MDNR Northern Lake Michigan Islands Planning

[Pam Grassmick]

Information for those individuals interested in following the process:

Thank you for your interest and willingness to participate in the Michigan Department of Natural Resources planning effort for MDNR-administered lands on northern Lake Michigan Great Lakes islands. During the recent public comment period ending November 30, 2014, we received a great deal of input through 24 written correspondence and 3 public meetings attended by over 30 individuals. These comments have helped us to identify and solidify several important issues that we hope to address through the remainder of our planning effort. These issues in no particular order include:

· Invasive species control.

· American beech decline.

· Wildlife habitat management with an emphasis on early successional habitat and hard mast.

· Identification and protection of unique natural features.

· Recreational infrastructure development and maintenance including trail improvements, boating access, water trail development, remote airplane access, and outer-island shelter improvements.

· Partnerships and collaboration to prioritize and implement conservation projects and improve natural resource-based economies

· Environmental enforcement and cleanup



Our next step is to invite key partners together to help with the crafting of a final strategic plan for MDNR-Administered lands on the Islands. This effort will occur over the next several months. Our goal is to have a draft plan available for public review by the end of April with final Department approvals by mid-July. Thank you again for your interest in the conservation and management of public lands on Northern Lake Michigan Great Lakes Islands.



Sincerely,

Keith M. Kintigh
Wildlife Field Operations Manager
Northern Lower Peninsula
Michigan Department of Natural Resources
Cadillac Operations Service Center
8015 Mackinaw Trail
Cadillac, MI 49601
W: (231) 775-9727x6030
C: (989) 619-2296

We believe human well-being is directly tied to wildlife and wild places, so we work to conserve our wildlife resources. Won't you join us in a hunting, trapping or wildlife viewing experience soon?

[JFPowers]

Apparently the DNR is considering eliminating cormorant funding.

https://mucc.org/dnr-eliminating-cormor ... _campaign=

I guess it will be important to let this DNR representative know that this is a major concern as the fishery has shown improvement recently