Public Land Series

Americorps • April 24, 2020

Wednesday was the 50th anniversary of Earth Day, and I wanted to take the opportunity whilst folks are reflecting on their impact on the environment, to talk a little about public lands. Growing up many of my opportunities to explore, recreate and connect with the natural world have occurred on public land here in Michigan. For the next few weeks,  I intend to write a series about the different types of public land as well as the many different uses and management strategies. 

Here I am at one of my favorite parcels of public land after participating in the On the Ground Virtual State Game Area Cleanup Initiative.

According to a report conducted by the Congressional Research Service, the Federal government manages 640 million acres of public land in total. Here in Michigan, there are approximately 3,635,741 acres of federally managed public land. There are 2,874,075 acres managed by the US Forest Service, 631,852 acres managed by the National Park Service, 117,199 acres managed by the US Fish and Wildlife Service, and an additional 12,615 acres by the Bureau of Land Management and Department of Defense. 

At the state level, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources manages almost 4.6 million acres of state public land. Of these include 3.8 million acres of state forests, 363,000 acres of state parks, and 363,000 acres of state game areas. 

I feel very lucky to live in a place where I have access to public land, and with Earth Day in mind I am grateful for folks who care for and protect our public land.  I look forward to the coming weeks and sharing stories about how folks can recreate safely and be stewards on their public land.

 

Recent Posts

June 2025 NRC Recap

By Justin Tomei • June 12, 2025
The Natural Resources Commission met today in Bay City. There were no orders for information or action on the agenda. The big news was the commission brought back up the order to reinstate the year-round coyote season, and a vote will happen in August to satisfy posting and notice requirements. MUCC created the Coyote Coalition to put pressure on the NRC, and with today’s inaction, we know that it’s working. With the continued support of the coalition, we will continue fighting to protect proposal G. Consider joining the Coyote Coalition , and let the commission know that inaction is not acceptable, and to follow their legal charge and responsibility. Chair Becky Humphries announced new committee memberships. Wildlife Committee will be chaired by Commissioner John Walters, Governance, Finance and Policy will be chaired by Chair Humphries, Fisheries will be chaired by Commissioner Dave Anthony. There were no other orders for information or action. The next meeting returns to Lansing on July 10.

Conservation Cohort: Training Young Conservationists

By Olivia Triltsch • June 12, 2025
Last week on June 3rd and June 4th, Michigan United Conservation Clubs (MUCC) hosted a two-day training for young professionals.

PlayCleanGo Awareness Week: Taking Action on Invasive Species

By Katelyn Helsel • June 11, 2025
This week marks the annual PlayCleanGo Awareness Week , taking place from June 7-14. Hosted by the North American Invasive Species Management Association (NAISMA), this week encourages outdoor enthusiasts to help stop the spread of invasive species through simple actions. This year’s theme, “Partnering Together to Protect Our Favorite Places”, focuses on the importance of collaboration with Invasives Canada and CONABIO to illustrate how actions can create meaningful change across North America.
More Posts