SAULT STE. MARIE — The Michigan Department of Natural Resources will reduce public walk-in hours at its Sault Ste. Marie Customer Service Center starting July 1. The agency announced the change on Monday, June 22.

The Sault Ste. Marie Customer Service Center will shift its public walk-in hours from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday to 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. After July 1, the office will be considered a Michigan Department of Natural Resources field office.

Michigan Department of Natural Resources officials stated the change was made after considering operational capacity, walk-in traffic, and limited staffing. The Sault Ste. Marie office has the lowest consistent in-person activity among the Michigan Department of Natural Resources' 13 customer service centers. The office is located at 4131 M-129.

Aaron Crawford, Northern Michigan administrative manager, said the department remains committed to providing service through various channels. "Face to face, on the phone or online, the DNR remains committed to providing our customers and the community with the best possible service," Crawford said. "We welcome the public to visit the Sault Ste. Marie office during those walk-in hours, knowing that some things — such as obtaining assistance with a timber sale transaction or getting guidance on new hunting or fishing regulations — can take a little more time."

Customers can access Michigan Department of Natural Resources resources and information by phone at 906-635-5281. The Newberry Customer Service Center in Luce County also offers in-person services five days a week. Additionally, residents can access resources and information online, where they can purchase licenses or permits and report a harvest.