STATE FOREST RECREATION - S.B. 727: FLOOR ANALYSIS

Senate Bill 727 (as reported by the Committee of the Whole)

Sponsor: Senator Philip E. Hoffman

Committee: Natural Resources and Environmental Affairs

CONTENT

The bill would add Part 831 to the Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act to establish the "Forest Recreation Fund" for the development of forest recreation activities; permit the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) to appoint volunteers to facilitate forest recreation activities; permit the DNR to grant concessions within a State forest for a specified term; require a person to obtain a permit for camping in a designated State forest campground; permit the DNR Director to commission State forest officers to enforce State laws and rules in State forests; and, establish a civil penalty for violating the bill.

The bill also would require the DNR, at least six months before increasing a camping permit fee, to give written notice of its intent to do so to the Senate and House standing committees having primary jurisdiction over legislation pertaining to natural resources and the environment.

The bill is tie-barred to Senate Bill 728, which would permit the DNR to lease lands to certain groups and specifies the funds that would receive money from a lease.

Proposed MCL 324.83101-324.83109 - Legislative Analyst: N. Nagata

FISCAL IMPACT

Senate Bills 727 and 728 would have an indeterminate fiscal impact on State government, depending on potential revenue from concession contracts at State forests.

The bills would have no fiscal impact on local government.

Current law (MCL 324.509) authorizes the Department to enter into concession contracts at State parks and collect fees for both State Park and State Forest uses. The bills would separate State Parks from State Forest permit programs, allow concession contracts at State forests, and clarify what fund would receive forest camping revenue (Forest Recreation Fund) and forest land use revenue (Forest Development Fund). The bills also provide additional clarification of enforcement authority on State forest lands.

Date Completed: 10-22-97 - Fiscal Analyst: G. Cutler floor\sb727

This analysis was prepared by nonpartisan Senate staff for use by the Senate in its deliberations and does not constitute an official statement of legislative intent.