s network and Internet connection until the upgrade is completed, which means most services – including the purchase of hunting and fishing licenses and access to online information – cannot be accommodated at the office that day. Full service is expected to be restored Friday, Sept. 22.

Steve Olson, facility manager at the Plainwell office, said this brief interruption will result in significantly improved connectivity and service to area customers in the long term.

“Today’s customers expect and deserve fast, effective service and answers to their questions, and Thursday’s network upgrade will help us provide just that,” Olson said. “Whether it’s purchasing license or answering questions, the new phone system and employee access to WiFi will allow us to do things faster and more efficiently, and that means a more positive service experience for every customer.”

Olson said that during Thursday’s upgrade, staff will be working and the Plainwell office phone number (269-685-6851) will accept calls. However, because of the network shutdown and inability to transfer calls, some calls may need to be returned while staff gathers information.

For those customers who need to purchase a license, the DNR recommends visiting one of several area retail locations. To find other locations, the DNR offers a statewide map of DNR license retail locations.

• Bob's True Value Hardware
  125 W. Allegan St., Otsego
  269-694-4855
  
  
• Otsego Party Store
  629 S. Farmer St., Otsego
  269-694-6510
  
  
• Meijer Inc Store #191
  1195 M-89, Plainwell
  269-685-3800
  
  
• Southwick's
  1271 M-89, Plainwell
  269-692-3000
  
  
• Wal-Mart #2061
  412 Oaks Crossing, Plainwell
  269-685-6191

Michigan hunting and fishing licenses, special hunt applications and permits also may be purchased online at www.mdnr-elicense.com.

There are 12 full-service DNR customer service centers around the state. These offices are open to the public Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and staff there is ready to help customers who want to buy a license, ask a question, learn about seasonal regulations, invite the DNR to participate in a school or community program, or simply learn more about Michigan's world-class natural resources and outdoor recreation opportunities.

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.