Johnson purchased the island, saving it from commercial development seven years ago.

The 836-acre North Fox Island, off the shore of Leland and Charlevoix, is valued at $15 million. The state will pay only $2.2 million from a land grant trust for Johnson's legal and closing expenses, making the donation worth nearly $13 million.

The island includes a 180-foot-high dune formation, a stone/sand beach, and five miles of Lake Michigan shoreline.

Johnson is working with the state and federal agencies to consolidate his holdings on the larger South Fox Island into the lower two-thirds of the island.

Because Johnson already owns two-thirds of the 1,200 acre island, the stateand the developer are trying to make the land contiguous. With the consolidation, Johnson would also acquire 115 miles at the southern tip of South Fox, including a boat harbor.

The three government agencies are coordinating to develop an environmentalimpact statement for the proposed exchange of lands. Comments on theproposed land exchange will be accepted for 30 days following publication of the notice of intent in the federal Register.

Meetings are scheduled June 5 and 6 to gather information and receive public comment. The June 5 meeting will be held at Leland High School, 200 N. Grand Ave. in Leland. The June 6 is held at Charlevoix High School, 108 E. Garfield, in Charlevoix. Both begin at 6:30 p.m. and end at 9 p.m. Representatives from the three agencies will present information on the proposed land exchange and the plans to develop an environmental impact statement.

Following the presentation, the public is invited to join group discussions for comments and questions.

Instant Insights /

Public Comment Encouraged on Island Swap

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