KEEP PUBLIC LANDS OPEN TO HUNTING;

PREVENT NET DECREASE IN PUBLIC HUNTING LAND

House Bill 4597

Sponsor:  Rep. Matthew Gillard

Committee:  Tourism, Outdoor Recreation, and Natural Resources

Complete to 4-23-07

A SUMMARY OF HOUSE BILL 4597 AS INTRODUCED 4-12-07

The bill would amend Part 5 (General Powers and Duties of the Department of Natural Resources) of the Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act as follows.

Keep public land open to hunting.  The DNR would be required to keep land under its control open to hunting unless it determined that it should be closed to hunting due to:

·                    Public safety.

·                    Fish or wildlife management.

·                    Homeland security concerns.

·                    Other legal requirements.

Manage land to support and promote hunting opportunities.  The DNR would be required to manage land under its control to support and promote hunting opportunities to the extent authorized by law.

Manage land to prevent any net decrease in public hunting acreage.  The DNR would be required to manage land under its control to prevent any net decrease in the acreage of such land that is open to hunting.

Annual DNR report regarding the status of land open or closed to hunting.  Beginning April 1, 2008, and annually thereafter, the DNR would be required to submit a report to the Legislature detailing:

·                    The location and acreage of land under its control that it closed to hunting during the previous year, and the reason for the closure.

·                    The location and acreage of land under its control that it opened to hunting during the previous year to compensate for the land that it closed. 

Guidance for DNR rule promulgation.  The amendments to Section 504 are stylistic.  The section essentially requires the DNR to promulgate rules to protect and preserve lands and property under its control from depredation, damage, or destruction, or improper use or occupancy.  

MCL 324.504

FISCAL IMPACT:

This bill would not have a fiscal impact on the state or on local governmental units.

                                                                                           Legislative Analyst:   Shannan Kane

                                                                                                  Fiscal Analyst:   Kirk Lindquist

■ This analysis was prepared by nonpartisan House staff for use by House members in their deliberations, and does not constitute an official statement of legislative intent.