In a move that has left environmentalists and conservationists stunned, Michigan’s Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has revealed plans to clear 420 acres of pristine state forest to make way for a sprawling solar farm. The project is part of the state’s aggressive push to meet its goal of 100% clean energy by 2040, but critics are asking—at what cost?
Michigan public trust land in Otsego County considered for solar — PHOTO: Sheri McWhirter
The DNR, facing dwindling revenues from hunting and fishing licenses, sees solar farms as a lifeline to bolster its budget. Yet, this initiative exposes a glaring contradiction in the so-called ‘green agenda’—destroying forests in the name of saving the environment.
Michigan’s forests are not only a sanctuary for wildlife but also a treasured part of the state’s cultural and natural heritage. Now, those same forests face destruction in the name of ‘progress,’ with solar panels replacing towering trees and natural habitats.
Michigan public trust land in Otsego County considered for solar — PHOTO: Sheri McWhirter
Political Outrage and Public Backlash
According to the MLive, several Michigan lawmakers are expressing outrage about plans to lease 420 acres of state forestland for a solar farm in Otsego County.
An official with the state Department of Natural Resources confirmed the agency continues to respond to multiple inquiries from legislators about siting solar panels on state-managed public lands after an MLive report published Thursday. Several Republican state lawmakers issued statements on Friday, arguing anyone at the DNR responsible for this decision should be fired.
State Rep. Ken Borton, R-Gaylord, called the decision to destroy wildlife habitat for solar panels “mind-numbing.”
“We’ve all read the Lorax. If he thought like the DNR, he’d only be speaking for trees for as long as it took to fill his chainsaw with gas after the solar industry waved a fat wad of cash in his face,”
Borton said in a released statement.
State Sen. Michele Hoitenga, R-Manton, said just as the DNR holds citizens accountable for unethical conservation actions, people are in turn demanding accountability for what she called an unethical conservation decision by the DNR.
“The people who made this absurd decision signed up for a job to protect our natural resources. Their department is supposed to stand up for outdoor enthusiasts… Instead, they sold us out.”
One Democrat also commented on the news.
State Rep. Mike McFall, D-Hazel Park, said this decision will be counterproductive to the climate fight because research shows deforestation for solar energy actually increases greenhouse gas emissions to the atmosphere.
“We can fight climate change and protect our forests. Let’s demand smarter solutions that align with our climate goals.”
McFall posted on Facebook while sharing MLive’s initial report.
Michigan public trust land in Otsego County considered for solar — PHOTO: Sheri McWhirter
Residents Sound the Alarm
Local communities have voiced fierce opposition to the project. Scott Whitcomb, DNR’s public lands director, admitted the plan has stirred controversy: ‘Not incredibly popular with everyone. I will be frank about that.’
And who could blame the critics? Clearing hundreds of acres of forest flies in the face of genuine conservation efforts, raising concerns about wildlife displacement, soil erosion, and the loss of vital carbon-absorbing trees. While Michigan races to meet arbitrary climate targets, its leaders appear ready to trade authentic environmental stewardship for virtue-signaling headlines.
Michigan public trust land in Otsego County considered for solar — PHOTO: Sheri McWhirter
A Dangerous Precedent?
The 420-acre solar farm is just the beginning. The DNR plans to lease up to 4,000 acres of public land for similar projects, effectively turning natural landscapes into industrial zones. This decision raises broader questions about state sovereignty and land management—should taxpayer-owned lands be sacrificed for unproven renewable energy experiments?
Ed Golder, DNR spokesperson, said the agency is working to answer lawmakers’ concerns and provide as much information as possible. He shared comments from DNR Director Scott Bowen that were previously sent to employees regarding this solar project and the agency’s larger solar efforts.
Michigan public trust land in Otsego County considered for solar — PHOTO: Sheri McWhirter
Bowen said in the memo to DNR staff:
“As the largest landowner in the state, DNR can play a role in providing energy needed by society.”
“DNR lands have been leased for gas, oil, and mineral production for decades. Now, solar energy is part of the mix, and we expect some of our state lands can be used for that purpose while recognizing not every acre proposed for development is compatible with solar energy.”
Bowen acknowledged staff scientists raised concerns about the conversion of forested land to a solar farm. Different divisions apparently couldn’t reach consensus.
That’s why as DNR director, Bowen made the final decision to offer those 420 acres near Gaylord for solar projects in a competitive bidding process, he said.
Michigan public trust land in Otsego County considered for solar — PHOTO: Sheri McWhirter
Bowen wrote to DNR employees:
“We intend to choose the right acres, in the right places, to achieve energy objectives. It is not our intent to have widespread conversions. To date fewer than 1,500 acres have been leased for solar development. We expect fewer than 4,000 acres will be leased in total, less than the number of acres used for gas and oil wells on state lands”
Research has shown that the loss of carbon-dioxide consuming forests for renewable energy installations results in a net increase in greenhouse gas emissions to the atmosphere. That means converting forests to renewable energy is counter-productive to the climate fight.
Michigan public trust land in Otsego County considered for solar — PHOTO: Sheri McWhirter
What Can You Do?
This isn’t just about Michigan—it’s about defending our nation’s land, values, and future. Share this article with friends and family to raise awareness. Contact your local representatives and demand accountability. And most importantly, stay informed by subscribing to CKSA for updates on this and other stories exposing threats to sovereignty, security, and cultural preservation.
What’s your take? Are solar farms worth sacrificing our forests, or is this another case of environmental hypocrisy? Share your thoughts in the comments below and join the fight to protect our lands!
