The DNR responsibly manages 3.9 million acres of state forest land using such techniques as timber harvests, planting and prescribed burns to keep forests thriving and healthy.
To make the work more efficient and easier to oversee, the DNR divides those millions of acres into 15 forest management units, which are further divided into compartments. Management activity in each forest management unit is finalized two years in advance, and each compartment is formally reviewed once every 10 years. This summer and fall, recommendations for 2023 are being presented.
At this time, open houses are being held virtually, with input invited by email, phone or mail during the designated time frame. This gives people the opportunity to offer feedback to foresters, wildlife biologists and other DNR professionals regarding forest plans.
After the end of each comment period, a public compartment review meeting will take place, where foresters present the DNR’s final decisions on management activities. The DNR reviews 10% of the state forest annually. That equates to about 400,000 acres or roughly 220 compartments.
For more information, including a link to the interactive forest map showing details of all forest management activities, visit Michigan.gov/ForestInput.
Below are the comment periods taking place in July and the related compartment reviews. Contact the area unit manager to make arrangements to view the compartment review meeting online or listen over the phone.
- Cadillac: Comments through Aug. 4; compartment review is Sept. 7. Contact Dave Fisher, 231-745-4651, ext. 6946.
- Escanaba: Comments July 11-Aug. 10; compartment review is Aug. 31. Eric Thompson, 906-786-2354, ext. 142.
- Gladwin: Comments through July 21; compartment review is July 27. Contact Patrick Mohney, 989-387-8189.
- Pigeon River Country: Comments through July 20; compartment review is Aug. 17. Contact Mark Monroe, 989-329-9827.
- Roscommon: Comments July 12-Aug. 11; compartment review is Sept. 14. Doug Bates, 989-275-5151, ext. 2722740.
- Traverse City: Comments through July 14; compartment review is July 20. Contact Paul Roell, 231-384-0170.
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