(1) The department shall establish an "adopt-a-trail" program that will allow volunteer groups to assist in maintaining and enhancing trails on state owned land.

    (2) Subject to subsection (3), volunteer groups in the adopt-a-trail program may adopt any available trail or trail segment and may choose any 1 or more of the following volunteer activities:

    (a) Spring cleanups.

    (b) Environmental activities.

    (c) Accessibility projects.

    (d) Special events.

    (e) Trail maintenance, enhancement, and development.

    (f) Public information and assistance.

    (g) Training.

    (3) The department shall designate the activities to be performed by a volunteer group in the adopt-a-trail program. The department may provide for more than 1 volunteer group to adopt an eligible trail or trail segment. If the department operates other programs in the vicinity of the trail that allows volunteers to adopt a park or other resource, the department shall coordinate these programs to provide for efficient and effective volunteer programs in the area.

    (4) A volunteer group that wishes to participate in the adopt-a-trail program shall submit an application to the department on a form provided by the department. Additionally, volunteer groups shall agree to the following:

    (a) Volunteer groups shall participate in the program for at least a 2-year period.

    (b) Volunteer groups shall consist of at least 6 people who are 18 years of age or older, unless the volunteer group is a school or scout organization, in which case the volunteers may be under 18 years of age.

    (c) Volunteer groups shall contribute a total of at least 400 service hours over a 2-year period.

    (d) Volunteer groups shall comply with other reasonable requirements of the department.

    (5) A state park manager or a district forest manager may issue to volunteers who are actively working on adopt-a-trail projects that last more than 1 day free camping permits if campsites are available. A state park manager or a district forest manager may waive state park entry fees for volunteers entering state parks to work on adopt-a-trail projects.

    (6) While a volunteer is working on an adopt-a-trail project, the volunteer has the same immunity from civil liability as a department employee and shall be treated in the same manner as an employee under section 8 of 1964 PA 170, MCL 691.1408.

    (7) The department shall design and erect near the entrance of each adopted trail or trail segment an adopt-a-trail program sign with the name of the volunteer group's sponsoring organization listed for each volunteer group that has contributed at least 100 service hours by volunteers.