2005 House Bill 4404

Revise Natural River authorization procedure

Introduced in the House

Feb. 24, 2005

Introduced by Rep. Howard Walker (R-104)

To remove the authority for designating a natural river area from the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and transfer it to the Natural Resource Commission. The bill would also require the DNR, before the designation is made, to notify in writing each landowner and all local units of government within the proposed natural river area, provide each landowner an opportunity to receive regular updates on meetings related to the proposed designation, and to attend a meeting of the governing body of each township and county in which the proposed natural river area to receive input. A natural river designation gives the DNR the power to impose zoning limitations that restrict an owner’s use of his or her property.

Referred to the Committee on Conservation, Forestry, and Outdoor Recreation