Overview
Michigan Upper Peninsula Recreational Land
This secluded 240-acre recreational parcel is located in the northwestern corner of Bates Township, Iron County, in Michigan's Upper Peninsula. The property is surrounded by Ottawa National Forest Lands, which offers recreational opportunities for boating, camping, picnicking, fishing, hiking, hunting, kayaking, skiing, wildlife observation, and other outdoor activities across its 988,000 acres. These National Forest Lands contain over 300 lakes stocked by the MDNR and over 1,200 miles of trout streams. The eastern border of the property nearly touches the East Branch of the Ontonagon River, which flows northward 54 miles to the confluence with the Middle Branch of the Ontonagon River. Coldwater fish species predominate these river bodies, parts of which are designated trout streams and are accessible to fish migrating from Lake Superior. There are also a few ponds located on the property. Lake St. Kathryn, located approximately one mile southwest of the parcel, is known for Northern Pike, Walleye, Bass, and Perch fishing. Perch Lake, three miles southwest of the property, is the largest water body in the County, encompassing 994 acres and containing Walleyes, Northern Pike, Largemouth Bass, and Perch. Hanna Webb Lake, four miles south of the property, is designated as one of the Brook Trout "Better Fishing Waters" by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR). Wildlife species found in the area include white-tailed deer, black bear, coyote, wolf, bobcat, squirrel, rabbit, chipmunk, raccoon, otter, beaver, skunk, and fox. Seasonal and year-round bird species are also seen in the area, including songbirds, shore and water birds, and game birds. The Porter Lake-Sidnaw Multi-Use State Trail Number 15 runs just west of the parcel, serving as a state-designated snowmobile trail in winter and an off-road vehicle (ORV)/all-terrain vehicle (ATV) trail in other seasons, connecting with other trails across the Upper Midwest. The property features rolling hills and some 20-foot high peaks. The most common trees are Aspen Stands, with other species like northern hardwoods, oak, spruce, mixed conifers, red pine, jack pine, and some areas of mixed swamp conifers. Several open areas are covered in grass and ferns. There are about six miles of trails throughout the property. The parcel is enrolled in the Michigan CFA Program, providing a tax incentive to landowners to retain and manage their forestland for long-term timber production and to provide foot access to the public for hunting, trapping, and fishing.