Michigan invites public input on state forest habitat

The Department of Natural Resources is seeking to update its network of high conservation value areas (HCVAs), areas of state-managed lands that, among other values, contain rare or sensitive natural communities that add to the robustness and character of Michigan’s state forest land. This update is in response to findings from the 2013 annual DNR forest certification audit regarding DNR conformance to forest certification standards.

Specifically, the effort is necessary to maintain certification of the 4-million-acre state forest and to better meet standards of the Sustainable Forestry Initiative and Forest Stewardship Council.

The DNR has completed an extensive evaluation to identify areas for updating two HCVA categories: ecological reference areas (ERAs) and dedicated habitat areas (DHAs). The DHAs being considered are specifically for plant and animal species on DNR-managed lands that need areas of habitat in the core of a forest (away from forest edges) in order to survive. ERAs are recognized primarily on DNR-managed lands, but may also include some federal-administered lands (e.g., national parks, lakeshores and national forests), local government-administered lands and conservancy lands.

The DNR is conducting a stakeholder and public review period on the proposed ERAs and DHAs, their attributes and management options. All proposed areas are posted on the DNR website at: www.michigan.gov/forestcertification. The DNR is still working with federal and local ownerships as potential partners, which will likely result in additional ERAs on non-DNR lands being identified and added to this website in the future.

Bill O’Neill, chief of the DNR’s Forest Resources Division, said the feedback the department receives from the initial public review period (July 25 through Aug. 22, 2014) is an important part of the designation process.

“Successful management of Michigan’s state forest land requires discussions with a variety of stakeholders,” said O’Neill, who also serves as state forester. “We hope to receive many thoughtful comments regarding the proposed areas, which will help to ensure that our certified state forests continue to meet Michigan’s recreation, economic and conservation needs and help to ensure that the state’s rich biological heritage is conserved for future generations.”

A public webinar is set for Aug. 13, 2014, to provide information and answer questions regarding the ERAs and DHAs.

People who have further comments or ideas regarding the proposed areas are encouraged to submit them via email to [email protected], or by mail to DNR Forest Resources Division, Forest Planning and Operations Section, P.O. Box 30452, Lansing, MI 48909-7952. Comments will be accepted through Aug. 22, 2014.

After the initial public review period closes, the DNR will seek final approval of the plans by the DNR director at the September and October 2014 Natural Resources Commission meetings.

For more information about the webinar or the proposed ERAs and DHAs, contact David Price, DNR forest planning and inventory unit supervisor, ([email protected] or 517-284-5891) or visit www.michigan.gov/forestcertification and click on Proposed Update of Ecological Reference Areas and Dedicated Habitat Areas.

Contact: David Price, 517-284-5891 or Ed Golder, 517-284-5815