HORSEBACK RIDING ON STATE-OWNED LAND

House Bill 4610

Sponsor:  Rep. Tim Moore

Committee:  Tourism, Outdoor Recreation and Natural Resources

Complete to 4-24-09

A SUMMARY OF HOUSE BILL 4610 AS INTRODUCED 3-18-09

The bill would amend Part 721 (Michigan Trailways) of the Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act to require the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) to do the following things:

·                    Preserve and facilitate the use of pack and saddle animals (e.g., horses and mules) on all state-owned lands where there is a historical tradition of this use.

·                    Keep open and accessible for use by these animals all "trailways and other areas" on state-owned land that were open on May 7, 2008 and reopen those "trailways and other areas" that were available for this use before that date. 

Network.  In addition, by July 31, 2009, the Natural Resources Commission would have to establish a network of trailways on state-owned lands for use by pack and saddle animals that included "trailways and other areas" where there was a "historical tradition" of these animals being used.  A trailway designated for use by these animals could have other uses as well.  The commission would have to facilitate the inclusion of other public and private lands, in addition to state-owned lands, to provide a comprehensive network of pack and saddle trailways throughout Michigan. 

(Under current law, the term "trailway" means "a land corridor that features a broad trail capable of accommodating a variety of public recreation uses.  This definition would be retained.  Under the bill, the term "trailways and other areas" would include "trailways, open access roads, management roads, forestry access roads, and established two-track and single-track trails.")

MCL 324.72101, 324.72114

FISCAL IMPACT:

Although there could be some administrative costs, no increase in the Department's budget would be necessary to implement this bill. 

                                                                                           Legislative Analyst:   Shannan Kane

                                                                                                  Fiscal Analyst:   Kirk Lindquist

■ This analysis was prepared by nonpartisan House staff for use by House members in their deliberations, and does not constitute an official statement of legislative intent.