DNR Management Team Presentation Terry Minzey and Kelly Siciliano Carter, Wildlife Division What are U.P. gems? gems - Grouse enhanced management system Intensively managed, walk-in hunting areas Specifically for grouse and woodcock hunters Benefit wildlife watchers and other hunters May cross into other potential ownerships, e.g., Hiawatha National Forest, Ottawa National Forest, and Commercial Forest Lands Proposed UP gems Developed in 1994 ~ 1800 acres (1100 aspen & 700 cedar) Partnered with Ruffed Grouse Society Harvest 100 acres every 5 years (20 acre blocks) Popular with non-resident grouse and woodcock and hunters Model: Strickler Grouse Management Area Timber Each gem on state land will have management plan Hunting Secure area for mentored hunts Destination point for travelers Help Wounded Warrior hunts Access for hunting other species, e.g., deer and bear Place-based economies Local businesses become sponsors Create UP Grouse challenge Benefits Other Bird watching Snowshoeing Dog training Audiences - Hunters - Wildlife watchers - Partners - Potential sponsors Messages - Easy and accessible - Various uses - Ads Tools - Logo (look and feel) - Signage - Ads - Collaboration with businesses and partners Communication Strategy Partners Michigan Department of Natural Resources Marquette City Ruffed Grouse Society Hiawatha National Forest Ottawa National Forest The Community Foundation (Escanaba) Plum Creek 2013 Development of management concepts to be run through the 2015 YOE review for 4 locations 2014 By September all signs and gates installed at 4 locations (Strikler, Drummond, Ralph and Gwinn) 2015 All management concepts approved at YOE 2016 reviews Signs and gates installed at remaining locations Timeline Thank you for your time! Any Questions??