The Department of Natural Resources will host a public meeting Wednesday, May 6, 2009, to gather input on the future use of the Escanaba to Hermansville Grade. The meeting will begin at 6:30 p.m. in rooms 952 and 958 of the Bay College Heirman University Center, located at 2001 North Lincoln Road, Escanaba.

DNR staff will open the meeting with a short presentation, followed by an open comment period during which attendees may share their suggestions concerning the Escanaba to Hermansville Grade. This public input will be given consideration when the DNR begins planning future use of the grade. The DNR has not yet developed any plans for future use of the grade.

The Escanaba to Hermansville Grade, also known as the "Hermanaba Trail," is a former railroad grade acquired by the state in late 2007 with a grant from the Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund. The DNR is the designated agent in matters related to the management, operation and use of the grade for recreation trail purposes.

Anyone unable to attend the public meeting who would like to provide comments may do so in writing until June 5, 2009. Written comments should be sent to: Department of Natural Resources, Attn: Eric W. Thompson, 6833 Hwy 2, 41 & M-35, Gladstone, MI 49837.

Persons with disabilities needing accommodations for this meeting should contact Eric W. Thompson at (906) 786-2354, ext. 142, a minimum of five business days before the meeting. Requests made less than five business days before this event may not be accommodated.