Public Invited to May 14 Open House to Discuss Proposed Management Plan for Michigan’s Island Lake Recreation Area
OutdoorHub 05.01.12
The Department of Natural Resources today announced it will hold an open house on Monday, May 14, inviting the public to provide input on the proposed Phase 1 General Management Plan for Island Lake Recreation Area in Livingston and Oakland counties. The open house will run from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Lyon Oaks County Park Banquet Center, located at 52221 Pontiac Trail, in Wixom.
According to Ron Olson, chief of the DNR’s Parks and Recreation Division, these general management plans help staff update previous plans and create a long-term vision for the future.
“Quality outdoor recreation opportunities are critical for southeastern Michigan, and Island Lake is one of our gems,” Olson said. “We know many residents frequently visit this recreation area and that’s why it’s important for the public to be at the table as we plan for it in the long term. We want to hear their good ideas and suggestions.”
Island Lake Recreation Area provides more than 4,000 acres of public recreational property in Livingston and Oakland counties. The park is home to diverse natural and cultural resources, and has potential for the establishment of the largest oak barrens restoration in Michigan and, possibly, the Midwest. It includes Kent Lake (which connects to Kensington Metropark), Island Lake, Trout Lake, Spring Mill Pond, several lesser ponds, the Huron River (a state-designated Natural River) and a broad spectrum of recreation opportunities.
Along with one of the finest shooting ranges in the state, Island Lake Recreation Area also offers rustic camping, fishing, hunting and trapping, birding, and more than 18 miles of trails for hiking and mountain bike use. The park is linked to Kensington Metropark by both Kent Lake and the Huron Valley Trail.
The DNR’s planning consultant, Birchler Arroyo Associates, will host the open house and DNR staff will be available to participate in presenting an overview of the planning process and to address questions regarding the park and the planning efforts already under way.
For more information about this open house or the proposed plan, or for persons needing accommodations to attend this open house, contact Paul N. Curtis, DNR park management plan administrator, at 517-335-4832 (TTY/TDD711 Michigan Relay Center for the hearing impaired) at least five (5) business days before the open house.
