2207 - MANAGEMENT OF STATE FORESTS
Issued May 11, 1979

Commission Policy No. 2207 Dated: June 9, 1978

MANAGEMENT OF STATE FORESTS

Michigan's dedicated state forests comprise about 3,800,000 acres in the northern two-thirds of the state.  Their origin dates back to 1903 when certain state-owned lands were designated as forest reserves by the Michigan Forestry Commission.

The present state forest acreage came into state ownership by several routes, most through tax reversion but also through purchase, gifts, and federal grants.

With large increases in demand for goods, services, and recreational experiences provided by forests, public forest resource management has become ever more complex and will increase in complexity.  Public interest is now focused on enhancing the role of Michigan's forest products as one way of developing a more diverse, less vulnerable state economy.  Equal public interest is centered on the state forests as a recreational and environmental protection base which is also of great economic value.  It is vital that forest resources be managed to make an increasing contribution to regional economic development, and that this be done in ways which protect other forest resource values.  The state forests are vital to Michigan's economic and recreational base.

The Department shall consider all the values of forest resources.  These include their commercial product values, environmental and natural values, recreation values, and other direct public uses of forest resources.

The Department shall manage the total forest system under a management concept which will yield a combination of products, services and total values to meet the economic and environmental needs of present and future generations.  All important products of forest resources -- timber, fish and wildlife, minerals (including oil and gas), recreation, environmental, and aesthetic values -- shall be given fair and equitable consideration.

The Department’s  shall use a key value approach in managing specific geographic areas within the state forest system.  Primary uses will be identified for particular places and situations.  Secondary uses will be developed for those specific primary areas where they are compatible with the primary use.

The key value system will be used to reduce or eliminate resource conflicts.  To the extent possible, conflicting uses will be separated by assigning them to different locations within a state forest area, or by assigning them to different forest areas.  Mixed-use zones will be managed for a combination of compatible values, with none being preeminent.  The contribution of products, services, and values from neighboring national forests and private lands shall be considered in concert with the goals of state forest lands and the management programs on state-owned lands.

Preliminary productivity data indicate at least one-fourth of the state forest system should be managed with timber growth and harvest as the key values.  Major timber growing efforts, including the Forest Cultivation Program, shall be focused on at least 800,000-plus acres.  Similarly, extensive areas will be designated for other key values including wildlife, developed recreation, and many other values.

Lands acquired within the state forests with the Fish and Game Protection Fund and through Pittman-Robertson legislation will be managed in accordance with provisions of these acts.  Key values will be established in accordance with Natural Resources Commission Policy 2609 on Management of State Game and Wildlife Areas.

The importance of state forests, particularly their timber and wildlife resources, to regional economic and community development is recognized.

The Department shall develop a comprehensive management plan for each designated state forest through Forest Management Division in conjunction with Wildlife, Fisheries, Geological Survey, and other appropriate Divisions.  The Department shall submit this plan to the Natural Resources Commission for approval.

Adopted by the Natural Resources Commission May 11, 1979.

Procedure No. 2207.7.