WOLF MANAGEMENT ADVISORY COUNCIL S.B. 486:
SUMMARY OF INTRODUCED BILL
IN COMMITTEE
Senate Bill 486 (as introduced 5-26-21) (Senate-passed version)
CONTENT
The bill would amend the Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act to require that each member of the Wolf Management Advisory Council be a resident of the Upper Peninsula unless wolves were present in the Lower Peninsula.
Section 43540e establishes the Wolf Management Advisory Council within the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and prescribes the membership of the Council. The Council is tasked with submitting to the Natural Resources Commission and Legislature nonbinding recommendations as to the proper management of wolves in Michigan each year.
Currently, the Council must consist of the Director of the DNR, or his or her designee, and at least the following members appointed by the Director or his or her designee:
-- One member representing an organization that promotes conservation in Michigan.
-- One member representing organizations that promote hunting or fishing in Michigan.
-- One member representing tribal government.
-- One member representing agricultural interests.
-- One member representing an animal advocacy organization.
Under the bill, each member of the Council would have to be a resident of the Upper Peninsula, unless the DNR determined through winter track surveys and genetic testing that wolves were present in the Lower Peninsula. If that occurred, then a majority of the members of the Council would have to be residents of the Upper Peninsula.
MCL 324.43540e Legislative Analyst: Dana Adams
FISCAL IMPACT
The bill would have no fiscal impact on State or local government.
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.