MI HB6040

Establishes Part 535 of the Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act to create a registration system for professional foresters in Michigan administered by a Board of Foresters within the Department of Natural Resources.

Creates a 7-member Board of Foresters appointed by the state forester, with members representing consulting foresters, Society of American Foresters, university forestry programs, state agencies, forest products industry, private forest landowners, and municipal/urban forestry fields; each member must have at least 10 years of professional forestry experience.

Sets registration requirements for foresters including educational qualifications (associate's, bachelor's, or graduate degree in forestry from accredited programs plus specified experience), references from 3 registered foresters, and continuing education of at least 24 hours every 2 years; registration fee is $200 and valid for 2 years.

Establishes professional conduct standards for registered foresters including requirements to disclose conflicts of interest, avoid false statements about timber values, not accept compensation from multiple clients for same service without consent, and report violations to the board.

Creates a registered forester fund to be administered by the Department of Natural Resources, funded by registration fees, for administration and enforcement of the forester registration program; repeals Article 21 of the 1980 Occupational Code.