Michigan’s Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is facing heated criticism over its decision to lease 420 acres of state-managed forest in Otsego County to develop a solar panel farm. The project, which will involve the removal of over 400 acres of forest, has ignited fierce backlash from Republican lawmakers, local residents, and even environmentally conscious Democrats who argue the plan contradicts sustainable climate practices.
Leading the opposition is Republican State Representative Ken Borton of Gaylord, who has called for mass firings within the DNR. “I’m hearing from many of my Democrat friends, people who believe in climate change, that they realize cutting all these trees down is absolutely the wrong way,” Borton stated in an interview with WSJM. His concerns highlight the growing discontent across party lines regarding the state’s handling of public lands.
Borton’s frustration is echoed by other Republican lawmakers, who issued statements calling for accountability at the DNR. These lawmakers argue the plan sacrifices environmental integrity and public trust for a questionable renewable energy initiative involving Chinese-manufactured solar panels.
The DNR’s leadership recently announced its intention to request bids for the solar farm, which would be sited on public trust lands in Hayes Township, just west of Gaylord at the 45th Parallel. This project is part of a trio of solar installations planned for the area, with two others already in development on private land. All three projects aim to utilize a nearby high-voltage power transmission line to connect to the energy grid.
DNR officials argue the site’s proximity to existing infrastructure makes it ideal for solar energy generation. However, critics point out that the project will result in the destruction of hundreds of acres of forest, a critical habitat for wildlife and an essential carbon sink in the fight against climate change.
For many, the decision to clear a significant portion of forest contradicts the very principles of renewable energy—namely, reducing environmental harm. Forests play a vital role in absorbing carbon dioxide, and cutting them down for a solar farm risks undermining these benefits. Additionally, the solar panels’ efficiency has been called into question. Critics argue the panels will generate electricity only intermittently, depending on weather conditions and sunlight availability in northern Michigan.
“How does destroying a thriving forest to install solar panels align with the goal of combating climate change?” asked one local resident. This sentiment underscores a broader skepticism about the project’s long-term value and its impact on the environment.
Several lawmakers have demanded greater transparency from the DNR, accusing the agency of failing to adequately consult the public or consider alternative locations for the solar farm. “Anyone at the DNR responsible for this decision should be fired,” read a statement from Republican legislators. The strong language reflects the depth of frustration among critics who view the plan as shortsighted and poorly conceived.
The DNR has responded to the outcry by acknowledging the concerns raised by legislators and the public. Officials emphasized that the decision to lease state lands for renewable energy projects aligns with Michigan’s broader goals of transitioning to clean energy. However, they have not yet indicated any plans to reconsider or modify the project.
The controversy highlights the challenges of balancing renewable energy initiatives with environmental conservation. While solar farms are a critical component of transitioning away from fossil fuels, their development often comes with trade-offs that can spark local opposition. In this case, the removal of over 400 acres of forest has amplified concerns about the project’s environmental impact and its alignment with Michigan’s sustainability goals.
Local residents, environmentalists, and lawmakers alike are watching closely to see how the DNR proceeds. The debate underscores a larger question facing states across the country: how to balance the need for renewable energy with the responsibility to preserve natural resources. Whether Michigan’s plan to replace trees with solar panels will ultimately be seen as a step forward or a misstep remains to be seen.
