The Department of Natural Resources will hold two public meetings in December to help wildlife officials identify species in need of special attention as the DNR develops habitat management plans across the state.

The meetings are scheduled for Dec. 8 at the Munising-Wetmore Area Super 8 Motel, located at East Hwy 28 and Federal Hwy 13 in Munising, and Dec. 9 at the Mt. Pleasant Comfort Inn & Suites, located at 2424 South Mission St. in Mt. Pleasant. Both meetings will be from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.

The DNR Wildlife Division recently has completed a management plan for bears and currently is writing a plan for white-tailed deer. In addition, wildlife officials have developed a list of featured species and are asking the public to help focus on the habitat needs of those and other species.

"Knowing which wildlife species Michigan citizens value most will help in the effective management of wildlife habitat," said DNR wildlife habitat specialist Kerry Fitzpatrick. "These meetings are an important step in creating a wildlife habitat program."

Featured species are those that are highly valued and have a habitat issue the DNR can address. They may include mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians or insects. The needs of these species will impact habitat management decisions.

"We're asking the public: Did we miss any important species?" Fitzpatrick said. "How should we prioritize these species? These are questions we need to answer before we embark on major habitat management efforts."

All interested parties are encouraged to attend and participate. Persons with disabilities needing accommodations for effective participation in the meetings should contact Kerry Fitzpatrick at (517) 373-1263 or fitzpatrickk@michigan.gov, at least seven days prior to the meeting to request mobility, visual, hearing or other assistance.

Written comments may be sent to Kerry Fitzpatrick, DNR Wildlife Division, P.O. Box 30444, Lansing, MI 48909-7944 or fitzpatrickk@michigan.gov. Written comments will be accepted until Dec. 15, 2009.