The Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) today announced that a new parcel of land is open for public access in Livingston County, near Stockbridge. This parcel, called The Vigo Tract, offers quality hunting and outdoor recreation opportunities for Southeast Michigan.
The Gregory State Game Area Land Initiative (GSGALI) focuses on providing public hunting opportunities close to where the majority of Michigan citizens live, work and hunt. The Vigo Tract, whose acquisition was made possible with support from the Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund, stems from this initiative and provides resource-based recreational opportunities to the public.
The property contains quality habitat and hunting opportunities for deer, turkey, waterfowl and small game. Additional recreational opportunities there include trapping, hiking, camping and bird watching. The Unadilla State Wildlife Area, part of the Gregory State Game Area, borders the Vigo Tract to the south; this acquisition now allows for Doyle Road access to the state game area.
The land is comprised of 2,850 feet of water frontage on Sharp and McConachie lakes and exhibits primarily level to gently rolling topography. Cover types include 123 acres of mixed agriculture in the northern and portions of the southwestern part of the property, with 77 acres of wooded wetlands and lake frontage on the remaining portions.
“We are always pleased to see great land become available to the public,” said Kristin Bissell, DNR wildlife biologist. “This will expand recreational opportunities for local residents and supports the GSGALI and DNR efforts to enhance ecosystem management in the area.” Within roughly an hour’s drive of Detroit, the Vigo Tract is located 4 miles east of Stockbridge on the south side of the road at 16991 Doyle Road. There are no fees associated with public use of the land, but all state-issued hunting, trapping and fishing licenses will apply.
