HB-5453, As Passed Senate, May 23, 2006

SENATE SUBSTITUTE FOR

HOUSE BILL NO. 5453

     A bill to amend 1994 PA 451, entitled

"Natural resources and environmental protection act,"

by amending section 52504 (MCL 324.52504), as added by 2004 PA 125.

THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF MICHIGAN ENACT:

     Sec. 52504. (1)  After the plan is adopted under section

52503, the  The department shall harvest timber from the state

forest and other state owned lands owned or controlled by the

department in compliance with the plan and any plan updates.

     (2) The department shall evaluate at least 10% of the state

forest each year for the purpose of identifying timber that meets

silvicultural criteria that are designed to maximize forest health

and forest economics.

     (3) Within 18 months after the department has conducted an

evaluation under subsection (1), the department shall put all

acreage prescribed for harvest up for timber sale except as

follows:

     (a) Acreage restricted from harvest under state or federal

law.

     (b) Acreage restricted from harvest as necessary to maintain

certification with sustainable forestry standards under section

52505.

     (4) Acreage shall not be restricted from harvest under

subsection (3)(b) if the department can maintain certification with

sustainable forestry standards under section 52505 by requiring

specific techniques, equipment, or training for the harvest.

     (5) In putting timber up for sale, the department shall assure

that harvesting of timber from the state forest is conducted in a

manner so as to maintain certification with sustainable forestry

standards under section 52505. All timber harvests from the state

forest shall be performed by loggers who, at a minimum, have

completed a sustainable forestry education program approved by

Michigan State university extension.

(6)  (2) Unless otherwise dedicated by law, proceeds from the

sale of timber from the state forest and other state owned lands

owned or controlled by the department shall be forwarded to the

state treasurer for deposit into the forest development fund

established pursuant to section 50507.