DNR approves Crawford County land transfer to Kirtland Community College

Press Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Jan. 10, 2014 

Contact: Kerry Wieber (DNR), 517-643-1256, Ed Golder (DNR), 517-284-6241;
or Sarah Madonna (Kirtland Community College), 989-275-5000, ext. 242


DNR approves Crawford County land transfer
to Kirtland Community College

The Department of Natural Resources today announced its approval of a land transfer of roughly 128 acres of state-managed forest land to Kirtland Community College for the purpose of developing a health sciences center between Grayling and Roscommon. The move was announced at this week’s meeting of the Natural Resources Commission in Lansing.

The DNR transferred the parcel to Kirtland Community College for a nominal fee of $300 (the cost of the required land-transfer application) to further education and local economic development in the area.

The college anticipates building a regional health sciences facility east of the I-75 interchange on the north side of Four Mile Road. College officials said this location would provide easy access for students, teachers and visitors. 

“This land transaction is an excellent example of the state working with local officials to boost regional growth and prosperity,” said DNR Director Keith Creagh. “We remain committed to identifying distinct parcels such as this one that can benefit local communities, while at the same time maintaining a robust portfolio of public lands that are accessible to hunters and anglers across Michigan to promote the state's great outdoors heritage.”

Kirtland Community College President Dr. Thomas Quinn said the new center will be used for training and education in all facets of the medical profession, including nursing, phlebotomy, emergency medical technician, paramedics, health information services, pharmacy, cardiac and vascular sonography, and surgical technology.

“The demand for qualified health care professionals continues to grow, especially in our region where the population is aging,” he said. “Acquiring this property from the DNR allows Kirtland to expand our commitment to providing essential health care training in a variety of high-demand health career fields. The location on I-75 offers convenience and accessibility to residents in not only our service areas, but also to a wider range of neighboring communities, all of whom are seeking high-quality, affordable educational opportunities.”

In 2000, the DNR entered into a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Grayling Township and the Economic Development Partnership regarding the availability and future use of more than 1,600 acres of state forest land in this area. The purpose of the MOU was to develop a growth management proposal that would guide the availability of state-managed land for potential sale to assist in industrial growth.

The college became aware of the MOU and began discussions with the DNR, Grayling Township and the Economic Development Partnership about a proposal to develop an extension campus on the site. After working to develop a proposal that was acceptable to all parties, Kirtland Community College submitted a business plan for the extension campus. The approval will transfer the land parcel from the state of Michigan to the college.

For more about the DNR’s plan for managing public land, visit www.michigan.gov/dnrlandstrategy.

Learn more about Kirtland Community College at www.kirtland.edu.