MI SR0150

Opposes designation of four additional national wilderness areas in Ottawa National Forest in Michigan's Upper Peninsula: Ehlco area, Trap Hills, Norwich Plains, and Sturgeon River Gorge Wilderness Addition, which would add over 65,000 acres to the National Wilderness Preservation System.

Cites 2006 Ottawa National Forest Management Plan finding that proposed areas lack wilderness characteristics and have "low to moderate wilderness potential" with "no features or conditions that warrant a recommendation for wilderness study."

Asserts that wilderness designation would limit scientifically proven forest management practices such as selective thinning, harvesting, planting, prescribed burning, and invasive species management needed to maintain ecological health.

Notes that Ottawa National Forest supported an estimated 960 jobs and generated over $39.3 million in direct income to local communities in 2016, which would be jeopardized by wilderness designation.

States that wilderness designation would restrict recreational access by prohibiting motorized equipment and mechanical transport, and increase management burden on land managers.