DNR seeks public input on Fayette plan
FAYETTE — The Michigan Department of Natural Resources is seeking public input on a new draft general management plan for Fayette Historic State Park. The DNR will host a public meeting Tuesday, May 22, from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Garden Township Hall, 6316 State St. Garden.
The general management plan defines a long-range (10 to 20 years) planning and management strategy that will assist the DNR in meeting its responsibilities to:
– protect and preserve the site’s natural and cultural resources
– provide access to land- and water-based public recreation and educational opportunities.
The draft general management plan was developed after input was gathered from the public and stakeholders via an online survey this past fall.
A link to the draft general management plan for Fayette Historic State Park can be found at michigan.gov/fayette.
The 711-acre state park is located on the shores of Big Bay De Noc on the Garden Peninsula. The park features a historic townsite that once was a bustling iron smelting industrial community surrounding Snail Shell Harbor. More than 20 historic buildings and a visitors center provide opportunities for visitors to learn about life in a 19th-century industrial town through interpretation provided by the Michigan History Center. The park also is home to a modern campground, a newly renovated public harbor with 15 transient slips, boat launch, beach and five miles of trails for hiking and cross-country skiing that feature impressive views from the limestone cliffs that surround the harbor.
The May 22 meeting will begin with a short overview presentation of the draft plan. The public is welcome to attend the meeting at any time during the 90-minute period to review the planning materials, provide comments and talk to DNR staff. Comments also may be sent via email through May 29 to Matt Lincoln at lincolnm@michigan.gov.
For more information about the public meeting or the proposed plan, contact Matt Lincoln, DNR park management plan assistant, at 517-284-6111 (TTY/TDD711 Michigan Relay Center for the hearing impaired) or via email at lincolnm@michigan.gov. Anyone with disabilities who needs accommodations for the meeting should contact Lincoln at least five business days before the meeting.