Sec. 74102a.

(1) The commission shall do all of the following:

(a) Advise and make recommendations to the governor and the legislature on state parks policy and provide guidance on state parks development, management, and planning issues.

(b) Seek the development of a broad variety of programs, facilities, and services for Michigan citizens utilizing the state parks.

(c) Inform and educate the public about the importance of and need for state parks.

(d) Strive to involve citizens in the planning and development of state parks and to ensure that the facilities, programs, and projects are barrier-free and accessible to all citizens.

(e) Establish and maintain effective public relations regarding state parks, utilizing all appropriate communications media.

(f) Advise on financial planning and pursue adequate budget support for state parks.

(g) Serve as a liaison and coordinate with other agencies to ensure a cooperative effort to provide the most effective and economical services possible at state parks.

(h) Periodically evaluate and submit a report to the standing committees of the legislature with jurisdiction over issues pertaining to natural resources and the environment on the state parks programs, facilities, services, and relationships to ensure that the goals and objectives of this section are being achieved.

(i) Advise and make recommendations to the department on the gem of the parks award, the state parks volunteer of the year award, and the state parks employee of the year award established under section 74124.

(j) Review and make recommendations to the department on whether land within a state park should be transferred as provided in section 74102b.

(2) Not later than 180 days after the effective date of the amendatory act that added this subsection, the commission shall submit a report to the standing committees and appropriations subcommittees of the legislature with jurisdiction over issues pertaining to natural resources and the environment. The report shall contain recommendations for savings in state park and forest recreation programs. Savings in state park programs equivalent to at least 10% of the cumulative expenditures for state park programs during the fiscal year ending September 30, 2009 shall be identified. In developing recommendations, the commission shall consult with the department and interested parties. The commission shall consider at least all of the following:

(a) Increased preventative maintenance.

(b) Energy conservation and efficiency.

(c) Contracting concessions, major maintenance or renovation work, and other park operations to private parties.

(d) Sharing resources and coordinating activities with parks or public recreation facilities owned by local units of government.

History: Add. 2004, Act 392, Imd. Eff. Oct. 15, 2004 ;-- Am. 2006, Act 307, Imd. Eff. July 20, 2006 ;-- Am. 2010, Act 33, Imd. Eff. Mar. 31, 2010 Compiler's Notes: For transfer of powers and duties of citizens committee for Michigan state parks from department of natural resources to natural resources commission, and abolishment of the committee, see E.R.O. No. 2009-31 compiled at MCL 324.99919.Popular Name: Act 451Popular Name: NREPA