Michigan DNR will release for public comment a draft of the new State Forest Management Plan
Development of the Draft Management Plan was a monumental undertaking by the DNR and will set the 10-year goals, objectives, and long-term desired future conditions for the 4-million-acre State Forest system. This Plan is necessary to ensure the long-term sustainable management of the State Forest and to make sure the forest products we derive today – timber, wildlife, recreation, etc. are available for future generations.
During an earlier phase in Plan development, focused on draft desired future conditions, Michigan BHA applauded the DNR’s use of state-of-the art modelling to integrate timber and wildlife values. At the same time, we noted the absence of desired future conditions for roadless areas and their importance to wildlife habitat and remote backcountry hunting and fishing opportunities.
With the release of the entire Draft Management Plan, Michigan BHA will look for a more explicit and long-term recognition of the value of roadless areas and backcountry hunting and fishing opportunities, and the need to plan for their availability to future generations.
The DNR will host a webinar at 1pm September 5th to release the Plan, provide an overview, and answer questions. A series of public engagement meetings, held at various locations around the State, during the month of September will follow. Public comments will be accepted by the DNR through October 4th. See the link below for details on the webinar, meetings, and how to submit comments.
Review DNR’s state forest plan, provide your input next month (govdelivery.com)
Michigan BHA
You can email us at: [email protected] or reach out to our chapter coordinator Jameson Hibbs at: [email protected]
About Michigan BHA
Our chapter is dedicated to serving the interests of conservation and access to clean public lands and waters. Through planning, collaboration, and dedication, we will make a difference.