News

Largest game area verified

Michigan’s Department of Agriculture has verified the largest game area in the state for its environmental stewardship practices.

The Allegan State Game Area is 50,000 acres in Southwest Michigan and has become the first public lands to be verified with the Forest, Wetland and Habitat System as part of the Michigan Agriculture Environmental Assurance Program.

Wildlife biologist Mark Mills tells Brownfield the game area includes a wide variety of habitats and management zones.  “It’s a really neat opportunity for us to have an outside agency with an outside set of criteria come in and look at what we’re doing here and certify to the public that we’re managing the lands entrusted to us in an environmentally sustainable fashion.”

He says the new verification system is an opportunity for farmers, foresters and landowners to work together environmentally across all landscapes instead of in pockets.

AUDIO: Interview with Mark Mills