The Department of Natural Resources will host open houses on
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- Tuesday,
June 17, 3-7 p.m.
Gaylord Field Office, 1732 West M-32, Gaylord - Wednesday,
June 18, 3-7 p.m.
Indian River Field Office, 6984 Wilson Road, Indian River
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 2016 year of entry. This means that treatment activities on lands being reviewed this year will actually begin in 2016.
Proposed treatments, which may include timber harvesting, replanting and other management activities, are designed to ensure the sustainability of all forest resources.
“Open houses are a good way for interested residents, neighbors and stakeholders to learn about the DNR’s proposed treatment plans and to share input with foresters and biologists before any final decisions are made,” said Bill O’Neill, chief of the DNR’s Forest Resources Division.
“This year we’re inviting folks who might not be able to get to a meeting to share their comments via email with unit managers,” he added. “When it comes to the health and sustainability of our state forests, we want the planning process to be as inclusive as possible.”
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 Chestonia and Warner townships (Antrim County); Chandler and Peaine townships (Charlevoix County); Beaugrand, Ellis, Mentor, Mullett and Waverly townships (Cheboygan County); Bliss, Center and Springvale townships (Emmet County); Bois Blanc Township (Mackinac County); and Charlton and Otsego Lake townships (Otsego County).
Maps and information regarding proposed treatments will be available at the open house. The information can also be found at www.michigan.gov/forestry. Compartment review packets for the 2016 year of entry can be found by selecting the shown map and clicking on the “Gaylord” button. Records of decisions, recorded timber harvests and other treatments for past years are available on this page.
On July 17, the DNR will complete its formal compartment review to decide on final treatment plans for these areas. That review will take place:
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 2016 year of entry. This means that treatment activities on lands being reviewed this year will actually begin in 2016.
Proposed treatments, which may include timber harvesting, replanting and other management activities, are designed to ensure the sustainability of all forest resources.
“Open houses are a good way for interested residents, neighbors and stakeholders to learn about the DNR’s proposed treatment plans and to share input with foresters and biologists before any final decisions are made,” said Bill O’Neill, chief of the DNR’s Forest Resources Division.
“This year we’re inviting folks who might not be able to get to a meeting to share their comments via email with unit managers,” he added. “When it comes to the health and sustainability of our state forests, we want the planning process to be as inclusive as possible.”
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 Chestonia and Warner townships (Antrim County); Chandler and Peaine townships (Charlevoix County); Beaugrand, Ellis, Mentor, Mullett and Waverly townships (Cheboygan County); Bliss, Center and Springvale townships (Emmet County); Bois Blanc Township (Mackinac County); and Charlton and Otsego Lake townships (Otsego County).
Maps and information regarding proposed treatments will be available at the open house. The information can also be found at www.michigan.gov/forestry. Compartment review packets for the 2016 year of entry can be found by selecting the shown map and clicking on the “Gaylord” button. Records of decisions, recorded timber harvests and other treatments for past years are available on this page.
On July 17, the DNR will complete its formal compartment review to decide on final treatment plans for these areas. That review will take place:
- Thursday,
July 17, 9 a.m.
Citizens National Bank (basement), 3990 S. Straits Highway, Indian River
Persons with disabilities who need accommodations for either
meeting should contact Joyce Angel, 989-732-3541, ext. 5440, a minimum of five
business days before each meeting. Anyone unable to attend either
meeting may submit comments via email to Joyce Angel. Please use the subject
line: Gaylord state forest open house comment. All comments must be received at
least three business days before each meeting.
For more information about the state forest planning process, visit www.michigan.gov/forestplan.
For more information about the state forest planning process, visit www.michigan.gov/forestplan.
