Public Meeting for the Escanaba to Hermansville Rail-Trail Set for April 5

The Department of Natural Resources will host a public meeting Tuesday, April 5, to review proposed alternatives on the future use of the Escanaba to Hermansville Rail-Trail. The meeting will begin at 6 p.m. and will take place at the Bay College Heirman University Center, located at 2001 North Lincoln Rd. in Escanaba.

The meeting will open with a short presentation of the proposed alternatives, followed by an open comment period during which attendees may share their suggestions concerning the Escanaba to Hermansville Grade. The proposed alternatives will also be available for review on the DNR website, www.michigan.gov/dnr, after April 1, 2011.

The Escanaba to Hermansville Grade, also known as the “Hermanaba Trail,” is a former railroad grade acquired by the state in late 2007 with a Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund grant. The DNR is the designated agent in matters related to the management, operation and use of the grade for recreation trail purposes.

Anyone unable to attend the public meeting who would like to provide comments may do so in writing until May 5, 2011. Written comments should be sent to: Department of Natural Resources, 6833 Hwy 2, 41 & M-35, Gladstone, Michigan 49837, Attn: Eric W. Thompson, Unit Manager. Comments will also be received electronically at DNR-RTS@michigan.gov.

Persons with disabilities needing accommodations for the Escanaba to Hermansville Rail-Trail public input meeting should contact Eric Thompson at 906-786-2354, extension 142, a minimum of five business days before this meeting. Requests made less than five business days before this event may not be accommodated.

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources is committed to the conservation, protection, management, use and enjoyment of the state’s natural and cultural resources for current and future generations. For more information, go to www.michigan.gov/dnr.