The University of Michigan is expanding its nature holdings in northern Michigan with the purchase of approximately 40 acres near the U-M Biological Station, a move intended to preserve the area from potential development that could adversely impact the property.
The land in Burt Township in Cheboygan County is contiguous to and wholly surrounded by U-M property.
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“Through on-the-ground field work involving students and faculty alike, the U-M Biological Station addresses many of today’s foremost environmental challenges, like climate change and invasive species,” said Aimée Classen, the station’s director.
“This land acquisition demonstrates U-M’s commitment to conservation and will help ensure that the Bio Station continues to chart multidisciplinary innovations toward sustainability.”
The Board of Regents on May 18 approved the land purchase — at the cost of $90,000 and financed by LSA — with a tentative closing date of no later than July 31, subject to environmental review and additional due diligence.
UMBS comprises 10,000 acres of reforested lands once occupied by the Burt Lake Band of Ottawa and Chippewa people. Established in 1909, it conducts onsite cross-disciplinary environmental research, engages students in scientific discovery, and provides information needed to understand and sustain ecosystems from local to global scales.
