Bill Analysis

BILL ANALYSIS

BILL NUMBER:	SENATE BILL 0166
TOPIC:	Adopt-A-Forest Program
SPONSOR:	Senator Michelle McManus
CO-SPONSORS:	Senators Leland, Jelinek, Garcia, Goschka, Allen, Toy, Johnson, Van Woerkom, Bishop, Kuipers, and Birkholz

COMMITTEE:	Natural Resources and Environmental Affairs
Analysis Done:	February 17, 2005

POSITION

The Department supports the concept of the bill. However, without a solid funding source to fund this required initiative, the agency could not support it.

PROBLEM/BACKGROUND

The Adopt-A-Forest program in Michigan has operated for 16 years as a cooperative program between public, private and non-profit agencies and volunteer groups. This bill implies and assigns specific ownership of the program to the Department that may be contrary to the mission and goals of the program. Some current partner groups have expressed concern that this administrative change will alter the broad focus of the program to one more oriented to state-owned land instead of public land (federal, municipal, township). This legislation would codify and require that the Department administer the program.

DESCRIPTION OF BILL

This bill requires the Department to administer the Adopt-A-Forest program. This program promotes working with volunteers to clean up illegally dumped trash from public forestlands. The bill also requires public information and volunteer recognition programs.

SUMMARY OF ARGUMENTS

Pro

The bill elevates understanding of the significance, importance, and costs of illegal dumping, clean-up and volunteer efforts. It includes education and information activities that dovetail well with the Department’s goal of increasing public awareness of natural resources. Program-matically, Adopt-A-Forest provides an excellent opportunity to highlight natural resource values. It provides a vehicle for harnessing community support and involvement.

Also, it demonstrates the Department’s commitment to our public trust responsibility for long-term forest land health.

The bill assigns program responsibility to the Department, which may ensure more consistent follow-through at the state level.

Con

There is no solid funding source identified for this required initiative. Section 36005 requires the Department to report on the number of tons of wastes removed each year. There is no reliable mechanism for calculating the weight of waste removed in clean-ups. The industry standard for tracking and charging tipping fees is cubic yards. Adopt-a-Forest currently tracks waste removal by cubic yards.

FISCAL/ECONOMIC IMPACT

Are there revenue or budgetary implications in the bill to the --

(a) Department

Budgetary:

Senate Bill 0166 has no solid funding source identified. A required initiative should have a solid funding base to implement and maintain the program. The Department will need to provide significant administrative support for this program, including developing and adopting program guidelines, creating a volunteer recognition program, providing assistance and information, coordinating clean-ups, and developing a data tracking and reporting system. The Department would have to shift existing funds from other programs.

Revenue:

None.

Comments:

None.

(b) State

Budgetary:

Senate Bill 0166 has no solid funding source identified. The state would need to appropriate new funds or shift existing funds from other programs.

Revenue:

None.

Comments:

None.

(c) Local Government

Comments:

None.

OTHER STATE DEPARTMENTS

None at this time.

ANY OTHER PERTINENT INFORMATION

The Department’s Fiscal Year 2005 budget includes $50,000 for Adopt-A-Forest waste disposal fees (tipping fees) on state land only. Since Adopt-A-Forest covers all public lands, other funding must be found for tipping fees for clean-ups on other ownerships.

In addition, the appropriated funding cannot be used for program administration costs, staffing, outreach, education, volunteer recruitment, or other Adopt-A-Forest related activities.

ADMINISTRATIVE RULES IMPACT

The bill directs that the Department adopt guidelines for the program, not administrative rules.

_______________________________

Rebecca A. Humphries

Director

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Date

FMFM