Michigan DNR submits strategic land-management plan to governor; objectives include protecting natural resources, supporting local economies and land-based industries such as timber and mining, providing public access for recreation

Audrey Dixon

LANSING, Michigan , July 29, 2013 (Associated Press) – The Michigan Department of Natural Resources has submitted a strategic land-management plan to Gov. Rick Snyder that could be reviewed soon by the Legislature.

The Detroit Free Press reports (http://on.freep.com/18MsyUL ) Monday that the plan's objectives include protecting natural resources, supporting local economies and land-based industries such as timber and mining, and providing quality outdoor recreation that the public can access.

Donna Stine, policy coordinator for the DNR, says it's the first time the department has looked at land it owns in such a strategic way.

Last year, Snyder signed a bill that severely constrained Michigan's ability to acquire more land for public use until a comprehensive plan for managing the property was adopted by May 1, 2015. It set a limit on the state's holdings of about 4.6 million acres.

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Information from: Detroit Free Press, http://www.freep.com