New Crystal Waters State Game Area Coming To Monroe County

After over four years of negotiations, the Michigan DNR is going ahead with plans to buy a 640-acre tract of land in Monroe county known as Crystal Waters. The land will be open to the public as a new state game area. This means that anyone will be able to use Crystal Waters State Game Area for hunting, fishing, hiking, and other recreational activities. The area features seven inland water bodies and over six miles of hiking trails. There are also plans to build a state-owned shooting range on the property as well. The deal will reportedly cost the state 3.675 million dollars and is funded by the Michigan Natural Resources Commission and funds from MUCC (Michigan United Conservation Clubs).

The area in Monroe county is surrounded by many heavily populated areas with few large tracts of public land open to recreation. As more people have been headed to the outdoors since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, it is more important than ever to have public land available for everyone to use. The benefit of having the land open as a state game area instead of a preserve or state park is that it is also open to hunters and fishers. One of the biggest complaints that new hunters have is trying to find somewhere to hunt. Public land provides democratic access to the state’s wildlife which is owned in trust by everyone in Michigan.

Many of the large landholdings and farms in Michigan from prior generations are broken up as part of inheritance deals. This makes it rarer to find large tracts of land that are still intact, especially near highly populated areas. The acquisition of the 640-acre tract in Monroe county ensures that this important wildlife habitat will remain undeveloped and provide endless hours of recreational opportunities to the public. While folks love to criticize the state DNR every chance they get, I think we can all agree that they did a great job here. I am looking forward to exploring the new Crystal Waters State Game Area as soon as it’s open to the public.

Affiliate Disclosure

Outdoor Sports Nation is a participant in various affiliate programs, including but not limited to Amazon Associates and other online retailers. As part of these affiliate programs, we may earn a small commission on qualifying purchases made through links on our website. This comes at no extra cost to you, the consumer, and helps support our mission to provide the best outdoor sports content and gear recommendations.

Please note that while we may earn commissions through these partnerships, our product reviews, opinions, and recommendations are independent and based solely on our team’s experiences, research, and commitment to helping outdoor enthusiasts make informed decisions. Our goal is to bring you the most accurate and reliable information possible.

Product Reviews

If you are a company or brand looking to have your product reviewed by Outdoor Sports Nation, we would love to hear from you. Please visit our Contact Us page for more information and to submit a request.

More From Forest Beat

A captivating outdoor scene featuring a dense forest of tall pine trees, a tranquil lake reflecting the orange hues of an evening sky, and a majestic deer standing

10 Essential Tips for Your Beginner’s Guide to Deer Hunting: What...

Deer hunting is a popular outdoor activity that offers a chance to connect with nature and contribute to wildlife management. This beginner's guide provides...
Hunting
3
minutes

Grilled Venison With Michigan Cherry Sauce

Grilled venison with Michigan cherry sauce is a delicious and flavorful way to enjoy the gamey taste of venison.
Hunting
1
minute
Michigan hunting spots

Top 10 Hunting Spots In Michigan

Michigan is a great state for hunting, with its diverse habitats and wildlife populations. There are plenty of hunting spots in Michigan.
Hunting
4
minutes

White-tailed Deer Hunting And The Michigan Ecosystem

White-tailed deer hunting is essential to the Michigan ecosystem for several reasons. First, it helps to control the deer population, which can be damaging...
Hunting
3
minutes