What's happening: The Michigan Department of Natural Resources is looking for public input into the recently drafted State Forest Management Plan. That plan will provide a game plan for the management of nearly 4 million acres of state forest land on both peninsulas. Three public meetings will be held -- two downstate and the final one in Marquette Township from 1 p.m. - 4 p.m. September 12. A webinar on September 5 will provide another opportunity for public comment.
Developing plan: Through combined efforts by DNR forestry, wildlife, fisheries and recreation planning staff, the State Forest Management Plan identifies necessary issues in the Michigan environment and how forest management can impact the local ecosystems. The plan balances out economic development through logging, identifying which parcels may be best suited for private development or public access, interaction with developing trail networks and more.
A management plan is not a new idea but has been developed and reviewed statewide since the 1930s. Which each revision, new technology, scientific advances and improved best business practices have helped shape Michigan’s forest lands.
What they're saying: “This 10-year plan helps instill confidence that our short-term management goals are helping to achieve long-term sustainability of both forest products and wildlife habitat,” said Dan Heckman, planning and modeling specialist with the DNR’s Forest Resources Division. “This is also a climate-smart plan, with objectives and actions that will further guide effective management of the state forest in a changing climate.”
What's next: The draft plan will go live on the DNR’s state forest planning webpage beginning on September 5. Emailed feedback to
ForestPlanComments@michigan.gov will be accepted through October 4. The first in-person meeting for the plan will be Monday, September 9 at the Rose Lake State Wildlife Area headquarters building in East Lansing.
Enjoy this story?
Sign up for free solutions-based reporting in your inbox each week.