 The DNR welcomes public input on its plans for Michigan’s 4 million acres of state forest.
Due to COVID-19 precautions, the format has changed for 2020. Rather than hosting face-to-face open houses, people will be asked to offer input online.
“We value public input, and we want to continue it while maintaining safe social distances,” said Jeff Stampfly, acting chief of the DNR’s Forest Resources Division.
Here is how the process will work this year.
Go to Michigan.gov/ForestInput and click on the interactive map. Zoom in to your area of interest. As you zoom in, more details will appear. Sections of forest – referred to as “compartments” – under review for work to be done in 2022 are highlighted in bright green. Click anywhere within the compartment, and a pop-up screen will appear with more information.
You may submit comments by email or schedule a telephone appointment with a DNR staffer during specific time periods in each forest management unit to discuss your comments or concerns. The July schedule includes:
- Atlanta FMU: June 9 through July 9; contact Cody Stevens, 989-785-4251.
- Cadillac FMU: July 6 through Aug. 5; contact Dave Fisher, 231-745-4651, ext. 6946.
- Roscommon FMU: July 27 through Aug. 8; contact Patrick Mohney, 989-387-8189.
See a full virtual comment period schedule.
After public input is received and considered, final decisions will be made at DNR staff meetings known as compartment reviews. The public is welcome to listen to this year’s virtual meetings over the phone. Contact the listed unit manager for details of joining a compartment review phone call.
For more information on open houses, compartment reviews and instructions for using the interactive map, go to Michigan.gov/ForestInput. |
Several state parks in southern Michigan will host volunteer stewardship workdays in July. Volunteers are needed to help with removing invasive plants that threaten high-quality ecosystems in the parks.