Public Land

Intro

Public Land Managed by the DNR

  • Forests, parks, trails, hunting land and more

    The DNR manages almost 4.6 million acres of public land owned by Michigan residents. Sound management of these public lands in many ways drives the quality of life Michiganders all value. They contribute significantly to the health of our families and our environment and the strength of our economy. Public lands also offer Michigan residents and visitors ample opportunities to snowmobile, put a boat in the water, hunt, camp, hike, watch wildlife and learn about history – just to name a few of the benefits they provide.

    State forests - over 3.8 million acres | State parks - 363,000 acres | State game areas - 363,000 acres

Related Links

Public Land Strategy

Public Act 240 of 2018 (PA 240)

PA 240 provided legislative approval of the DNR's strategic plan for public land management dated July 1, 2013. Beginning July 1, 2021 and every five years after, the plan must be updated in collaboration with local governments and stakeholders. We will also post the number of acres of land we manage north and south of the Mason-Arenac line, in total for the state, and by program.

Payment in lieu of taxes

Payment in lieu of taxes

Payments in Lieu of Taxes (PILT) are State of Michigan payments to local units of government in lieu of property taxes for the land owned by the State and administered by the Department of Natural Resources (DNR).
Learn more about PILT

Value

Economic value of public lands

  • DNR-managed public lands support:

    • A timber industry that generates $20 billion for Michigan’s economy
    • A $22.8 billion tourism industry
    • 680,000 hunters who generate $2.3 billion for Michigan's economy
    • 1.1 million anglers who generate $2.5 billion for Michigan’s economy
    • Oil and gas production, natural gas storage, and mineral development