PRESCRIBED BURNS - H.B. 4049 (S-4): FLOOR ANALYSIS

House Bill 4049 (Substitute S-4 as reported)

Sponsor: Representative David Anthony

First House Committee: Conservation, Environment and Recreation

Second House Committee: Forestry and Mineral Rights

Senate Committee: Natural Resources and Environmental Affairs

CONTENT

The bill would amend the Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act to regulate prescribed burns covering more than 40 acres. The bill would require the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) to conduct public meetings; give public notice of prescribed burns; create a buffer zone of at least 100-feet between the burn area and private property; and consider excluding an area along a State trunkline highway or county road as a buffer zone. The DNR could not conduct a prescribed burn on private property unless the owner submitted a written consent and/or a waiver or specified reduction of the buffer zone.

"Prescribed burn" would mean a fire that was intentionally set by the DNR in a forest area on State-owned or private property to assist the Department in implementing one or more land use management goals.

MCL 324.51701 et al. - Legislative Analyst: N. Nagata

FISCAL IMPACT

The bill would have minimal fiscal impact on State and local government.

Date Completed: 11-3-97 - Fiscal Analyst: G. Cutler

floor\hb4049

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.