Michigan DNR Invites Public Input on Forest Management in Marquette and Alger Counties
OutdoorHub 08.30.11
The Department of Natural Resources will host an open house on Tuesday, Sept. 27, to provide information and receive public comment on proposed forest management treatments in the Gwinn Management Unit for 2013. The open house will be held from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Gwinn High School Library, located at 50 West M-35 in Gwinn.
“This open house offers a chance for the public to learn what we are planning for state forest lands locally and to provide their input on proposals ranging from timber sales to habitat improvement projects,” said DNR Gwinn Unit Manager Jim Ferris. “DNR foresters and biologists will be in attendance to answer questions and we look forward to interacting with interested citizens.”
Each year, DNR personnel inventory and evaluate one-tenth of the state forest. Information gathered includes the health, quality and quantity of all vegetation; wildlife and fisheries habitat and needs; archeological sites; minerals; recreational use; wildfire potential and social factors, including proximity to roads and neighborhoods; and use on adjacent public and private lands. Proposed treatments, which may include timber harvesting, replanting, and other management activities, are designed to ensure the sustainability of the resources and ecosystems.
“Public input provided during the open house plays an important role in the planning process for state forest land management, and we encourage active participation by our local residents and stakeholders.” Ferris said.
Maps and information regarding the proposed treatments will be available at the open house, and can be accessed online at www.michigan.gov/forestplan.
Each forest management unit is divided into smaller units or “compartments” to facilitate better administration of the resources. Compartments under review in the Gwinn Management Unit are in Rock River Township in Alger County; and Champion, Chocolay, Ely, Ewing, Forsyth, Sands, Tilden, Turin, and Wells townships in Marquette County.
The formal compartment review to decide on prescriptions for these areas is scheduled for 9:30 a.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 11, at the Peter White Public Library Community Room in Marquette.
Persons with disabilities needing accommodations for the Gwinn Forest Management Unit Open House should contact Jim Ferris, at 906-346-9201, a minimum of five business days before the event.
The Michigan Department of Natural Resources is committed to the conservation, protection, management, use and enjoyment of the state’s natural and cultural resources for current and future generations. For more information, go to www.michigan.gov/dnr.
