Want to Weigh In on Aspens?

USDA Forest Service to Host Open Houses for Zone Aspen Project

The Huron-Manistee National Forests (HMNF) will be holding a series of three open houses to discuss the proposed Zone Aspen Project. The Baldwin/White Cloud and Cadillac/Manistee Ranger Districts are initiating an environmental analysis that includes even-aged regeneration harvesting of aspen and aspen-dominated stands on National Forest System lands. It will ensure future timber availability and utilization and improve forest conditions for wildlife. This project will be taking place across the entire Manistee National Forest.
 The public is invited to participate in any and/or all open houses, and resource staff will available to answer any questions about the project.
Meetings will be held at the following dates, locations, and times:
 
Baldwin/White Cloud Ranger Station
Conference Room
650 North Michigan Ave. Baldwin, MI 49304
Thursday, January 9, 2020
6:00 pm—7:30 pm
 
Norman Township Hall
1273 Seaman Road
Welston, MI 49689
Wednesday, January 15, 2020
6:00 pm—7:30 pm
 
Newago County Government Building
Newago County Board of Commissioners Room
1087 Newell Street
White Cloud, MI 49349
Thursday, January 16, 2020
6:00 pm—7:30 pm
 
The goal of this project is to manage the aspen forest resource of the Manistee National Forest to:

•      improve the growth and vigor of aspen stands
  
•      achieve a diversity of age-classes
•      provide a healthier ecosystem
•      improve wildlife habitat 

 
The public comment period will run from January 6, 2020—February 5, 2020. The comment period serves as both a scoping opportunity and as a designated period for public comment.
Project information can be found on our website:
https://storymaps.arcgis.com/stories/0b7607e6430f4b58b3168547bd3a4d51
 Submit comment forms electronically to: comments-eastern-huron-manistee-manistee@usda.gov
E-mail attachments must be readable by Microsoft Office 2000 or Adobe.  Please reference Zone Aspen Project in the subject line. Written comments can be sent to: Cadillac-Manistee Ranger District, 412 Red Apple Road, Manistee, MI 49660. 
 Questions regarding the proposed project can be directed to Mark Herberger at (231) 723-2211 ext. 3109 or at mark.herberger@usda.gov.