Among a dozen-and-a-half land transactions approved this past week by Michigan Department of Natural Resources Director Keith Creagh, four were approved for the Upper Peninsula, including a deal of particular importance for local waterfowl enthusiasts.

In Alger County, the DNR will purchase 80 acres of Plum Creek land for $56,000. The property is situated within the AuTrain Basin Waterfowl Refuge and the purchase is intended to help the DNR protect sensitive refuge habitat existing within the refuge boundary.

We think this is a very worthwhile endeavor. Members of the Alger County Fish and Game Alliance and others over the years have voiced support for the refuge and securing additional acreage there. Support for the deal has also been expressed by Limestone Township and Alger County.

The transaction is subject to Plum Creek retaining timber rights to the property for five years.

DNR officials said the acquisition will contribute to the agency’s goals of consolidating state ownership, securing wildlife habitat, enhancing forest management and increasing public recreation opportunities.

The DNR said the property contains several characteristics, making it a priority acquisition. The property lies adjacent to state-owned land to the north, west and south, while to the east is a large continuous tract owned by the Upper Peninsula Power Co.

The land has no legal access, but physical access is available via a two-track road from state land. The property is also predominantly upland with highly-productive, well-drained, sandy loam soils.

Topography is level to gently rolling and the site supports an even-aged, well-stocked high-quality aspen stand. There are no improvements on the property.

Due to its location in the AuTrain Refuge boundary, the quality aspen habitat provides hunting and recreation for upland game species including ruffed grouse and American woodcock, in addition to snowshoe hare and white-tailed deer.

We think this quality property, purchased in a key location, is a worthy addition to the state’s land resources managed by the DNR.

This is the latest in what appear to have been well-conceived land purchases, conveyances or sales which will benefit the U.P. for years into the future.