DNR land sales provide opportunity to purchase state-owned properties throughout Wisconsin

MADISON – (RealEstateRama) — The Department of Natural Resources is offering 15 state-owned parcels of land for public sale through Monday, Nov. 28, 2016.

In February 2016, the Natural Resources Board approved phase two of land sales, including 81 parcels totaling approximately 5,633 acres. Of these 81 parcels, 33 were landlocked with no legal access from a road and will be marketed to adjoining property owners, while 24 were to be marketed for government sale only to county, city or township (both landlocked and accessible) and 24 of the parcels were accessible for public sale to the general public with restrictions. Counties, cities and townships have a first right to purchase these parcels for the minimum transaction value.

Fifteen of these approved properties are now being offered for sale and have been posted for bid as Auction #16825 on www.WisconsinSurplus.com [EXIT DNR]. The bidding process for these parcels will close Monday, Nov. 28, 2016 starting at 10 a.m.

Parcels available for purchase are located in Adams, Bayfield, Florence, Green Lake, Iron, Langlade, Price, Walworth, Waushara and Vilas counties, and range from 4.3 to 122.6 acres. All properties are accessible by a state, county/town road or easement. The title may transfer subject to certain restrictions such as county snowmobile easements, DNR access easements, DNR stream bank easements, mineral rights reservation or no development requirements on certain portions of the parcel or property.

All parcels will be sold “as is,” and it is the bidder’s responsibility to determine condition and any defects. The department will provide a title policy to the buyer. Specific property information, along with maps and photographs are viewable on the Wisconsin Surplus Online Auction website.

This land sale program is being carried out by the Department in compliance with Wisconsin Act 20, which requires that the Natural Resources Board offer for sale at least 10,000 acres located outside of project boundaries by June 30, 2017.

The sale of select department-owned lands will help resolve key boundary and access issues, realign land ownership with conservation partners and private citizens for more efficient management, and allow the department to work closely with partner and stakeholder organizations to meet common property and conservation goals.

The department’s land sale policy was shaped by public comments received at five informational meetings held throughout the state in October 2013 and by comments received through the public policy page of the DNR website. The Natural Resources Board approved the final policy in December 2013.

For more information regarding the department’s land sale program under Act 20, visit dnr.wi.gov and search keywords “land sales.”

Contact(s): Terry Bay, DNR Facilities and Lands Bureau director, 608-266-5782