STATE FOREST: FACTOR LIMITATIONS H.B. 5453 (S-2): FLOOR ANALYSIS
House Bill 5453 (Substitute S-2 as reported)
Sponsor: Representative Tom Casperson
House Committee: Conservation, Forestry, and Outdoor Recreation
Senate Committee: Agriculture, Forestry and Tourism
CONTENT
The bill would amend Part 525 (Sustainable Forestry on State Forestlands) of the Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act to require the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) to evaluate at least 10% of the State forest each year, for the purpose of identifying timber that met silvicultural criteria designed to maximize forest health and forest economics. Within 18 months after completing the evaluation, the DNR would have to put up for timber sale all acreage prescribed for harvest, except the following:
-- Acreage restricted from harvest under State or Federal law.
-- Acreage restricted from harvest as necessary to maintain certification with sustainable forestry standards under Section 52505.
(Section 52505 requires the DNR to maintain third-party certification that the management of the State forest and other State-owned land satisfies the sustainable forestry standards of at least one nonprofit, nongovernmental certification program.)
Acreage could not be restricted from harvest under the second exception if the DNR could maintain certification by requiring specific techniques, equipment, or training for the harvest.
In putting timber up for sale, the DNR would have to ensure that timber harvesting from the State forest was conducted in a manner that would not jeopardize certification with sustainable forestry standards. All timber harvests from the State forest would have to be performed by loggers who had completed at least a sustainable forestry education program approved by the Michigan State University extension service.
Proposed MCL 324.52512 Legislative Analyst: Curtis Walker
FISCAL IMPACT
The bill would cost the State an indeterminate amount. Most timber sold by the Department of Natural Resources is made available for sale within 18 to 24 months following completion of the evaluation. The bill would require the DNR to shorten this time frame slightly, which could require additional personnel. Timber evaluation and marking are primarily supported from the Forest Development Fund.
Date Completed: 4-20-06 Fiscal Analyst: Jessica Runnels
floor\hb5453 (S-2) Analysis available @ http://www.michiganlegislature.org
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.
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. hb5453/0506