Freedom of Information Act (FOIA)

With few exceptions, any public record is available for viewing or copying by any person who provides a written request for the document with sufficient specificity that the document can be identified. All written requests for public records are handled as Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests. All Freedom of Information Requests are required to be in writing.

A person has the right to subscribe to future issuances of public records which are created, issued or disseminated on a regular basis for up to six (6) months. A "person" is defined in the act to mean an individual, corporation, limited liability company, partnership, firm, organization, association, governmental entity, or other legal entity. A person does not include an individual serving a sentence of imprisonment in a state or county correctional facility in this state or any other state, or in a federal correctional facility.

To Request Information Under FOIA:

All Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests must be addressed to the FOIA Officer. These requests should contain a detailed description of the desired information and must be in writing. They may be sent by mail or by FAX.

Request for Disclosure of DNR Records under the Freedom Of Information Act (pdf)

Mailing Address:

FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT OFFICER

EXECUTIVE DIVISION

MICHIGAN DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES

PO BOX 30028

LANSING MI 48909-7528

Telephone Number: 517-241-3252

Fax Number : (517) 335-4242

Fees

FOIA fees shall be charged for providing a copy of a public record. Fees shall be limited to actual mailing costs, duplication or publication costs including labor, and cost of search, examination, review and deletion and separation of exempt from nonexempt information. Costs for examination, review and the deletion and separation of exempt from nonexempt information may be charged.

FOR THE FIXED RATE OF SPECIFIC DIRECTORIES AND REPORTS, CONTACT THE FOIA OFFICER AT 517-241-3252 TO OBTAIN THE FEE WHICH MAY BE SENT AT THE SAME TIME AS THE REQUEST. All other requests will be invoiced prior to release of the documents. For requests estimated to total $50 or more, half of the estimate will be required to be paid, prior to preparation of the documents.

Response Time On FOIA Requests

All written requests shall be responded to within five (5) business days following the date the request is received. The five (5) day count begins the day after the receipt of the FOIA request by the FOIA Coordinator or her designee. The requester may be notified of a ten (10) day extension (business days) if the files are voluminous, at different locations, or if other reasons make it impossible to assemble and mail the request out within the five (5) day period. Items exempt from disclosure are found in MCLA 15.243.

Appointments may be made to review files in the office through a written request including the requestor's telephone number. The FOIA Officer/or other FOIA Designated Employee will contact the requestor by telephone to set up the appointment when the requested files are available for viewing.

Right To Appeal

A person denied in whole or part a request to inspect or receive a copy of a public record or portion of a public record may either appeal the denial to the Director of the Department of Natural Resources or commence an action in Circuit Court.

Additional Information

Attorney General, Summary of Michigan's Freedom of Information Act