DNR seeks public input on draft land management plan at regional open houses

Draft DNR Public Land Management Strategy April 1 416415 7

A series of informational open houses is planned to give Michiganders an opportunity to provide input on a draft land management plan developed by the Department of Natural Resources with the assistance of an advisory group.

The plan, which outlines a strategy for DNR-managed public lands, is a requirement under a law signed by Gov. Rick Snyder last year that capped how much land the DNR can acquire for public use.

The draft land use strategy calls for improved access on DNR-managed public lands and, for the first time, sets a standard for public access to the Great Lakes and rivers. The draft plan also includes a new strategy for the possible disposal of approximately 250,000 acres of DNR-managed public lands and promotes increased opportunities in southern Michigan. The plan also discusses objectives to grow Michigan’s natural resources-based economy through the use of DNR-managed public lands. The DNR will seek additional regional input during the plan review process.

“The use and enjoyment of public land for not only recreation, but for natural resources-based businesses, is the focus of this land strategy,” said DNR Director Keith Creagh. “This draft plan lays out a coherent and complete strategy with an eye to the immediate future, but also remains adaptable to meet emerging trends and shifts in land use and ownership. We welcome further public input on the plan.”

The regional meetings (which will be held from 6-8 p.m. in all locations) are planned for:

• Tuesday, April 9, at Lookout Lodge, 1712 Scott Lake Road, Waterford
• Wednesday, April 10, at Burnham Brook Community Center, 200 W Michigan Ave., Battle Creek
• Thursday, April 11, at Redding Township Hall, 8391 W. Temple Drive, Harrison
• Monday, April 15, at East Bay Township Hall, 1965 3 Mile Road North, Traverse City
• Tuesday, April 16, at Livingston Township Hall, 3218 N. Old 27, Gaylord
• Wednesday, April 17, Peter White Room in the Don H. Bottum University Center, Northern Michigan University, 1401 Presque Isle Ave., Marquette 
• Thursday, April 18, Little Bear East Arena, 275 Marquette St., St. Ignace
• Monday, April 22, Michigan Department of Transportation’s Grand Rapids Transportation Service Center, 2660 Leonard St. NE, Grand Rapids
• Thursday, April 25, Delta College Planetarium and Learning Center, 100 Center Ave., Bay City

At the meetings, DNR staff will give a brief overview of the plan and then ask the public to join them in small group discussions on various aspects of the plan to gather feedback. Other options for public feedback will also be made available at the meeting, including sending comments via email to DNRlandplan@michigan.gov.

The draft plan and supporting documents will be available on the DNR website at www.michigan.gov/dnr in early April for public review and comment.