March 18, 2009, Introduced by Reps. Moore, Sheltrown, Kurtz, Polidori, Elsenheimer, Stamas, Hildenbrand and Genetski and referred to the Committee on Tourism, Outdoor Recreation and Natural Resources.
A bill to amend 1994 PA 451, entitled
"Natural resources and environmental protection act,"
by amending section 72101 (MCL 324.72101), as amended by 1997 PA
129, and by adding section 72114.
THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF MICHIGAN ENACT:
Sec. 72101. As used in this part:
(a) "Advisory council" means the Michigan trailways advisory
council created in section 72110.
(b) "Council" means a Michigan trailway management council
established pursuant to section 72106.
(c) "Fund" means the Michigan trailways fund created in
section 72109.
(d) "Governmental agency" means the federal government, a
county, city, village, or township, or a combination of any of
these entities.
(e) "Michigan trailway" means a trailway designated by the
commission pursuant to section 72103.
(f) "Rail-trail" means a former railroad bed that is in public
ownership and used as a trailway.
(g) "Trailway" means a land corridor that features a broad
trail capable of accommodating a variety of public recreation uses.
(h) "Trailways and other areas" includes trailways, open
access roads, management roads, forestry access roads, and
established 2-track and single-track trails.
Sec. 72114. (1) The department shall preserve and facilitate
the continued use and access of pack and saddle animals on all
state owned land where there is a historical tradition of use of
pack and saddle animals. All trailways and other areas on state
owned land that were open on May 7, 2008 and available for use by
pack and saddle animals shall remain open and accessible for use by
pack and saddle animals. Additionally, all trailways and other
areas on state owned land that, prior to this date, were available
for use by pack and saddle animals shall be reopened and made
accessible for use by pack and saddle animals.
(2) Not later than July 31, 2009, the commission shall
establish a network of trailways on state owned lands that may be
used by pack and saddle animals. In establishing the network of
pack and saddle trailways under this section, the commission shall
include those trailways and other areas of state land in which
there is a historical tradition of use of pack and saddle animals.
(3) The designation of a trailway for pack and saddle animals
under subsection (2) does not preclude the use of the trailway for
other uses as designated by the commission.
(4) The commission shall facilitate the inclusion of other
public and private lands within a statewide network of pack and
saddle trailways to provide for a comprehensive network of pack and
saddle trailways throughout the state.