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Below are highlights of land transactions from the second quarter of 2026.
The DNR purchased 40 acres of land in Hillsdale County to be managed as part of the Lost Nation State Game Area. The property is largely wooded wetland and creates a link between the Northwest and Central management units at Lost Nation, providing consolidation of DNR-managed lands and the conservation of wildlife corridors. The property was purchased with a grant provided by the Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund.
The DNR purchased 40 acres of land in Cheboygan County to be managed as part of the Pigeon River Country Forest Management Unit. The land consists of upland forest dominated by red pine. Acquisition consolidates DNR-managed land and provides additional opportunities for forest management consistent with the Pigeon River Country State Forest’s Concept of Management. The property was purchased with funds provided by the Land Exchange Facilitation Fund.
The DNR purchased 24.5 acres of land in Cheboygan County to be managed as part of the Pigeon River Country Forest Management Unit. The land provides an additional .28 mile of frontage along the Upper Black River, providing access for recreationalists and anglers. The property was purchased with funds provided by the Land Exchange Facilitation Fund.
The DNR purchased 80 acres of land in Montmorency County to be managed as part of the Atlanta Forest Management Unit. The property consists of mixed upland deciduous and red pine forests and consolidates DNR-managed land. The property was purchased with funds provided by the Land Exchange Facilitation Fund.
The DNR purchased 320 acres of land in Montmorency County to be managed as part of the Atlanta Forest Management Unit. The property contains upland and lowland forest and a wetland complex. The variety of land cover contributes to the diversity of wildlife, including elk, white-tailed deer, black bear, and ruffed grouse. Water features include the headwaters of the North Fork of the Thunder Bay River, which traverses the property and provides approximately 3,600 feet of river frontage and trout habitat. Acquisition consolidates DNR-managed lands, creates opportunity for forest management and recreation, and enhances game and non-game wildlife habitat. The property was purchased with funds provided by the Land Exchange Facilitation Fund. Ess Lake Development Corporation provided a $231,000 donation in the form of a bargain sale.
Wetlands America Trust, a supporting arm to Ducks Unlimited, gifted the Department approximately 158.28 acres of land in Lenawee County to be managed as part of the Seneca State Game Area. Wetlands America Trust acquired the property using grant funding provided for a break-through wetland restoration demonstration project in the western Lake Erie basin. The third and fourth of a series of land transfers from Wetlands America Trust to the State of Michigan, this property represents several years of dedicated collaboration between the DNR, Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy, and Ducks Unlimited to purchase restorable farmland to reduce nutrient and sediment loading into Lake Erie. The final project will be a brand new, nearly 400-acre State Game Area containing a newly restored wetland complex.
This exchange was offered by the applicant, a non-profit land trust, to acquire 156 acres of land that was classified as land available for conveyance to an Alternative Conservation Organization during the state land review. The land was conveyed subject to restrictions that limit ownership to a conservation organization or government agency and ensures permanent public access for recreation. The applicant offered 40 acres of forested land surrounded by DNR-managed land. The offered land is now being managed as part of the Roscommon Forest Management Unit.
This exchange was offered by the applicant to acquire 39.94 acres of land surrounding their private property. The applicant offered 30 acres of land, surrounded by DNR-managed land, to be managed as part of Craig Lake State Park.
The applicant offered a 0.35-acre parcel at the north end of their property in exchange for an equally sized parcel of DNR-managed land along their easterly property line to resolve a historical trespass. The land exchange cleared up boundaries issues and contributed to more usable land in the Ionia Recreation Area.
This exchange involved the exchange of undivided interest in Iron County, resulting in the applicant owning full interest in a 14.1-acre tract of land, which is improved with a private cabin, and the State of Michigan owning full interest in a 20.1-acre tract of land. This exchange consolidated DNR-managed land and improves land management and public access to Brule Lake.
The applicant offered a 10-acre parcel of their land, in exchange for a 5-acre parcel of DNR-managed land in order to resolve a trespass on public land. The offered land contains a greater amount of frontage along the Cut River than the desired land, provides for better river access for the public, and greater protection of the river and riparian area.
