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MI HB4323
Bill
Status
2/26/2013
Primary Sponsor
Peter Pettalia
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AI Summary
HB 4323 Summary
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Transfers forestland management oversight from the Department of Natural Resources to the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, with conservation districts assisting private forest landowners.
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Establishes the Private Forestland Enhancement Fund to support programs including cost-share incentives, technical assistance, and education for nonindustrial private forestland management.
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Requires conservation districts to provide landowners with lists of qualified foresters and post requests for forest management services on district websites; districts may only prepare management plans if no private forester responds after 30 days of posting.
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Creates a statewide registry of qualified foresters maintained by the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, with registration requirements and continuing education mandates for participating foresters.
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Clarifies that conservation district boards consist of 5 directors elected by residents, may employ professional staff, must maintain biennial independent audits for grants of $50,000 or more, and restricts professional foresters employed with grants from competing with private sector businesses.
Legislative Description
Natural resources; forests; private forest management; provide oversight from the department of agriculture and rural development and provide for conservation district assistance to owners of forestland. Amends secs. 9301, 9302, 9304, 9307, 9308 & 9310 of 1994 PA 451 (MCL 324.9301 et seq.); adds secs. 51301, 51302, 51305 & 51306 & repeals secs. 50110, 50112 & 50136 of 1994 PA 451 (MCL 324.50110 et seq.).
State agencies (existing), environmental quality
Last Action
Referred To Committee On Natural Resources, Environment And Great Lakes
3/20/2013