LANSING, MI (AP)-- The Michigan Department of Natural Resources says Director Keith Creagh has approved final versions of plans designed to help sustainably manage about 4 million acres of state-owned forest land.
The three plans deal separately with the Eastern Upper Peninsula, Western Upper Peninsula, and Northern Lower Peninsula.
The DNR said Monday that it developed the plans with input from a variety of interests including government outdoor recreation, the forest resources industry, conservation, and individual citizens.
Besides protecting wildlife habitat and recreation opportunities, the plans are meant to direct the DNR's oversight of logging and other treatments. Forest Resources Division Chief Bill O'Neill says they will ensure more timber harvesting while protecting resources.
