The Michigan Department of Natural Resources is seeking to purchase 800 acres of property from Andrews University so it can be turned into a state wildlife area. DNR wildlife biologist Ken Kesson tells WSJM News the property south of Berrien Springs is along the St. Joseph River and near Range Line Road. It’s already used by hunters and hikers.
“Currently, there are several trails on the property, and a lot of them are for various maintenance activities as part of ownership and stewardship of the property,” Kesson said. “There are also trails along the power lines and they’ve established several parking lots.”
Kesson says the land is home to deer, turkeys and a wide variety of other birds, squirrels, and rabbits. DNR public lands biologist Valerie Frawley says it’s not often that the state can acquire and preserve a natural area in this way.
“In the past few years, we have purchased lands to create new state game areas, but it’s not that common,” Frawley said. “This is a unique to buy a large block of undeveloped land in southern Michigan.”
Kesson says the DNR’s intent is to keep the property available to the public in perpetuity.
“Over the years working on the property, there have been numerous really good experiences of people being able to spend time together, whether that’s hunting or just hiking to use the property,” Kesson said. “The community really likes the property for those that do use it and enjoy it know it’s there. We hope that we can permanently make this property available to the the people of the state of Michigan.”
The DNR has applied for a $4.7 million Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund grant to buy the property. Frawley says there is public support for the DNR’s plans.
“Both Berrien and Buchanan townships have come out and supported it,” Frawley said. “So have the Berrien County Administrator, the Berrien County parks as well as various conservation organizations.”
They include the Southwest Michigan Planning Commission. Frawley says a decision on the DNR’s grant application could come late this year. If the grant is approved, she says the purchase could close late next year. Andrews University first approached the DNR about the sale.
