Recognizing that many people would welcome more time to review the Michigan Department of Natural Resources' new, draft 10-year State Forest Management Plan, the DNR has extended the original early October deadline to Dec. 31.
The plan guides management of Michigan’s nearly 4 million acres of state forest, spread across the northern Lower and Upper peninsulas. Forest management activities include timber harvesting, prescribed burning, tree planting and providing quality wildlife habitat.
“This is a long, comprehensive document, but that degree of specificity and inclusion is needed to ensure that we capture the wide range of values that exist in the state forest,” said Dan Heckman, planning and modeling specialist with the DNR’s Forest Resources Division. “Many people and groups use the forest for recreation, hunting, hiking, cycling, ORV riding and more. We want to make sure everyone who wants to provide feedback on this plan can do so.”
There are two ways to explore and learn about the plan:
Heckman led the team that created the plan, which includes DNR forestry, wildlife, fisheries and recreation planning staff.
“This 10-year plan helps to ensure Michigan’s state forests remain certified for responsible management by two independent agencies,” he said. “It also looks to the future with objectives and actions that recognize the challenges and realities of managing the forest in a changing climate.”
Public input on the draft 2024 State Forest Management Plan must be submitted by Dec. 31 to ForestPlanComments@Michigan.gov.
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