LANSING — Properties in Chippewa, Mackinac and Menominee counties are among the land parcels available in the next round of surplus land auctions from the Michigan Department of Natural Resources. After consideration of properties it manages on behalf of Michigan residents, the DNR has selected 97 that officials believe are better suited for private ownership and is preparing those for sale via online auctions this month and in early September.

Land is available mainly in central/northern Lower Michigan and the Upper Peninsula in the following counties: Alcona, Allegan, Benzie, Berrien, Chippewa, Clare, Genesee, Huron, Kalkaska, Kent, Lake, Mackinac, Mason, Mecosta, Menominee, Midland, Newaygo, Roscommon and Saginaw.

The online auction for the Chippewa and Mackinac parcels is today, while the online auction for the Menominee parcel is Wednesday.

Interested bidders may register in advance and get more information about the online auction schedule at Tax-Sale.info/. Those wanting to bid on a property must register before that property’s auction date. Absentee bids can be made online up to 30 days before the auction.

The “interactive” bidding portion of an auction will open at 10 a.m. on that auction date. At that time, bidders will be able to see current high bids for each property. Bidders can continue to place bids on a property until 7 p.m. when bidding closes and the winning bidder is determined.

Visit Michigan.gov/LandForSale for a detailed list that includes minimum bid, acreage and location information on the available properties. Interested bidders also are encouraged to review the DNR Land Sales: Terms and Conditions.