Consumers Energy Surpasses Land Restoration Goal, Opens Private Acreage for Public Recreation

Greg Salisbury, senior vice president of electric distribution for Consumers Energy, said the company takes seriously its responsibility as one of Michigan's largest landowners. He noted that the company's foresters aim to balance economic, cultural, and ecological priorities on its forest lands while still delivering reliable, affordable power and natural gas to 6.8 million customers.

Restoration efforts typically include cleanup work, invasive species removal, native tree and plant planting, and conservation easements.

As part of these efforts, Consumers Energy has opened more than 100 acres of privately owned utility land for public and recreational use across over 80 communities. Agreements with local partners allow public access to 72 trails along the company's electric and natural gas corridors, supporting hiking, biking, snowmobiling, off-road vehicle use, and other non-motorized recreation. Examples include the Kochville Township Trail and the Gaylord Area Snowmobile Trail.

Beyond trails, the company's Ludington Pumped Storage facility drew more than 4,300 visitors to its picnic area and 18,000 to its campgrounds in 2025.

"We're happy to share our lands with those who enjoy the great outdoors," Salisbury said, adding that the company partners with governments, volunteer groups, and private businesses to manage its public-access lands in a way that protects the land, water, and air the community depends on.

Consumers Energy is Michigan's largest energy provider, serving natural gas and/or electricity to 6.8 million of the state's roughly 10 million residents across all 68 counties in the Lower Peninsula.

More information on the company's sustainability efforts is available at ConsumersEnergy.com/Sustainability.