2402 - PARKS - MINERAL AND TIMBER RESOURCES AND FOREST FIRE CONTROL IN STATE PARKS
Issued January 1, 1977

PARKS - MINERAL AND TIMBER RESOURCES AND FOREST FIRE CONTROLINSTATE PARKS

Parks

It is the responsibility of the Department, as authorized in Act 218, Public Acts of 1919, the Michigan Park Commission Act, to regulate the use of State Parks and Recreation Areas to conserve the scenery, the natural and historic features and the wildlife found thereon and to provide for the enjoyment of these features and aspects by the people of the State in such a way as to assure preservation for the enjoyment of future generations.  Extraction of mineral resources, cutting of timber, control of forest fires and diseases bear heavily on these responsibilities.

The mineral resources in State Parks shall not be exploited or mined for commercial purposes.  In special cases they may be used for park development or maintenance purposes.  Under certain special circumstances it may be considered prudent to allow removal of timber products.  Infestations of tree diseases shall be detected and brought under control without delay.  Park personnel shall cooperate to the fullest extent possible, both on-duty and off-duty, in the prevention and suppression of forest fires.  Protection and enhancement of the natural and historic features, the wildlife and the scenic beauty of parks are always the paramount considerations.

1.         If gravel, sand, topsoil, or sod are used for park development or maintenance, the removal shall be done in such a way that it does not destroy the natural or scenic features of the area.

2.         Normally timber harvesting shall be restricted to dead or down trees and those removed in the process of park development.

3.         While not responsible for forest fire control, park personnel shall, at all times, cooperate in the prevention and suppression of forest fires.

Procedure is contained in Parks Division manual - No. 36.