STATE FOREST LEASE - S.B. 728: FLOOR ANALYSIS

Senate Bill 728 (as reported by the Committee of the Whole)

Sponsor: Senator Philip E. Hoffman

Committee: Natural Resources and Environmental Affairs

CONTENT

The bill would amend the Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act to permit the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) to grant concessions within a State forest for a specified term and to lease property owned or controlled by the Department, specify the funds that would receive money from a lease, and delete current provisions that permit the DNR to lease lands to certain groups. The bill also would establish a "Forest Land User Fund" to cover the costs of reviewing applications and monitoring permits.

The bill is tie-barred to Senate Bill 727, which would require the DNR to develop an integrated recreation system for activities within State forests.

MCL 324.503 & 324.509 - 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

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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.