Michigan DNR Lists 126 Land Parcels for Public Auction

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The Michigan Department of Natural Resources is moving forward with plans to auction 126 parcels of state-owned land, including riverfront, lakefront, and wooded properties that officials say no longer serve a meaningful public purpose.

The Department of Natural Resources (DNR) stated that the properties, located throughout Michigan’s Upper and Lower Peninsulas, were designated as surplus because they are too small, lack legal access for the public, or are surrounded by private development that makes recreational use impractical. Many of these tracts include attractive natural features such as waterfrontage and mature forest, yet their isolated locations and limited acreage have prevented the state from managing them effectively for outdoor activities like hunting or fishing.

While some conservation advocates have voiced concerns over public land sales, DNR representatives emphasized that these specific parcels are unlikely to contribute to public recreation or habitat goals. Instead, auctioning them provides an opportunity for private ownership, which can return the land to the local tax rolls and encourage responsible development. According to the DNR, proceeds from the sales will support land management and acquisition of property better suited to public use.

Potential buyers will have the chance to bid on the parcels during scheduled auctions later this year. Interested parties are encouraged to review maps and legal descriptions carefully, as access and development restrictions vary significantly by location.