Reminder: DNR invites input on Ogemaw, Roscommon forest plans

Michigan Department of Natural Resources sent this bulletin at 09/10/2012 03:28 PM EDT

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Press Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Sept. 10, 2012

Contact: Steve Anderson, 989-275-4622 or Ed Golder, 517-335-3014

 

REMINDER: DNR invites public input on forest plans for Ogemaw, Roscommon counties

The Department of Natural Resources is reminding residents that it will host an open house this Wednesday, Sept. 12, in Roscommon to provide information and receive public comment on proposed forest management treatments for 2014 in the Roscommon management unit, which includes Ogemaw and Roscommon counties.

The open house is set for the following time and location:

  • Sept. 12, 3 to 7 p.m.
    DNR Field Office, 8717 N. Roscommon Road, Roscommon. The location is just off Interstate-75, exit 239, behind the Roscommon Operations Service Center.     

Each year, DNR personnel inventory and evaluate one-tenth of the state forest. The inventory provides key information about the health, quality and quantity of all vegetation; wildlife and fisheries habitat and needs; archaeological sites; minerals; recreational use; wildfire potential and social factors, including proximity to roads and neighborhoods; and use on adjacent public and private lands.

Proposed treatments, which may include timber harvesting, replanting, and other management activities, are designed to ensure the sustainability of the resources and ecosystems.

Bill O’Neill, chief of the DNR’s Forest Resources Division, said these open houses are a good way for interested residents and stakeholders to learn about the DNR’s proposed treatment plans – well in advance – and to share input toward final decisions on those treatments.

“When it comes to the health and sustainability of our state forests, we’re always thinking several years ahead,” said O’Neill, who also serves as state forester. “We like to do the open houses around the state because the public gets an opportunity to talk with foresters and biologists about issues that matter most to them. It turns out to be a valuable exchange of information and ideas.”

Maps and information regarding the proposed treatments will be available at the open houses, but can also be found at www.michigan.gov/forestplan under the Forests, Land & Water section.

To more easily and efficiently oversee the forest resources, the DNR divides each management unit into smaller units or "compartments." This year, the compartments under review are in Foster, Klacking, Ogemaw and Rose (Ogemaw County); and AuSable, Backus, Denton, Gerrish, Higgins, Lake, Lyon, Markey, Richfield and Roscommon (Roscommon County).

On Wednesday, Oct. 10, the DNR will complete its formal compartment reviews to decide on final treatment plans for these areas. Those reviews will take place at the following time and location:

  • Oct. 10, 9 a.m.
    DNR Field Office, 8717 N. Roscommon Road., Roscommon. The location is just off I-75, exit 239, behind the Roscommon Operations Service Center.
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.