Michigan DNR Acquires 280 acres in the Manistee River Watershed

The Manistee River that flows through the 280-acre parcel
of land that the Michigan Department of Natural Resources
recently acquired with the generous support of a
grant from the Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund.

Natural Resources Trust Fund Grant Makes Purchase Possible

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is excited to announce the purchase of 280 acres of land within the Manistee River watershed. The parcel is completely surrounded by state-owned land located within the Cadillac Forest Management Unit in northeastern Wexford County, 16 miles north of Cadillac.

The natural features of this site include approximately 1,000 feet of Manistee River frontage, 1,000 feet of frontage on a tributary to Fife Lake Creek, a 90-acre bog complex, deer wintering yard and range, and wooded uplands that provide a diversity of wildlife habitat.

“This is one of those land acquisitions that just make sense,” says Mark Tonello, a fisheries management biologist with the DNR. “The Manistee River in this area is stunningly beautiful, not to mention the fishing is fantastic. There are trophy-sized brown trout just waiting to be caught.”

Hunting, fishing, trapping, swimming, boating, camping, berry picking, mushroom hunting, hiking, wildlife viewing and bird watching are among the many recreational opportunities offered by this property. A broad range of both fish and game species can be found on the property and within the Manistee River corridor that flows through this area. The Fisheries Division of the DNR and the Walton Junction Sportsman’s Club stock this section of the river with brown trout. Additionally, anglers catch rainbow trout, walleye, northern pike and smallmouth bass.

The Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund recognized that this acquisition will contribute to the Department’s goals of consolidating State ownership, limiting land fragmentation, securing fishery and wildlife habitat, and enhancing forest management and public recreation opportunities.

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.