Date: April 19, 2007
Contact: Bruce Huffman or Tom Ulrich, 231-326-5134

Superintendent Dusty Shultz has invited all interested parties to attend any of three identical public meetings on May 1, 2, and 3, 2007, to discuss the information presented in General Management Plan/Wilderness Study Newsletter #4, and help National Park Service planners develop a Preferred Alternative for future management of Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore.

The release of Newsletter #4 last month started an official public comment period that will last until May 14, 2007. According to Shultz, the latest GMP/WS information can be easily accessed at the park’s website and you can also provide comments by using the online comment system link there. “Some people have expressed that they prefer to provide their comments in the venue of a public meeting,” said Shultz. “The upcoming public meetings allow for that, and afford an additional opportunity for the public to talk directly to the planning team. Shultz added, “It’s very important to me that we continue to stay as transparent as possible and provide whatever clarification the public needs during the planning process.” At the meetings there will be information tables and Lakeshore staff available to answer questions. There will be a presentation explaining the information in Newsletter #4, followed by a period for open public comments. “You’ll see that we’ve used public input to develop the Preliminary Alternatives, and now we’re asking for help in constructing a Preferred Alternative from the range of ideas contained in the Preliminary Alternatives.”   For more information call (231) 326-5134.

Tuesday - May 1, 2007
6:00 to 8:30 p.m.
Platte River Elementary
11434 Main Street
Honor, MI 49640

Wednesday - May 2, 2007
6:00 to 8:30 p.m.
Glen Arbor Township Hall
6394 W. Western Avenue
Glen Arbor, MI 49636

Thursday - May 3, 2007
5:30 to 8:00 p.m.
Traverse City District Library
610 Woodmere Avenue
Traverse City, MI 49686