The Michigan Natural Resources Commission reviewed and Department of Natural Resources Director Rebecca Humphries approved a land acquisition in Dickinson County that will provide the DNR 635.87 acres of deer habitat. The action took place at the NRC meeting today in Houghton.

The DNR will acquire the land from a Kingsford resident for $350,000. The land is located three miles east of Channing and is located in a known deer yard complex where deer from surrounding counties congregate for the winter.

"Acquiring wildlife habitat in the Upper Peninsula allows the DNR to use management techniques to enhance this winter habitat area for deer," said Humphries. "This is part of a series of ongoing acquisitions in the Upper Peninsula intended to protect this valuable habitat, and is a great example of the impact that hunting has on conservation in our state."

DNR studies have shown that deer from southern Marquette, eastern Iron and northern Dickinson counties spend the winter in this area.

"By securing this wildlife corridor, we can work to ensure a healthy and productive deer herd in the U.P.," Humphries said. "This opportunity will provide deer with food and shelter during the winter months, and that will enhance their winter survival."

The funds for the acquisition were appropriated in 2002 to the DNR to make specific deer yard purchases in Menominee and Dickinson counties. Upper Michigan is at the northern edge of the white-tailed deer population range in North America.