MUNICIPAL FORESTS: RECREATIONAL USE                                                      S.B. 1031:

                                                                                                      FLOOR SUMMARY

Senate Bill 1031 (as reported without amendment)

Sponsor:  Senator Tom Casperson

Committee:  Natural Resources, Environment and Great Lakes

CONTENT

The bill would amend Part 527 (Municipal Forests) of the Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act to include a recreational purpose among the authorized uses of municipal forestland.

Under Part 527, a municipality may acquire land or provide land already in its possession and use it for a forestry purpose, and may carry on forestry on the land.  The bill would refer to a forestry and/or recreational purpose, and forestry and/or recreational activities, in these provisions.

Part 527 authorizes the Department of Natural Resources (DNR), the Department of Treasury, or a State officer in charge of State land to sell homestead, tax, swamp, or primary school land to a public agency for a forestry purpose, at a price set by the applicable department or officer.  This land is known as "municipal forestland".  The land must be suitable for and used solely for a forestry purpose, unless conveyed as provided in Part 527.  When the land is no longer used for that purpose, it reverts to the State.  

The bill would add a recreational purpose to the allowed uses of municipal forestland, and include in the definition of "municipal forestland" land sold to a public agency for a recreational purpose.  "Recreational purpose" would include any motorized or nonmotorized recreational activity.

("Public agency" means a school district, a public educational institution, a governmental unit or agency of the State, or a municipality.)

MCL 324.52702 & 324.52706                                           Legislative Analyst:  Julie Cassidy

FISCAL IMPACT

The bill would have no fiscal impact on State or local government.

Date Completed:  6-1-12                                                       Fiscal Analyst:  Josh Sefton

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.