Sec. 35103.

(1) The department shall annually review all state land under its control and identify those tracts that in its judgment best exhibit the characteristics of a wilderness area, wild area, or natural area. The department shall determine which land in its judgment is most suitable for dedication as wilderness areas, wild areas, or natural areas. The department shall administer the proposed land so as to protect its natural values.

(2) A citizen may propose to the department land that in his or her judgment exhibits the characteristics of a wilderness area, wild area, or natural area and is suitable for dedication by the department as such or may propose the alteration or withdrawal of previously dedicated areas. Land under control of the department that has been dedicated or designated before August 3, 1972 as a natural area, nature study area, preserve, natural reservation, wilderness, or wilderness study area shall be considered by the department and, if eligible, proposed for dedication. The proposals of the department shall be filed with both houses of the legislature.

(3) Within 90 days after land is proposed in accordance with subsections (1) or (2), the department shall make the dedication or issue a written statement of its principal reasons for denying the proposal. The department shall dedicate a wilderness area, wild area, or natural area, or alter or withdraw the dedication, by promulgating a rule. The department shall hold a public hearing relative to the dedication in the county where the land to be dedicated is located before a rule making the dedication may be promulgated. Not more than 10% of state land under the control of the department shall be dedicated pursuant to this subsection. All persons who have notified the department in writing during a calendar year of their interest in dedication of areas under this part shall be furnished by the department with a notice of all areas pending dedication or alteration or withdrawal from dedication during that calendar year.

(4) The department may exchange dedicated land for the purpose of acquiring other land that, in its judgment, is more suitable for the purposes of this part.

(5) Except as provided in subsection (4), prior to recommending the transfer of any land that is dedicated as a wilderness area, a wild area, or a natural area under this part, the department shall notify the citizens committee for Michigan state parks created in section 74102a and shall place a public notice in a newspaper of general circulation in the area in which the dedicated land is located describing the proposed transfer. Except as provided in subsection (4), dedicated land shall not be transferred except as specifically authorized by law.

History: Add. 1995, Act 59, Imd. Eff. May 24, 1995 ;-- Am. 1996, Act 290, Imd. Eff. June 19, 1996 ;-- Am. 2006, Act 307, Imd. Eff. July 20, 2006 Popular Name: Act 451Popular Name: NREPA