The Michigan Department of Natural Resources has completed a recent purchase of more than 500 acres of private land within the Pigeon River Country (PRC) State Forest in northern Michigan. The acquisition of the property occurred through a partnership with the Little Traverse Conservancy, assistance from the Headwaters Land Conservancy, and with funds from the Natural Resource Trust Fund.

“This land acquisition simply makes sense,” said Scott Whitcomb, DNR unit manager for the Pigeon River Country State Forest. “Given the size and location of the property and the natural resources that occur there – this is a perfect addition to the PRC.”

The 517-acre tract of land, the second largest piece of private property within the PRC, is a natural fit for the state forest system. The land is bordered on two and a half sides by state-owned land with a level to gently rolling topography. The property also contains a nearly one mile stretch of the Black River and approximately one-half mile of Saunders Creek. Both waterways are situated in the headwaters area of the Black River system, an area that is a highly regarded “blue ribbon” brook trout fishery.

“We are excited about this land acquisition. It nicely ties together the southern portions of the Pigeon River Country State Forest,” said John Walters, chairman of the Pigeon River Advisory Council and president of the Headwaters Chapter of Trout Unlimited. “The Pigeon River Country is a special place and the addition of the portions of Saunders Creek and the Black River make it all that much more special, especially for folks interested in quiet recreational opportunities.”

The property will be managed as part of the Pigeon River Country State Forest in accordance with the Concept of Management. This includes managing for timber and wildlife, specifically elk and other forest wildlife habitat, as well as for fisheries habitat. The property will also be open to the public at all times for hunting, fishing, trapping, wildlife viewing and other resource-based recreation.

“Thanks to the Natural Resources Trust Fund, the purchasing of this land is an outstanding addition to the PRC and should provide to be a huge benefit to the citizens of Michigan,” added Whitcomb.

For more information on the Pigeon River Country State Forest and the Concept of Management, visit www.michigan.gov/dnrpigeonriver.

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources is committed to the conservation, protection, management, use and enjoyment of the state’s natural and cultural resources for current and future generations. For more information, go to www.michigan.gov/dnr.