Consumers Energy Reminds Public That Utility Land Is Off Limits To Hunters

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Sep 20, 2012, 06:00 ET

JACKSON, Mich., Sept. 20, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- As the hunting seasons get under way in Michigan, Consumers Energy is reminding the public that hunting isn't allowed on the utility's property.

The ban protects the safety of neighbors, utility workers and others. It also addresses the concerns of neighboring landowners that irresponsible hunters will use Consumers Energy property to trespass.

"We are asking Michigan sportsmen and sportswomen to remember that Consumers Energy property is private land, not public property," said Mike Williams, Consumers Energy's director of corporate security. "We appreciate the vast majority of hunters who follow the law and do not trespass, and we ask everyone to help keep this a safe hunting season in our Great Lakes State."

Anyone observing hunting or gunshot vandalism on utility land is asked to contact their local law enforcement agency, or Consumers Energy's corporate security office at 1-800-760-3295.

Consumers Energy offers cash rewards of varying amounts for information leading to the arrest and arraignment of those who damage company equipment or property.

Special hunting provisions apply to Consumers Energy-owned lands bordering its AuSable, Manistee and Muskegon river hydroelectric plant reservoirs, where hunting is permitted. However, constructing blinds, target shooting, baiting, burning and fire pits are strictly prohibited on all Consumers Energy lands. The cost of removing blinds from utility property is charged to the blinds' owners.

In addition, the use of dirt bikes, ATVs and other off-road vehicles is not allowed on utility property due to the risk of resource damage, danger to drivers and passengers and damage to utility equipment.

A brochure, "A Guide to Consumers Energy Land: To Our Michigan Neighbors," provides information for landowners, developers and others on use of Consumers Energy property.

Consumers Energy is one of the largest private landowners in Michigan's Lower Peninsula. The utility owns more than 12,000 miles of electric and natural gas rights-of-way, and maintains easement rights on another 86,000 miles of rights-of-way.

Consumers Energy, the principal subsidiary of CMS Energy (NYSE: CMS), provides natural gas and electricity to 6.8 million of Michigan's 10 million residents in all 68 Lower Peninsula counties.

For more information regarding Consumers Energy, visit us at: www.consumersenergy.com or join us on Facebook at: www.facebook.com/consumersenergymichigan

SOURCE Consumers Energy