COLDWATER, MI (WTVB) – It was announced during Tuesday’s Branch County Board of Commissioners meeting that a nine year lease between Branch County and Michigan State University for the county’s Bater Road property has been signed by officials at M.S.U..
The last hurdle to clear is the Batavia Township Board as they would have to issue a special use permit for “educational purposes.” They are scheduled to meet next week.
The Commissioners approved the agreement last month. It calls for M.S.U. to lease the property for it’s Forestry Department from the county starting on December 15, 2026. The lease may be extended for an additional nine years upon approval by both parties.
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.
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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