Pigeon River Country Forest Acquires Black River Ranch

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Pigeon River Country State Forese (photo from the MI DNR)

from a news release of the Michigan DNR

Using a combination of grants and private donations, the state of Michigan has just acquired a huge private parcel, the Black River Ranch, to add to the Pigeon River Country State Forest. This 8850-acre forested area will add 14 miles of trout streams, three lakes and wildlife habitat to the state forest. Portions of the Black River, the East Branch of the Black River and Stewart Creek are included. The Black River, considered the premier brook trout stream east of the Mississippi River, is the only river managed exclusively for native brook trout in the Lake Huron basin. The Forest was already the largest single area of protected land in the Lower Peninsula at 109,000 acres. That total will now be closer to 118,000 acres. The state forest is located in the central area of the northern LP, including parts of Cheboygan, Otsego, Montmorency, and Presque Isle Counties.

Pigeon River Country State Forest, also known as the "Big Wild" due to its size and undeveloped characted, is home to Michigan's elk herd. Michigan's native elk disappeared in the 1870s, but were reintroduced in 1918 with the release of seven western elk. Their population is now over 1100 and is closely monitored.

Little Traverse Conservancy brokered the deal between the Ranch and the State of Michigan. A number of private donations added to state grant money, and the Ranch owners reduced the selling price. One private donor was the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, which has a high interest in the success of the elk herd, which already was grazing on ranch property, paying no attention to human-imposed boundaries.

“More than five years in the making, conservation of the Black River Ranch property is a great example of RMEF’s steadfast commitment to increasing public access while ensuring vital habitat remains for big game and other wildlife,” said Jennifer Doherty, RMEF managing director of mission operations.

Inventory and assessment of the property will now begin- considering which buildings should be kept and might be considered historically significant. Motorized access routes need to be evaluated. Currently the property is open for all legal non-motorized uses such as hunting, fishing, trapping, camping, hiking, wildlife viewing, bird watching, berry picking, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing and other outdoor activities. Motorized use is limited.

The state will continue to pay local taxes on the property.

Read the complete article: A landmark investment in public land


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