Sec. 3.

As used in this act:

(a) “Commission” means the commission of natural resources.

(b) “Department” means the department of natural resources.

(c) “Forest” means a tract of land that is at least 10% stocked by trees of any size, whether of commercial or noncommercial species, or formerly having tree cover and not currently developed for nonforest use, including woodlands, woodlots, windbreaks, and shelter belts.

(d) “Forestry operations” means activities related to the harvesting, reforestation, and other management activities, including, but not limited to, thinning, pest control, fertilization, and wildlife management, that are consistent with principles of sustainable forestry.

(e) “Generally accepted forestry management practices” means those forest management practices as prescribed by the commission. In prescribing generally accepted forestry management practices, the commission shall give due consideration to available department information, written recommendations, and comments from the department and other interested persons that may include, but are not limited to, all of the following:

(i) The department of agriculture.

(ii) The Michigan state university extension.

(iii) The United States department of agriculture agencies, services, and programs.

(iv) College and university forestry programs.

(v) Professional, industry, and conservation organizations.

(f) “Landowner” means the possessor of a fee interest in land or a tenant, lessee, occupant, or other person in lawful control of land.

(g) “Sustainable forestry” means forestry practices that are designed to meet present and future wood product needs by employing a land stewardship ethic that integrates the reforestation, managing, growing, nurturing, and harvesting of trees for useful products with the conservation of soil, air and water quality, wildlife and fish habitat, and visual changes.

(h) “Timber” means live or dead trees, including, but not limited to, bark, foliage, wood, and firewood.

History: 2002, Act 676, Eff. Mar. 31, 2003 Compiler's Notes: For transfer of powers and duties of department of natural resources to department of natural resources and environment, and abolishment of department of natural resources, see E.R.O. No. 2009-31, compiled at MCL 324.99919.For transfer of powers and duties of department of natural resources and environment to department of natural resources, see E.R.O. No. 2011-1, compiled at MCL 324.99921.