SB 248 Summary

• Department of Natural Resources may not acquire land surface rights exceeding 4,626,000 acres statewide until May 1, 2015, then reduced to 3,910,000 acres north of the Mason-Arenac line.

• DNR must estimate and post annual payments in lieu of taxes on acquired land to its website for 30 days and notify affected local units before acquiring surface rights.

• DNR must develop a written strategic plan by October 1, 2014 to guide land acquisition and disposition, including regional divisions, measurable performance goals for recreation access, forests, and wildlife management.

• DNR must submit statements to legislative committees and post on its website at least 30 days before acquiring or disposing of land, describing how the transaction affects strategic plan goals.

• Excluded from acreage limits are conservation easements, platted land acquired before the effective date, access roads under 80 acres, trails, commercial forestland, gifted land, and land acquired through litigation.