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DNR CELEBRATES 30 YEARS OF NATURAL AREAS PROGRAM LANSING - State Department of Natural Resources officials
today announced a summer-long, statewide tour highlighting
11 of more than 70 natural areas in Michigan.
The natural areas movement in Michigan originated in 1925,
when extensive tree cutting threatened the Porcupine
Mountains and state Parks Chief P.J. Hoffmaster recommended
that the Michigan Department of Conservation acquire the
area to preserve it. Over the years, generations of resource
managers have recognized that state park or other state land
designations alone are not enough to preserve Michigan's
virgin forests, waterfalls, scenic shorelines and other
ecological resources.
The Michigan Natural Resources Commission established DNR
guidelines in the 1950s and designated many natural areas
throughout the 1950s and 60s, but there was no legally
binding protection for natural areas until 1972 with passage
of the Wilderness and Natural Areas Act. Today, 20 areas on
state-owned land are dedicated under the natural areas
legislation, and 59 additional areas are protected as
natural areas through other means. The DNR protects more
than 130,000 acres statewide with this program.
"Natural areas represent the highest quality remnants of
Michigan's native ecosystems, natural communities and scenic
qualities," said DNR Natural Heritage Specialist Amy Clark
Eagle. "This program allows us to protect and preserve some
of Michigan's truly special places for future generations to
enjoy. We hope nature enthusiasts from all over the state
will join us for the various tours and interpretive
experiences we're planning for this year."
Detailed information about Michigan Natural Areas will soon
be available on the DNR Web site, www.midnr.com. For a list
of the areas that are scheduled to be part of the 30th
anniversary tour this year please call the contact listed
above.
Source: MDNR
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