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State of
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JENNIFER M. GRANHOLM governor |
DEPARTMENT
OF NATURAL RESOURCES |
K. L. COOL director |
1. Bill
Number and Sponsor:
House
Bill No. 4642
Representative
Walker
2. Purpose:
To alter the Natural River designation process by
changing the following: change the nominating party from Department to any
person; increase the degree of public notice required of the Department to
include direct mailing to each affected landowner; change the authority to
designate a river from the Director to the Natural Resource Commission (NRC);
and provide the Commission with the authority to modify a Natural River
management plan.
3. How Does This Legislation Impact Current Programs in the
Department?
Natural Rivers Program - The Bill as proposed may
impact only those future designations under Part 305. However, section 30502(8) may allow the
Commission authority to modify existing management plans, although the proposal
does not include a process for modification.
4. Introduced at Agency Request?
No.
5. Agency Support?
Partial.
6. Arguments Against the Bill:
Section 30506(b) requires that the Department notify
each landowner within the river district in writing. Although this is a noble goal, it would be almost
impossible without participation and cooperation from local units of government
who maintain the property owner information.
7. Arguments for the Bill:
Section 30502(6) moves the designating authority from
the Director to the NRC. This would
restore the original intent of the statute and add opportunities for public
comment.
8. State Revenue/Budgetary Implications:
None.
9. Implications to Local Units of Government:
None.
10. Administrative Rules Implications:
None.
11. Other Pertinent Information:
None.
12. User Groups/Customers that Support this Legislation (if
known):
None known.
K.
L. COOL
DIRECTOR
MICHIGAN DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES
FI