Press Release


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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Oct. 8, 2012

Contact: David Fisher, 231-745-4651 ext. 6946 or Ed Golder, 517-335-3014

DNR invites public input on forest plans for Lake, Missaukee, Osceola and Wexford counties

The Department of Natural Resources will host an open house on Thursday, Nov. 8, in Cadillac to provide information and receive public comment on proposed forest management treatments for 2014 in the Cadillac management unit, which includes Lake, Missaukee, Osceola and Wexford counties. The open house is set for the following time and location:

Nov. 8, 4 to 7 p.m.
Carl T. Johnson Hunt and Fish Center, 6087 E M-115, Cadillac
(will cover proposed forest treatments in Lake, Missaukee, Osceola and Wexford counties)
Each year, DNR personnel evaluate one-tenth of the state forest. The inventory provides key decision-making information for foresters and wildlife, fisheries and other resource managers. The age, health, quality and quantity of trees and other vegetation are assessed to enable DNR staff to make informed decisions. Timber management, wildlife and fisheries habitat, minerals, archeological sites, recreational use, wildfire potential and social concerns are just some of the topics taken into consideration during this review.

Because the forest is inventoried approximately two years in advance, a year of entry is assigned to indicate when treatments will be prepared. Information currently under review has a 2014 year of entry. This means that treatment activities on lands being reviewed this year will actually begin in 2014.

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

Bill O’Neill, chief of the DNR’s Forest Resources Division, said these open houses are a good way for interested residents, neighbors and stakeholders to learn – well in advance – about the DNR’s proposed treatment plans 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.”

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 Cherry Valley, Eden, North Newkirk, Peacock and South Newkirk townships (Lake County); Butterfield, Enterprise, Holland, Norwich and Pioneer townships (Missaukee County); Osceola Township (Osceola County); and Hanover and Haring townships (Wexford County).

Maps and information regarding proposed treatments will be available at the open house. The information can also be found at www.michigan.gov/forestplan. Compartment review packets for the 2014 year of entry can be found by selecting the shown map and clicking on the “Cadillac” button. Records of decisions, recorded timber harvests and other treatments for past years are available on this page.

On Tuesday, Dec. 4, the DNR will complete its formal compartment review to decide on final treatment plans for these areas. That review will take place:

Dec. 4, 9:30 a.m.
Cadillac Public Library, 411 S. Lake St., Cadillac
Persons with disabilities who need accommodations for either meeting should contact David Fisher, 231-745-4651 ext. 6946 a minimum of five business days before each meeting.


NOTE: Not everyone has the time or money to travel to all the meetings held by the Michigan DNR. Following the links provided (www.michigan.gov/forestplan) allows anyone to review all the information available and than submit their comments to the contact person for inclusion for the public comment period.