The Senate Natural Resources Committee
heard testimony over legislation that would limit the amount of land the
Department of Natural Resources can own. The bill also requires certain
conditions on its payments in lieu of taxes (PILT) to local government on such
land.
SB 39 and SB 40 both adopted S-1 substitutes, yet
neither was reported. Among those who testified, several were opposed including
the Michigan United Conservation Clubs (MUCC). Residents and local governments
were generally in support. Dan Eichinger, executive director of the MUCC,
specifically had concerns with determining whom would be the primary beneficiary
of land acquired using the hunter/angler dollars. Committee Chair and bill
sponsor Senator Tom Casperson (R-Escanaba) responded to MUCC criticism by
stating he is attempting to give relief to land purchases across the state.
SB 39 prohibits the Department of
Natural Resources (DNR) from owning more than 4.26 million acres of land if
legislation is not enacted approving the DNR’s strategic plan to guide the
acquisition and disposition of state land or the state does not make its
required PILT to local governments. There would also be a limit specific to
northern Michigan of 3.91 million acres put in place. The DNR’s strategic plan
needs to identify the authorized uses of land managed by the department and
specify the plan’s performance goals to maximize access to land, including the
removal of man-made barriers. The DNR’s strategic plan timeframe would be
shortened, and the department is to provide public access to all land under its
control for outdoor activities. Finally, SB 39 prohibits the DNR from issuing
an order to protect and preserve property under its control that limiting the
use of or access to any land, unless acquired with federal funds or the state’s
Game and Fish Protection Account, or in an emergency.
SB 40 simply expands the allowed uses
of money in the Land Exchange Facilitation Fund to include the maintenance cost
of natural resource management activities, the payment of special assessments
levied on land owned by the DNR and state payment of PILT. The provision, which
allows the department to make a proposed land purchase if the Michigan Natural
Resources Trust Fund Board does not act on recommendations to purchase land
within 60 days, will be removed.
Senator Casperson, when criticized by
the MUCC and the department, argued the PILT issue may have already been
addressed, but is far behind the Governor’s recommendation. Mr. Casperson feels
if the department wishes to purchase more land, they have a responsibility to
come to the Legislature like anyone else. The Legislator has this right per the
Michigan Constitution. The committee did not vote on these bills, and more
hearings are to be expected.