Gaylord, MI – A plan by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) to lease 420 acres of state forestland for a solar farm has ignited a firestorm of criticism, with Northern Michigan lawmakers demanding accountability and mass firings within the agency. The proposal, which would involve clearing forested land west of Gaylord, has drawn backlash from conservation advocates and Republican legislators alike.
State Representatives Ken Borton (R-Gaylord) and Mike Hoadley (R-Au Gres), along with State Senator Michele Hoitenga (R-Manton), issued a joint call for firings of any DNR personnel involved in the decision. They argue that the plan betrays the agency’s mission to protect Michigan’s natural resources, accusing it of prioritizing profit over conservation.
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“This deforestation will destroy habitats and effectively kill wildlife,” said Rep. Borton. “The DNR is choosing to kill wildlife so they can build solar panels. This is a mind-numbing decision and absolute proof that the DNR is rotten to its core.”
The controversy stems from a lease agreement allowing a portion of Otsego County’s forestland to be used for a 200-megawatt solar farm. While the DNR claims the land is ideal due to its proximity to existing high-voltage transmission lines, critics highlight the environmental consequences of deforestation and its contradiction to the state’s own climate goals.
Climate Concerns and Local Opposition
Research from Harvard University and other institutions suggests that clearing forests for renewable energy infrastructure can result in a net increase in greenhouse gas emissions, undermining efforts to combat climate change. Forests play a vital role in absorbing carbon dioxide, and their destruction can exacerbate the climate crisis.
According to MLIVE.com, despite these concerns, DNR Public Lands Director Scott Whitcomb defended the decision, citing the practicality of the site for solar development and the need to fund agency activities. “We don’t give this land away for free,” Whitcomb said. “Lease revenue can support natural resources management.”
Lawmakers have also raised questions about the legality of leasing public land for private use, particularly when it entails significant environmental impacts. Sen. Hoitenga criticized the DNR’s actions as a betrayal of its responsibilities. “The people who made this absurd decision signed up for a job to protect our natural resources. Instead, they sold us out.”
Political Backdrop
The dispute comes in the wake of sweeping green energy legislation passed in 2023 by Michigan Democrats, mandating 100% clean energy by 2040. Critics, including Reps. Borton and Hoadley, argue that these laws strip local control and impose undue burdens on rural communities.
“What good is so-called green energy if we’re cutting down hundreds of acres of trees to support it?” asked Rep. Hoadley. “This project highlights the overreach of state government and the negative impacts on rural Michigan.”
Next Steps
The DNR plans to publish a public notice inviting competitive bids for the solar project and may hold a hearing if requested by local governments or enough residents. Meanwhile, MLive has filed a Freedom of Information Act request seeking more details about the project.
For now, the controversy continues to spark debates over balancing renewable energy development with environmental stewardship and local input. Lawmakers and conservationists alike are calling for transparency and accountability in decisions affecting Michigan’s natural heritage.
