Michigan to Auction 140 State Properties

By Veronica Grecu, Associate Editor

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and the Michigan Land Bank Fast Track Authority (MLB) jointly announced the sale of 140 properties located throughout the state—but primarily in northern Michigan—in a sealed-bid auction that started on June 20. 

Comprising more than 2,400 acres, the properties are suitable for a variety of uses such as hunting, camping and development. According to an official statement, DNR had already tried to auction off many of the properties. By partnering with MLB and offering lower, more affordable starting bids, DNR now hopes to attract a larger number of potential buyers. All bids must be postmarked by August 1, 2012, which will be the last day of auction.

The list of properties includes:

–     Four sites in the Sugar Springs community of Gladwin County, totaling over 4,000 acres of recreational space

–       A 10-acre property suitable for recreational build in Cheboygan County

–       A one-acre site in Benton Township zoned for residential development, but also suitable for commercial or industrial use

–       200 acres of forest land in Chippewa County

–       1.4 acres with 100 feet of Lake Michigan frontage on Beaver Island

–       A forest and marsh site in Iosco County

All revenue generated by this auction procedure will be used by MLB to improve stabilization and economic development throughout the state of Michigan.