GAYLORD, MI – State officials reviewed at least five sites across northern Michigan for possible solar energy buildout in what’s become a controversial effort to increase renewable energy by deforesting state land. Maps and other documents released to MLive under the state Freedom of Information Act show sites reviewed by officials include previously unknown areas in the Mackinaw and Pere Marquette state forests. Both those sites near Fife Lake and Mancelona were deemed ‘suitable’ to lease for solar panels in 2021, records show. …Released records show DNR officials reviewed 4,800 public acres across those five northern Michigan locations. All are either adjacent or in proximity to high-voltage transmission lines, considered a key factor for renewable energy development. …State officials said leasing 4,000 acres of public land statewide for solar energy is part of the DNR’s plan to increase revenues for the agency and accelerate Michigan toward its goal of 100% clean energy by 2040.