MI HB5275

Requires the Department of Natural Resources to conduct a comprehensive inventory of state forest roads divided into 5 regions, with the 2 most northerly Lower Peninsula regions completed by December 31, 2017 and remaining regions by December 31, 2018.

Opens all forest roads to motorized public use unless the department designates them otherwise, effective immediately in the Upper Peninsula and upon regional inventory completion elsewhere.

Establishes that pack and saddle animals may access pack and saddle trails on state forest land unless restricted, with new restrictions requiring public meetings, 60-day notice periods, and science-based rationales posted at trailheads.

Requires the department to provide written notice to local governments before newly restricting road or trail access to public land and to evaluate timber harvest opportunities to connect existing forest roads and trails.

Amends off-road vehicle (ORV) regulations to allow use on forest roads as provided in the new forest road inventory provisions and clarifies restrictions for ORV operation near dwellings, during deer hunting season, and on private land.