News Summary

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources is holding its annual surplus land auction from August 1 to September 5, featuring 126 properties across Michigan’s counties. These parcels, deemed surplus due to limited public use potential, will be available for bidding. Interested bidders can preregister to participate, and profits will support the Land Exchange Facilitation Fund aimed at enhancing public access opportunities. Notable properties include various sizes and locations, catering to diverse buyer interests.

Lansing, Michigan – The Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is set to conduct its annual surplus land auction, commencing on August 1 and concluding on September 5. This year’s auction will present a total of 126 properties available for bidding across various counties in both the Upper and Lower Peninsulas of Michigan.

The DNR selects properties for this auction after evaluating their alignment with the agency’s mission, which focuses on conservation, recreation, and economic development. If parcels do not fulfill these criteria, the DNR considers alternative options, such as land exchanges or transferring the properties to other governmental entities, before putting them up for auction.

According to Scott Whitcomb, the director of DNR’s Office of Public Lands, many properties included in this auction are considered too limited for public use. This limitation often stems from a lack of accessibility, site constraints, or existing development on surrounding parcels. As a result, these surplus lands are being made available to the public.

Profits generated from the auction will support the Land Exchange Facilitation Fund. This fund is designated to acquire replacement properties that provide enhanced public access opportunities, thereby aligning with the DNR’s overall goals.

The auction spans 11 scheduled dates, starting on August 1, with bidding culminating on September 5. Interested bidders are encouraged to preregister for details regarding auction procedures and specific schedules. The properties available for bidding include:

12 acres in Barry County (Lot #10048) valued at $63,000, featuring 20 feet of shoreline along Long Lake.
A small 0.7-acre island in Ponemah Lake, Fenton Township (Lot #10049), with a starting bid of $3,750, subject to a restriction against the construction of structures.
18 acres in Newaygo County on John Ford Lake (Lot #10080), with a bidding starting point set at $42,000 but lacks legal road access.
A remote 2.1-acre parcel on Duck Lake in Gogebic County (Lot #10050).
80 acres of forested land in Oceana County, adjacent to U.S. Forest Service land, starting at $180,000 (Lot #10099).
14.74 acres alongside the Thunder Bay River in Montmorency County, priced at $55,000 (Lot #10076).

Absentee bidding is permitted for up to 30 days before each auction date, while interactive bids can be placed starting at 10 a.m. on the auction days until 7 p.m. Interested parties can register to participate by visiting tax-sale.info, where they can access more information about the auction schedule.

The DNR currently manages approximately 4.6 million acres of public land, maintaining a commitment to balance conservation efforts with public access. Since January 2020, over 80 parcels have been purchased utilizing funds from the Land Exchange Facilitation Fund. Noteworthy counties set to feature available properties include Allegan, Lake, Newaygo, Schoolcraft, and Wexford. A significant portion of the available parcels is 40 acres or larger and is predominantly located in the northern regions of the Lower Peninsula and within the Upper Peninsula.

This surplus land auction represents an opportunity for individuals and entities interested in acquiring parcels of land that may not otherwise be accessible through traditional means. With a diverse array of properties up for bid, potential buyers can explore options that meet their specific needs and interests.