Public Input Wanted on Habitat Management for Wildlife

[Skunk]

DNR Seeks Public Input on Habitat Management for Wildlife

Contact:  Kerry Fitzpatrick 517-373-1263
Agency: Natural Resources

Dec. 22, 2009

The Department of Natural Resources will hold a public meeting in January to help wildlife officials identify species in need of special attention as the DNR develops habitat management plans across the state.

The meeting is scheduled for Jan. 14 from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at the Mt. Pleasant Comfort Inn & Suites, located at 2424 South Mission St. in Mt. Pleasant.

The DNR Wildlife Division recently has completed a management plan for bears and currently is writing a plan for white-tailed deer. In addition, wildlife officials have developed a list of featured species and are asking the public to help focus on the habitat needs of those and other species.

"Knowing which wildlife species Michigan citizens value most will help in the effective management of wildlife habitat," said DNR wildlife habitat specialist Kerry Fitzpatrick. "These meetings are an important step in creating a wildlife habitat program."

Featured species are those that are highly valued and have a habitat issue the DNR can address. They may include mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians or insects. The needs of these species will impact habitat management decisions.

"We're asking the public: Did we miss any important species?" Fitzpatrick said. "How should we prioritize these species? These are questions we need to answer before we embark on major habitat management efforts."

All interested parties are encouraged to attend and participate. Persons with disabilities needing accommodations for effective participation in the meeting should contact Kerry Fitzpatrick at (517) 373-1263 or fitzpatrickk@michigan.gov, at least seven days prior to the meeting to request mobility, visual, hearing or other assistance.

Written comments may be sent to Kerry Fitzpatrick, DNR Wildlife Division, P.O. Box 30444, Lansing, MI 48909-7944 or fitzpatrickk@michigan.gov. Written comments will be accepted until Jan. 15, 2010.

http://www.michigan.gov/dnr/0,1607,7-153-10371_10402-228447--,00.html

[theoldarcher]

Boy, if they were really interested, I think they should look at the loss of weedy roadside ditches and creek bankx, brushy fence rows, and complete eradication of wood lots.  Some wood lots in my area that are now gone were up to 200 acres.  I understand a farmer's point of view of planting every square inch he can for the income, but surely there could be incentives for leaving something for wildlife.  In St. Joseph County, we have lost hundreds of acres of brush from creek and drainage banks, as well as road sides.  Woody fence rows by the mile have been cleared over the last 20 years.  They are now mostly clean and very sterile. Of course, gone are the rabbits, pheasants, and many other species that once utilized such cover.  I know the deer and, perhaps the bear, get much more attention, but small game could benefit from more hands-on management.

Arch 

[petemi]

Arch, I gotta agree wid ya.  Modern agribusiness has no desire for fences and hedgerows, ditches and gullies or wood lots.  The larger the totally cleared area, the bigger the equipment they can use, the faster they get done and the higher their profit margin.  Yeah, as a kid, I took a lot of pheasant, bunnies, woodchucks and squirrels from around the no longer existant edges.  My 120 acres is just a drop in the bucket, but we manage it in the old way, incorporating new ideas also that help to support wildlife.  Selective cuts, creation of brush piles, crop rotation, maintenance of wild fruit and mast trees, etc. are some of the things we do.  And yes, the field margins are intact.

Pete

[petemi]

We're asking the public: Did we miss any important species?" Fitzpatrick said. "How should we prioritize these species? These are questions we need to answer before we embark on major habitat management efforts."

I guess perhaps they flunked their wildlife management classes.  All species are important and interdependent.  If ya don't have cadis nymphs and mayflies, ya don't have brook trout......etc., etc., etc.  Just my two cents.  They've gotta focus on the whole picture.

Pete

[Skunk]

You guys have some very good ideas. Not sure how close you want to get with your DNR, but you guys would be perfect candidates to send them a letter or e-mail with your thoughts.