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Prosecuting attorney Charlie Koop made his recommendation during Thursday's Antrim County Board of Commissioners meeting, informing members of the recent income from land lease and use by private companies. SRW Inc., leased forested property to develop the natural resources, getting permission from the state of Michigan, to do so. Koop says the state reserves the right, to distribute permission to develop those minerals. But the property owner, Antrim County, receives money for owning the land.

"The state allows companies to develop the minerals," he said. "It gives the company the right to develop those minerals, but it has to pay for those rights, to whoever owns that property."

Part of SRW's mission, was to clear forest to drill a gas well. The company paid Antrim for the cut woods and left it behind, for the county to disperse. Mike Meriwether, from the conservation office, helped broker a deal with a logging company, to sell the premium wood, that was cut down.

"About 1 to 2 acres were cut down," Koop said. "And it's quality wood, that has value. Mike did an excellent job finding possible companies to purchase the wood and get the county, the best deal."

Between the reimbursement from SRW, the sale of the wood and leasing of property, Koop says the county benefitted from the deal and will continue to.

"We're in the neighborhood of $95,000," he said. "Over $100,000, when inkind services are considered."

He added the potential benefits don't end there.

SRW also is giving financial input, into adding new roads and pipelines for the county. These items are needed by the company, and Koop says they are benefits to the county's residents.

"SRW is putting $35,000 into new roads, around the well sites," he said. "This is above and beyond what it needed for its sites. Some are new roads, some will be improved roads, but they all will help the county manage the woodlands, and possibly allow better and easier access to the public."

Another deal inked by the county, was one to lease property to DTE Energy. The company also wants to develop the natural resources, but near the Cedar River area. The lease equals about $175 per acre and 3/16's of the royalties. Koop added the property is non-developmental, so DTE is unable to alter the property, but it is allowed to perform slant drilling to adjacent property.

Koop advised the board, he believes the the conservation department, should garner benefits from these projects, as he already has word that state funding could be cut.

"The state is considering cutting money to forestry projects, he said. "Mike performs a great service to the county and residents. This money may help us continue projects, without state aid, if necessary."