U.P. meetings scheduled for DNR black bear management plans

MARQUETTE - Michigan Department of Natural Resources will hold five public meetings next month, including two in the Upper Peninsula, to allow public participation in the state's black bear management planning process.

The five meetings will be held across Michigan to discuss regional bear issues.

"These meetings are an important first step in creating a bear management plan that includes the opinions of all Michigan citizens," said Adam Bump, a DNR bear specialist. "We need to understand the various issues that stakeholders have and inform the public about the science behind bear management."

Throughout the next nine months, the DNR will be working with regional and statewide stakeholder groups to receive input on bear management concerns and guidance on potential bear management strategies.

The DNR plans to have a bear management plan in draft format by winter 2009.

The locations and dates for the Upper Peninsula meetings are 6-9 p.m. Aug. 5 in Crystal Falls at the Crystal Falls Township Hall, 6-9 p.m. Aug. 6 in Newberry at America's Best Value Inn, located at 12956 M-28.

The remaining sessions will be held downstate on Aug. 11 in Hillman, Aug. 12 in Cadillac and Aug. 18.

Persons with disabilities needing accommodations for effective participation in the meeting should contact Pauline Gray at 517-373-1263 or grayp@michigan.gov, at least seven days prior to the meeting date to request mobility, visual, hearing, or other assistance.

Written comments may also be submitted by e-mail or U.S. mail. Send comments to Adam Bump, DNR Wildlife Division, P.O. Box 30444, Lansing, MI 48909 or via e-mail at: dnr-wld-wild@michigan.gov.