Press Releases

U.S. Reps. Bill Huizenga, MI-02, Dan Benishek, MI-01, and Dave Camp, MI-04, today applauded the U.S. Forest Service’s final decision to continue to allow firearm hunting and snowmobiling on 66,000 acres of Huron-Manistee National Forest.

The Michigan Representatives submitted a comment last year to the USFS urging them to allow hunting and snowmobiling to continue in the Huron-Manistee National Forest.

“As a national forest, this is the people’s property, and they have every right to enjoy its uses, including through snowmobiling and hunting, which falls under the Constitutionally-protected 2nd Amendment right to bear arms.  I am glad the Forest Service did not let a small minority restrict access for the majority that responsibly enjoys the bountiful national resources the forest provides, and I hope the courts agree with us,” Huizenga said.

“Hunting and snowmobiling are an integral part of Michigan’s culture and economy.  I am pleased the Forest Service sought to protect the rights of hunters and snowmobilers to enjoy Michigan’s abundant natural wonders.  Keeping the Huron-Manistee National forest open for these uses will be a boon to Michigan’s outdoor enthusiasts, tourists, and the economy alike,” said Camp, Chairman of the House Committee on Ways and Means.

“I am pleased the National Forest Service has decided to protect the rights of hunters and snowmobilers to responsibly utilize the Huron-Manistee National Forest.  These recreational activities are part of Northern Michigan’s rich outdoor tradition and play an important role in our state’s economy,” said Benishek, a general surgeon who serves on the House Committee on Natural Resources.

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

Once the Record of Decision and associated documents have been released to the public, a Notice of Availability will be published in the Federal Register and the newspaper of record, which will begin a 45-day appeal period. The Forest Service will notify the public by news release and website posting when the Notice of Availability has been published.

For additional information regarding the Record of Decision or the FSEIS, contact the public affairs officer for the Huron-Manistee National Forests, Kenneth Arbogast, at (231) 775-5023, Ext. 8726, or karbogast@fs.fed.us.

 

###