Highland Recreation Area Management Plan Phase 2

Public Input Meeting January 26, 2017

What is “Management Planning”?

Identify Core Values and Guiding Principals Define a Purpose and Significance of the park that

establishes the park’s Identity

Establishes a 20-year Management Zone Plan that provides specific guidance for stewardship, development, public use and park management

Develops 10-year Action Goals that address the desired future condition supported by the management zones

COMPLETED IN 2011

IN PROGRESS

Planning Process

We are here!

Mission Statements

DNR Mission Statement “The Michigan Department of Natural Resources is committed

to the conservation, protection, management, use and enjoyment of the state’s natural and cultural resources for current and future generations.”

PRD Mission Statement “The Parks and Recreation Division’s Mission is to acquire,

protect, and preserve the natural and cultural features of Michigan’s unique resources, and to provide access to land and water based public recreation and educational opportunities.”

2016 Parks and Recreation Division Funding Breakdown

Park Improvement- Recreation Passport

Fees, 20%

Park Improvement- Camping Fees, 41%

Park Improvement- Non-resident Motor Vehicle Permits, 4%

Park Improvement- Common Cash, 0%

Park Improvement- Miscellaneous

(Concessions, Use Permits Prod. Sales,

etc.), 3%

Park Endowment Funds, 31%

Park Background

• 5,900 acres in size with a main entrance from M-59 on the

south side. • Officially designated in 1943, incorporating the Dodge #10

Unit and the Edsel Ford Estate. • Home to diverse ecosystems, cultural resources and

recreational opportunities. • The park offers hunting, fishing, rustic camping, mountain

biking, wildlife viewing, cultural resource interpretation, horseback riding, field dog trial competition, hiking, cross-country skiing, swimming, and a model airplane field to a large Southeast Michigan population.

Significance Statements

• Provides large tracts of unfragmented natural resource

ecosystems • Haven Hill wetlands and forest complex which is a National

Natural Landmark and a State Natural Area • Edsel Ford Estate resources including the gatehouse, lodge

foundation and sheep barn • Offers prime location for the protection of threatened and

endangered species • Home to variety of wildlife, providing great opportunities

for viewing

Significance Statements

• Affords year round park activities to a large population in

Southeast Michigan • Serves as an important regional hub for green

infrastructure, linking trails and greenspace throughout the region

• Supplies public access to large area for hunting • Field Trial area for training and competition of dog breeds • Adds more than $2.5 million to the local economy in direct

spending

Management Zones

Management Zone Resource Visitor Development Condition Experience (1)Ecologically Sensitive Pristine Restricted None (2)Primitive (3)Backcountry (4)Cultural Landscape (5)Education (6)Scenic (7)Field Trial (8)Natural Resource Recreation (9)Developed Recreation (10)Visitor Services Highly High Use Highly Modified Developed

Management Zone Map

Changes since Phase 1 Plan

21 acres added to the park on Duck Lake Road

2.8 mile long Cedar Creek multi-use trail

New concrete planks and skid piers installed at Teeple Lake and Lower Pettibone lake Boating Access Sites

Riding stable removed

Alderman Lake fishing pier rebuilt

Wells upgraded at rustic campground and Goose Meadow day use area

Edsel Ford sheep barn stabilized

10-year Action Goals Criteria

Address desired future condition in each Management

Zone Implementation items for DNR Staff Identify a target completion date, staff and partners Does not guarantee funding for implementation Action goals address the following categories

o Natural Resources o Historic/Cultural Resources o Recreation Opportunities o Education/Interpretation Opportunities o Management Focus o Visitor Experience o Development

10-year Action Goals

• Expansion of family/youth activities at the park

• Beginner mountain bike trail loop

• East-West Connector trail concept development

• Explorer Guide Program

• Collaborate with local partners to promote park

• Local business sponsorships

• Collaborate with local partners for all mutual goals

10-year Action Goals

• Upgrade signage to the park and on trails

• Protect, restore and promote Haven Hill Natural Area

• Define future use of Ford Estate buildings

• Evaluate campground improvements (ADA, electric,

seasonal)

• Equestrian staging area

• Designate field trial area at old sod farm site

Proposed Sod Farm Field Trial Area

Proposed Sod Farm Field Trial Area

Proposed Parking Area

Your turn to Participate

• Review action goals and field trial area • Add comments to sticky notes and put

them on the boards next to the corresponding Action Goal.

• Use comment sheets located around

the room to record additional comments about the Phase 2 General Management Plan.

Contact Information

Contact information:

Matt Lincoln MDNR – Parks and Recreation Division

lincolnm@michigan.gov 517-284-6111

Planning information:

“www.michigan.gov/parkmanagementplans