HB 4475 Summary

• Requires the Department of Natural Resources to develop and implement a strategic plan for managing state lands, with updates proposed every 6 years and approved by the legislature, including measurable goals for recreation access, outdoor opportunities, forests, and wildlife management.

• Restricts the department from acquiring land north of the Mason-Arenac line if payments under forest land incentive programs are not made in full and on time during a fiscal year, unless the acquisition is approved by township or county resolution.

• Prohibits the department from acquiring land in counties where state-owned, federally-owned, and commercial forestland constitute 40% or more of total county land, unless the local township or county board does not reject the acquisition within 60 days of notice.

• Establishes a notice and public participation requirement for the department to notify local units of government, publish notices, and hold public meetings at least 30 days before acquiring, disposing of, or developing parcels larger than 80 acres.

• Requires the department to inventory all state forest roads, open them to motorized public use unless designated otherwise, and annually report motorized trail miles while preventing new access restrictions without prior written notice to local governments.