Michigan Mixed Bag: Nearly 100 parcels of DNR-managed land available via online auction

Lansing — Lake frontage, river frontage and vacant, forested acreage surrounded by private ownership are some of the parcels available in the Michigan DNR’s next round of surplus land auctions in August and September. The DNR is preparing 91 properties for sale via online auctions.

Surplus land sales, a regular part of the DNR’s public land strategy, are key to how the department manages the land it oversees on behalf of the people of Michigan. Auction proceeds will be reinvested in acquiring critical land for the public to help provide future outdoor recreation opportunities in keeping with the DNR’s mission to conserve, protect and manage the state’s natural and cultural resources for the use and enjoyment of current and future generations.

Land in more than two dozen counties throughout Lower Michigan and the Upper Peninsula will be available via 11 online auctions between Friday, Aug. 2 and Thursday, Sept. 5.

More information on the bidding process, available acreage, maps and location information of the properties offered can be found at Michigan.gov/LandForSale.

Contact Michael Michalek at (517) 331-8387 for more info.

MORE COVERAGE FROM MICHIGAN OUTDOOR NEWS:

Outdoor Observations: New wildlife museum open to the public in Clare, Michigan

Michigan Natural Resources Commission approves deer regulation changes for 2024 and beyond

Michigan Legislature approves $1M for Traverse City fish passage

Application Periods End, Begin on Aug. 1

Lansing — Hunters are reminded that Thursday, Aug. 1 is an important day for applications. The application period for the fall wild turkey hunting season ends on Thursday, Aug. 1 and the application period for a waterfowl reserved hunt begins the same day.

Waterfowl reserved hunt applications are available through Wednesday, Aug. 28. Applications are $5, and hunters may apply only once. Apply at Michigan.gov/DNRLicenses or anywhere licenses are sold. Drawing results will be posted on Saturday, Sept. 21.

Reserved hunts will be held mornings and afternoons of the opening weekend (Oct. 10 and 11) of waterfowl hunting season at: Fish Point State Wildlife Area, Nayanquing Point State Wildlife Area, Harsens Island Unit of the St. Clair Flats State Wildlife Area, and the Shiawassee River State Game Area.

Hall Lake Dam Modifications Planned at Yankee Springs Recreation Area

Middleville, Mich. — To improve safety for residents and property owners downstream, the Hall Lake Dam in Yankee Springs Recreation Area will undergo necessary modifications and improvements – but work would not start until after the public has had the chance to review and share feedback on a draft concept plan, and Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) permitting is complete.

The dam in Barry County was recently identified as having significant hazard potential – if the dam fails, loss of human life is unlikely; however, economic damage, environmental harm, or disruption to essential services downstream are probable.

The DNR will share the concept plan once it’s completed, which is anticipated this summer. A public meeting will be scheduled and announced likely in July or August.

This past May, the DNR received a $1.6 million Dam Risk Reduction Grant to address infrastructure concerns and potential impacts on the surrounding environment. This will allow the department to work closely with EGLE to reduce hazard concerns at the dam, maintain Hall Lake as a recreational body of water and meet all necessary environmental regulations.

For more information, contact Joe Jandernoa, park manager, at (269) 795-9081 or JandernoaJ@Michigan.gov.

‘Trails Experience’ Survey Open Through Aug. 1

Lansing — Michigan is home to more than 13,400 miles of state-designated trails and local and regional options that offer something for everyone.

This summer, the DNR wants to hear what trail visitors have to say about biking, hiking, track-chair operating, paddling, horseback riding, off-road vehicle riding, and snowmobiling these pathways.

The 2024 Michigan Trails Experience Survey is open now through Thursday, Aug. 1.

The online survey, available at Michigan.gov/DNRTrails, includes questions about the kinds of activities enjoyed on trails, conditions and amenities that make for a great trail experience, frequently visited trail regions in Michigan and more.

Survey findings will be analyzed and shared with the Michigan Trails Advisory Council, a group of Michigan residents who advise the DNR director and the governor on the creation, development, operation and maintenance of motorized and nonmotorized trails.

Contact Tim Novak at (517) 388-8347 for more info.

Clinton River Watershed Council Seeks Finance Manager

Rochester Hills, Mich. — The Clinton River Watershed Council is looking to add a Finance Manager to the team to assist the executive director in leading the financial management of the organization.

Candidates applying for this full-time position should have experience in operations, financial planning, budgeting, bookkeeping, accounting, donor acknowledgment, and reporting. This position will help CRWC ensure the sustainability of our mission to protect, enhance, and celebrate the Clinton River, its watershed, and Lake St. Clair.

More information is available at crwc.org/careers.