The Department of Natural Resources will host an open house Oct. 23 in Marquette to provide information and receive public comment on proposed forest management treatments for 2016 in the Gwinn management unit, which includes the west section of Alger County and all of Marquette County. The open house is set for:
- Thursday, Oct. 23, 4-8 p.m.
Marquette Township Hall, 1000 Commerce Drive, Marquette
Each year, DNR personnel evaluate one-tenth of the state forest within the Gwinn management unit. The inventory provides key decision-making information for forestry, wildlife, fisheries and other resource managers. The age, health, quality and quantity of trees and other vegetation are assessed to enable DNR staff to make informed management decisions. Timber management, wildlife and fisheries habitat, recreational use, wildfire potential, rare species, archeological sites, and social concerns are just some of the topics taken into consideration during this review.
Because the forest is inventoried approximately two years in advance, a year of entry is assigned to indicate when treatments will be prepared. Information currently under review has a 2016 year of entry. This means that treatment activities on lands being reviewed this year will actually begin in fiscal year 2016. Timber harvest decisions made this fall will start to be implemented on the ground beginning in October 2015.
Proposed treatments, which may include timber harvesting, replanting and other management activities, are designed to ensure the sustainability of all forest resources.
“Open houses are a good way for interested residents, neighbors and stakeholders to learn about the DNR’s proposed treatment plans and to share input with foresters and biologists before any final decisions are made,” said Bill O’Neill, chief of the DNR’s Forest Resources Division.
“This year we’re inviting folks who might not be able to get to a meeting to share their comments via email with unit managers,” he added. “When it comes to the health and sustainability of our state forests, we want the planning process to be as inclusive as possible.”
To more easily and efficiently oversee the forest resources, the DNR divides each management unit into smaller units or “compartments.” This year, the compartments under review are in Limestone Township (Alger County); and Champion, Chocolay, Ewing, Forsyth, Humboldt, Marquette, Sands, Skandia, Tilden, Turin and Wells townships (Marquette County).
Maps and information regarding proposed treatments will be available at the open house. The information can also be found at www.michigan.gov/forestry. Compartment review packets for the 2016 year of entry can be found by selecting the shown map and clicking on the “Gwinn” button. Records of decisions, recorded timber harvests and other treatments for past years are available on this page.
On Nov. 7, the DNR will complete its formal compartment review to decide on final treatment plans for these areas. That review will take place:
- Friday, Nov. 7, 9:30 a.m.
Peter White Public Library conference room, 217 N. Front St., Marquette
Persons with disabilities who need accommodations for either meeting should contact Jim Ferris, 906-346-9201.
Anyone unable to attend either meeting may submit comments via email to Jim Ferris (ferrisj@michigan.gov) using the subject line “Gwinn state forest open house comment.”
For more information about the state forest planning process, visit www.michigan.gov/forestplan.
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