Public input sought on HCMA planning - Printable Version +- Fishing Forum (https://bigfishtackle.com/forum) +-- Forum: Michigan Fishing Forum (https://bigfishtackle.com/forum/forumdisplay.php?fid=364) +--- Forum: Michigan Fishing General (https://bigfishtackle.com/forum/forumdisplay.php?fid=36) +--- Thread: Public input sought on HCMA planning (/showthread.php?tid=293039)

Public input sought on HCMA planning - davetclown - 12-07-2006 Public input sought on HCMA planning [url "http://www.spinalcolumnonline.com/1editorialtablebody.lasso?-token.searchtype=authorroutine&-token.lpsearchstring=Josh%20Jackett&-nothing"]Josh Jackett[/url] December 06, 2006 - Lakes area residents, and others living within the five-county Huron-Clinton Metropolitan Authority (HCMA) boundaries, will have the opportunity to help the HCMA consider opinions as it develops its new master plan next year, during a series of feedback meetings. "We will have eight meetings in the five-county area, three in Oakland County, including one on Tuesday, Dec. 12 from 7 p.m. until 9 p.m. at Indian Springs Metropark's Environmental Discovery Center," said HCMA Chief of Communications Denise Semion. "We're seeking people who would be interested in going to that meeting and others, as well. The goal is to get 100 people at each meeting." Semion said volunteers may be needed for two more days in January at the White Lake Township-based Indian Springs. "The whole purpose is to conduct a recreational needs assessment of the residents in the five-county region," Semion said. "The survey process is done every five years. It's used to provide information the HCMA uses to make planning decisions and also to justify budget requests. More importantly, this survey is used to develop our five-year recreation plan." The next recreation master plan would last from the start of 2008 through the end of 2012. "We have to submit a five-year recreation plan and have it on file with the state of Michigan," Semion said. "The next plan is due by Dec. 31, 2007." During the first portion of the meetings, residents will be asked to answer questions that will gauge their opinions on various recreational activities and facilities at the Metroparks. "The participants would be using a perception analyzer where they would dial in their rating about certain things," Semion said. To help facilitate the rating of HCMA issues, pictures will be displayed for participants to rate. "After that, they'll break into smaller groups and have small group discussions about what they think we could use at the Metroparks or how we could improve our facilities and services," Semion said. "The small group would be an open discussion with a facilitator who will be asking questions and getting discussions going." According to Semion, a marketing group will be conducting the meetings in each of the five HCMA counties throughout December. "People who attend this will help shape opinions and help us determine needs for recreational uses in the five-county area," she said. Like the Indian Springs meeting, other meetings will be held in the evening, and could last as long as two hours. Semion said those interested in attending a meeting should forward an e-mail to [url "mailto:mail@metroparks.com"]mail@metroparks.com[/url] with their name, address, and telephone number, and if applicable, include any special interests, such as fishing or golf. Names will be added to a list of people interested in participating in the survey. [signature]