Michigan's first mass timber building built with Michigan wood. Michigan Department of Natural resources
What's happening: The Michigan Department of Natural Resources is hosting a family-friendly open house at the agency's recently opened Customer Service Center in Newberry. The service center is Michigan’s first mass timber building built with Michigan wood. The event will be held noon to 4 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 14.
About the open house: The event will feature mostly outdoor activities, with booths and interactive displays from the DNR and other groups and organizations. Visitors can check out a mock campsite and learn how to set up a tent. Learn about animal tracks, skulls and furs. Get a photo with Smokey Bear. Visit with representatives from the local conservation district, police and fire departments, an invasive species management group and more. Visitors can also come inside and check out the lobby and the Superior Room to see the mass timber beams and interior structure. A historical exhibit will be on display in the Superior Room.
About the service center: The 10,000-square-foot building was constructed with cross-laminated panels made with Michigan red pine. The customer service center fills many rolls. Its primary function is an office for various DNR staff assigned to work in the region. Forestry, fire, wildlife, fisheries, parks and recreation, and conservation, etc. All divisions of DNR have staff that report to that office and have desk space assigned to them. It is also a location where public meetings regarding DNR issues will take place and where the public can purchase permits, licenses, and inquire about issues.
Also expected to attend: In addition to staff members from the DNR’s various divisions – including Law Enforcement, Forestry, Fisheries and Wildlife – there will be representatives from: Seney National Wildlife Refuge, Tahquamenon Falls State Park, Muskallonge Lake State Park, Chippewa Luce Mackinac Conservation District, Three Shores CISMA (invasive species group), Newberry Fire Department, Luce County Sherriff and Michigan State Police.
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