The DNR has completed the Michigan State Forest Management Plan. The plan covers 3.9 million acres of State forestland managed by the DNR, and is a requirement of state law and forest certification standards, under which the State of Michigan has operated since 2006. The plan addresses a broad variety of sustainable uses, including wood fiber production, conservation, wildlife habitat, recreation.

The plan supersedes the document "Operational Management Guidance for State-Owned Forest Lands" of August 24, 2005.

The document is formatted for two-sided printing, but will also print on single-sided printers. It may be downloaded as an entire document (4.7 MB), and in two sections (1.7 and 4.1 MB in size).

State Forest Management Plan - April 10, 2008 (4.7 MB) - Complete Version

Chapters 1 through 6 (4.1MB)

Appendices (1.7MB)

DNR responses to comments received during the January 29 - March 14, 2008 public comment period are provided below. Responses summaries are organized into four categories: general comments, recreation, wildlife and habitat, and vegetative management.

• General Comments
• Recreation
• Wildlife & Habitat
• Vegetative Management

Off-Road Vehicle (ORV) Management Plan -- Approved
Statutory regulation of Off-Road Vehicles (ORVs) began in Michigan with 1975 Public Act (PA) 319 (Act). The Act required the Department of Natural Resources (Department) to develop a comprehensive plan for the management of ORV use of areas, forest roads and forest trails, under the jurisdiction of the Department.