Are Michigan Waters Owned by the DNR?

NO! It’s a MYTH! Waters are not owned by the DNR in the same manner that it does not own the air that we breath, the rain that falls from the sky, the wind, trees, deer, elk, rabbits, fox, squirrels, partridge, ducks, geese, flowers, mushrooms, berries, etc. that are located within, over and upon the properties owned by all of us. The state owns certain lands in its own name(s) and the DNR may prevent the water above it from being trespassed upon in that capacity as private persons who own land can enforce trespass.

However, the DNR can’t come into you home and control the amount of water that you drink. No, its employees can’t come through your bathroom and shower doors and insist on hopping into your shower with you because they own the water! Please, please,…..be realistic. Embed these comments in your mind every time your hear that MYTH. No, the DNR does not own the waters of this state.