Michigan's world-class state forests offer rustic adventure and enjoyment, provide critical habitat for wildlife, and fuel a vital timber industry. Sustaining our state forests is a huge responsibility, requiring thoughtful and inclusive long-term planning. Historically, Michigan has benefited from state forest planning efforts at the local and state level. Today, the DNR and many stakeholders are working to create Regional State Forest Management Plans (RSFMPs) that:
Recognize the unique needs of individual management areas;
Account for regional needs;
Better inform and guide management and operational decisions and
Help improve communication among all interested individuals and organizations.
Public review of and comment on these draft regional plans are essential parts of the process. Below, we offer information about how the regional plans were designed, the review process, and - most importantly - how people can easily participate.
• WebinarThis webinar is an introduction to the draft plans that explains how they are organized and what you can expect to find.
The Process
• Next StepsThe public review period, which closed March 8, 2013, brought in more than 400 comments and suggestions. Thanks to everyone who took the time to contribute. The DNR will now review that input, identify topics that may benefit from further discussion with stakeholders, and consider revisions to the draft plans. Public meetings will be scheduled through May for stakeholders and individuals who want to talk about those identified topics. Final draft plans will be made available for public review at Natural Resources Commission meetings in October and November. Final, approved plans are expected to be posted on this website by November 30, 2013.
• ImplementationImplementation of the Regional State Forest Management Plans will begin after approval by the Director. Implementation will continue over the planned, 10-year life of these versions of the plan.
• Contact UsStill have questions? Contact us. If you have questions regarding specific plans prior to the meetings, you may contact DNR Forest Resources Division (FRD) inventory planning specialists and/or Wildlife Division (WLD) ecologists by email at forestplancomments@michigan.gov or by calling one of the following region-specific staff members:
Northern Lower Peninsula
Tom Haxby (FRD planning specialist), 231-775-9727
Keith Kintigh (WLD ecologist), 989-732-3541
Eastern Upper Peninsula
Kristen Matson (FRD planning specialist), 906-293-5131
Sherry MacKinnon (WLD ecologist), 906-293-5131
Western Upper Peninsula
John Hamel (FRD planning specialist), 906-228-6561
