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March 16, 2018
Contact: Ed Golder, 517-284-5815
DNR will review request to purchase state forest land in Iosco County
The Michigan Department of Natural Resources has received an application proposing the sale of 580 acres of state forest land in Iosco County’s Alabaster Township to the United States Gypsum Company.
U.S. Gypsum, a Chicago-based company that has been in business in the area for more than a century, has applied to purchase the state-managed property, south of Tawas City, next to a parcel where it already operates a quarry. Gypsum, a mineral deposit composed of calcium, sulfur, oxygen and water, is abundant in the area. Once refined, it is used to make products such as plaster and drywall.
“The DNR will carefully consider this land transaction proposal, especially the ecological and economic impact, and provide ample opportunity for public input,” said Bill O’Neill, DNR natural resources deputy director.
Details of the company’s proposal, including maps, are available on the DNR’s website at www.michigan.gov/dnrrealestate under Major Land Transactions. U.S. Gypsum also has established a website with details of the proposed transaction at www.usgalabaster.com.
Before a decision is made, the DNR will consult with tribal governments and the proposal will receive a comprehensive internal review by DNR staff (at the local, regional and state level) with forestry, wildlife, fisheries, recreation and minerals expertise.
Public involvement and comment are critical parts of the review process. The DNR will host a public meeting (date and location to be determined) near the proposed project area. This meeting will offer an opportunity for the DNR to provide information on the proposal, answer questions and receive comments from the public.
Comments also can be submitted by email at DNR-USGypsum-Comments@michigan.gov or by mail to:
Department of Natural Resources
Real Estate Section
ATTN: U.S. Gypsum
525 W. Allegan St.
P.O. Box 30448
Lansing, MI 48909-7948
Following the review and consideration of both DNR staff input and public comment, a recommendation will be made to the DNR director. It is expected that the director will make a final decision on the proposal this fall at a meeting of the Michigan Natural Resources Commission.
The state of Michigan’s Forest Resources Division manages nearly 4 million acres of public forest around the state. State forest land is routinely bought, sold or exchanged after thorough consideration of the environmental and public impact.
For more information about how the DNR manages Michigan’s state forest land, visit www.michigan.gov/forestry.
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