HB 4684 Summary

• Requires the Department of Natural Resources to keep state-controlled land open to hunting unless closed for public safety, wildlife management, or homeland security reasons, and to manage land to prevent net decreases in acreage open to hunting.

• Creates an equine trailways subcommittee with representatives from the tourism industry and equine industry across Michigan's regions to develop a statewide network plan for pack and saddle trailways on state-owned lands.

• Permits pack and saddle animals to access designated pack and saddle trailways on public land managed by the department, with restrictions allowed only for public safety, maintenance concerns, or department mission-related reasons supported by written science-based rationale.

• Requires the department to establish a statewide trail network plan within one year of receiving advisory council recommendations, accommodating various recreational uses including pack and saddle animals and other nonmotorized users.

• Prohibits the department from enforcing rules that restrict the use of pack and saddle animals on pack and saddle trailways, and prohibits rules preventing licensed individuals from carrying pistols in compliance with 1927 PA 372 on department property.