The public is invited to discuss local wildlife issues with Department of Natural Resources' Wildlife Division Southwestern Management Unit staff at a meeting on Wednesday, Sept. 24, in Grand Rapids. The meeting will be held from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the Howard Johnson Plaza Hotel, 255 28th Street SW in Grand Rapids.

The Southwestern Management Unit covers the following counties: Allegan, Barry, Berrien, Branch, Calhoun, Cass, Kalamazoo, Kent, Muskegon, Ottawa, St. Joseph, and Van Buren.

The intent of the meeting is to introduce local staff, highlight wildlife habitat and other projects that are planned for the upcoming year, and provide a question and answer period for attendees. In addition, an update will be provided on the status of Michigan's surveillance efforts for Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) in white-tailed deer.

"We feel it is important for residents to be involved with local wildlife issues. It is our desire to use the public meeting process as a way to provide information and exchange ideas with residents in the Southwestern Management Unit," said Sara Schaefer, Southwestern Management Unit supervisor.

Individuals attending these meetings are requested to refrain from using heavily-scented personal care products, in order to enhance accessibility for everyone. Persons with disabilities needing accommodations for the meeting should contact Cindy McQueer at 269-673-2430, a minimum of five business days before the meeting. Requests made less than five business days before the event may not be accommodated.