To keep this natural treasure thriving, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has drafted a new State Forest Management Plan to guide the next 10 years.

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Crafted by the DNR’s team of forestry, wildlife, fisheries, and recreation planning experts, the plan is designed to balance the needs of the forest products industry and wildlife habitat, all while adapting to the realities of what they refer to as a changing climate.

“This 10-year plan helps instill confidence that our short-term management goals are helping to achieve long-term sustainability of both forest products and wildlife habitat,” said Dan Heckman, a planning and modeling specialist with the DNR’s Forest Resources Division. “This is also a climate- smart plan, with objectives and actions that will further guide effective management of the state forest in a changing climate.”

Branching out for public input.

To introduce the plan and gather public feedback, the DNR will host a webinar on Thursday, Sept. 5th, at 1 p.m. This virtual event will provide an overview of the plan and answer initial questions. Following the webinar, the draft plan will be available on the DNR’s state forest planning webpage, where feedback can be submitted via email to ForestPlanComments@Michigan.gov through Oct. 4th.

Additionally, a series of in-person informational meetings will be held in September in East Lansing, Grayling and Marquette with information available on these meetings here.

Deep roots: a legacy of conservation.

Michigan’s state forest system has deep roots dating back to 1903, established to prevent a cycle of deforestation and land mismanagement that plagued the state in the late 1800s and early 1900s. By the 1930s, the Department of Conservation – now known as the DNR – made the strategic decision to hold onto these lands rather than auction them off, setting the stage for a managed state forest that would benefit both the public and the natural environment.

Over the years, management practices have evolved, ensuring that the forest’s growth rings reflect a legacy of thoughtful stewardship. “From early, small-scale plans on paper to more complex, multiuse plans developed with forestry modeling software that ensures sustainable management, we’ve made great strides in managing Michigan’s state forest,” Heckman said. “With broad public review and thoughtful input to ensure a comprehensive State Forest Management Plan, we will continue that progress into the next 10 years and beyond.”