NO NET LOSS OF HUNTING LAND

UNDER DNR CONTROL

House Bill 4286

Sponsor:  Rep. Judy Nerat

Committee:  Tourism, Outdoor Recreation and Natural Resources

Complete to 3-2-09

A SUMMARY OF HOUSE BILL 4286 AS INTRODUCED 2-17-09

The bill would amend Section 504 of the Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act (MCL 324.504) to require the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) to:

·                    Keep land under its control open to hunting unless it determined that it should be closed to hunting because of (1) public safety; (2) fish or wildlife management concerns; (3) homeland security concerns; or (4) other legal requirements. 

·                    Manage land under its control to support and promote hunting opportunities to the extent authorized by law.

·                    Manage land under its control to prevent any net decrease in the acreage of such land that is open to hunting. 

These requirements would not apply to private land that qualifies as "commercial forestland" for certain tax incentives.

Annual DNR report.  Beginning April 1, 20 10, and annually thereafter, the DNR would have to submit a report to the Legislature detailing:

·                    The location and acreage of land under its control (except for commercial forestland) that it had closed to hunting during the previous year ending March 1, and the reason for the closure.

·                    The location and acreage of land under its control (except for commercial forestland) that it opened to hunting during the previous year to compensate for the land that was closed. 

FISCAL IMPACT:

The bill would not have an impact on the state or local units of government. 

                                                                                           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.