Letter to Lee Evison, Forest Planner, Huron-Manistee National Forests

Letter

U.S. Reps. Bill Huizenga, MI-02, Dan Benishek, MI-01, and Dave Camp, MI-04, submitted a comment this week urging the Huron-Manistee National Forest to take no action to restrict hunting and snowmobiling in their Environmental Impact Statement.

"It is our strong belief that the current Land and Resource Management Plan adequately balances the interests of private property rights, development, access and preservation. Therefore, we reiterate our position that after receiving much input from our constituents in Northern Michigan, we request that you take a position of "no action" in your impending EIS," the letter states. Full text below.

The Huron-Manistee National Forest is the sole national forest in the Lower Peninsula, and hunting and fishing are vital parts of the tourism and commerce in the area.

Upon submitting the comment, Huizenga said, "As a national forest, this is the people's property, and they have every right to enjoy its uses, including through snowmobiling or hunting, which falls under the Constitutionally-protected 2nd Amendment right to bear arms. We must not let a small minority restrict access for the majority that responsibly enjoys the bountiful national resources the forest provides."

After sending the comment, Benishek stated, "As a lifelong hunter and outdoorsman, I feel strongly about allowing the people of Northern Michigan to use our extraordinary natural resources to their full potential. It is my hope that hunters and snowmobilers will be able to access the Huron-Manistee National Forest for generations to come."

Camp said, "We must protect this vital resource while also allowing people to enjoy its beauty. I encourage the Forest Manager to continue to allow hunting and snowmobiling so that all Americans can enjoy this Michigan treasure."

The full text of the comment is below and was signed by Huizenga, Benishek, and Camp:

"Mr. Lee Evison

Forest Planner, Huron-Manistee National Forests

1755 S. Mitchell Street

Cadillac, MI 49601

Dear Mr. Evison:

As Members of Congress representing Northern Michigan, we write today strongly encouraging the Huron-Manistee National Forest to take "no action" in their forthcoming Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) affecting hunting and snowmobiling in the semi-primitive areas of the forest and the Nordhouse Dunes recreational area.

The Huron-Manistee National forest has long been a point of public access for all citizens, including those who are unable to own or find suitable private lands for hunting and snowmobiling. Such activities are an integral part of the communities around the Huron-Manistee, and they support local businesses during both high and low tourism seasons.

Hunting and snowmobiling are already limited in many areas of Michigan's park system including parts of the Huron-Manistee, whereas those same areas are accessible for other activities such as hiking. It is also important to recognize that hunting is additionally restricted by seasonal game laws, and snowmobiling is clearly only feasible during the winter months.

We believe that protecting the Huron-Manistee's environment and the resources that help to sustain its natural beauty is an important priority, but the public must be provided with reasonable access to such resources for its enjoyment.

It is our strong belief that the current Land and Resource Management Plan adequately balances the interests of private property rights, development, access and preservation. Therefore, we reiterate our position that after receiving much input from our constituents in Northern Michigan, we request that you take a position of "no action" in your impending EIS."

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