The Michigan Department of Natural Resources will hold a public meeting on Wednesday, Jan. 28, to present a draft general management plan for Seven Lakes State Park.
The session runs from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the North Oakland County Fire Authority, 5051 Grange Hall Road in Holly, according to the DNR’s announcement.
DNR staff will present an overview of the draft plan, proposed park improvements and the planning process at the January meeting, followed by an opportunity for attendees to ask questions and provide comments.
The draft plan emerged from a collaborative process that actively sought community involvement.
Debbie Jensen, park management plan administrator with the DNR Parks and Recreation Division, explained the development approach: “Last June, we sought input from visitors, community members and stakeholders through an online survey.”
“That valuable feedback, along with input from park staff, helped shape the draft plan that will be presented at the January public meeting,” Jensen added.
Seven Lakes State Park, situated in northwestern Oakland County, spans 1,434 acres and features more than 230 acres of lakes popular with anglers, paddlers and beachgoers.
The park offers a modern campground, two boating access sites and trails open to hiking and mountain biking. The day-use area includes picnic tables, grills, picnic shelters and modern restrooms, creating a comprehensive recreation destination that draws visitors from across the region.
Seven Lakes plays a vital role in protecting important wildlife habitat supporting a variety of species, including the federally threatened eastern massasauga rattlesnake.
“The DNR uses general management plans to define a long-range planning and management strategy that protects the resources of a park while addressing recreation and education needs and opportunities,” the announcement indicates.
Those unable to attend the Jan. 28 meeting can still participate through an interactive public input survey available through Feb. 11. The project page at Michigan.gov/SevenLakes includes links to the draft plan, interactive survey and other planning resources.