SPADA LAKE — The state Department of Natural Resources received the go-ahead Tuesday to transfer 2,445 acres of school trust land to the Morning Star Natural Resources Conservation Area.
Much of the roadless site is covered with trees more than 160 years old and ranges from an elevation of 1,000 to 4,000 feet. With its steep slopes, difficult terrain and high value as wildlife habitat, the site was considered unsuitable for producing long-term revenue for the school construction trust.
The Board of Natural Resources authorized the transfer to the conservation area, adding to an existing 33,000 acres. In return, the state’s school-construction account will receive $5.1 million. The funds reflect the value of standing timber on the land.
The state program that oversees the management of DNR timberlands also will provide $599,000 — equivalent to the transferred land’s value — to buy replacement acreage for the trust.
Talk to us
> Give us your news tips.
> Send us a letter to the editor.
> More Herald contact information.