COLDWATER, MI (WTVB) – A proposed nine year draft lease between Branch County and Michigan State University for the county’s Bater Road property was brought forward by the Board of Commissioners during their work session on Thursday morning.
M.S.U. would lease the property for it’s Forestry Department starting on December 15, 2026. The lease may be extended for an additional nine years upon approval by both parties.
County Administrator Frank Walsh said the purpose for the additional timeframe is to allow for M.S.U.’s tree management program to mature and to provide sufficient research data.
The Forestry Department at M.S.U. first expressed an interest in the 168-acre property last November.
M.S.U. would lease the land for free and it would only be used for educational purposes. The University would not be allowed to erect structures or remove any trees without permission from the county.
Forestry Department Chair Doctor Rich Kobe told Commissioners in February their department has a top ten global ranking and a reputation for being innovative. As part of their educational approach, they emphasize hands on training by their students. He also detailed the type of undergraduate courses that can be developed by using the Bater Road property.
Kobe said they were interested in the property because it’s relatively close to the East Lansing campus and has a large amount of forest land.
If the Board of Commissioners formally approves the draft lease during their meeting on Tuesday, the county will forward it to Batavia Township and seek a special use permit for “educational purposes.”
Branch County has owned the property since 1975. The County has leased it in the past for limited farming and hunting activities.
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