Maple Forest board opposes Camp Grayling expansion

Maple Forest Township recently voiced its opposition to a proposed increase in Camp Grayling leased training areas with a resolution from the township board, citing concerns about potential environmental impact and other reasons for its opposition.

“The (Michigan Department of Natural Resources) is reviewing a proposal for the expansion of DNR-leased lands available for low-impact Camp Grayling military training activities. The proposal for approximately 162,000 acres of land around the camp is part of a desired update to accommodate evolving training methods,” according to the DNR. “If the proposal is approved to move forward and meets environmental and parcel review requirements, public access to state lands including forest roads for ORV use would remain. AuSable and Manistee river access would also remain open with 1,500-foot buffers from military activities. There are no anticipated environmental impacts from the proposal.”

According to Maple Forest Township officials, the township board passed “Resolution To Oppose The Camp Grayling Expansion – Resolution No. 2023-01” on Monday, February 13.

According to the resolution, the Maple Forest Township board “expresses its opposition to the proposed expansion for the following reasons: (a.) A portion of the proposed expansion area will be located within (Maple Forest Township and Crawford County). (b.) The increased activities and traffic associated with the proposed expansion of Camp Grayling will have significantly adverse impact on the wear and tear of county roads. (c.) The increased activities and traffic associated with the proposed expansion of Camp Grayling will create significant adverse impact on noise levels. (d.) The increased activities and traffic associated with the proposed expansion of Camp Grayling will generally have an adverse impact on the health, welfare and safety of the residents of (Maple Forest Township and Crawford County). (e.) The increased activities and traffic associated with the proposed expansion of Camp Grayling will generally have an adverse impact on the environment and natural habitats within (Maple Forest Township and Crawford County). (f.) The proposed expansion of Camp Grayling onto DNR land does not support the Mission Statement of the Michigan Department of Natural Resources.”