Michigan bought a massive wildlife haven that’s been off-limits to the public for a century

ONAWAY, Mich. – Deep in the wilds of a dense Northern Michigan forest is a remote property teeming with wildlife and trout-filled streams.

This enormous swath of land in the heart of the Pigeon River Country State Forest has now changed hands, shifting from a private hunting and fishing club to public trust land.

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources this month purchased the 8,844-acre Black River Ranch for $17 million using federal and state grants and private donations. The acquisition increases the size of the iconic state forest called the “Big Wild” by nearly 8%.

The sprawling expanse is characterized by its natural splendor: blue-ribbon trout streams, remote lakes and untamed wilderness providing prime habitat for animals like elk, bobcat, pine marten and black bears.

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