DNR staff recommendations on whether to keep, exchange or sell state-managed land in the ninth and final round of the land review are nearing DNR director approval, but there’s still plenty of time for anyone interested to review them and share feedback; public comments are due Feb. 7.
An updated, interactive web map reflects those recommendations since the initial public comment period closed, making it easy to see what has changed throughout the department’s ongoing review process.
Implemented as part of the 2013 Managed Public Land Strategy (later updated for 2021-2027), the state land review looks at DNR-managed lands that are 200 acres or less in size or that, due to an irregular boundary, may be difficult to manage. This ninth and final round is different from the first eight, which focused on groups of 10 or 11 counties at a time. Group 9 is more of a catchall category that includes parcels – totaling nearly 4,000 acres – from 67 different counties that weren’t captured in the first eight rounds due to the parcels’ small size or the need for additional research to verify the accuracy of location or ownership.
“This county-by-county review process gives us the opportunity to evaluate and make decisions about how well the current land portfolio supports our mission of protecting natural resources while providing broad public access to quality outdoor recreation opportunities,” said DNR forest land administrator Kerry Heckman. “It’s critical that people who enjoy and use these lands are part of the discussion, and we appreciate everyone who has taken the time to get involved so far.”
