September 12, 2006, Introduced by Reps. Kolb, Zelenko and Tobocman and referred to the Committee on Natural Resources, Great Lakes, Land Use, and Environment.
A bill to amend 1994 PA 451, entitled
"Natural resources and environmental protection act,"
(MCL 324.101 to 324.90106) by adding part 755.
THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF MICHIGAN ENACT:
PART 755. NATURAL LANDMARKS
Sec. 75501. It is the policy of this state to preserve for
public use, enjoyment, and education natural landmarks of state
significance for the inspiration and benefit of the people of
Michigan.
Sec. 75502. (1) The Michigan natural landmark program is
created in the department of natural resources. The department
shall establish a nomination process that will allow the commission
of natural resources or any other interested individual to nominate
a site, structure, or object located in this state to be declared a
Michigan natural landmark under subsection (2).
(2) Except as otherwise provided under this act, upon
receiving a nomination under subsection (1), the governor shall
have the power to declare by public proclamation that the site,
structure, or object is of historic, scenic, or scientific interest
and is a Michigan natural landmark.
Sec. 75503. (1) The department of natural resources shall do
all of the following:
(a) Secure, collate, and preserve drawings, plans,
photographs, and other data of sites, structures, and objects of
historic, scenic, or scientific significance located in this state.
(b) Make a survey of historic, scenic, and scientific sites,
structures, and objects for the purpose of determining which
possess exceptional value in commemorating or illustrating the
history or culture of this state.
(c) Make necessary investigations and research in this state
relating to particular sites, structures, or objects to obtain true
and accurate historic, scenic, and scientific facts and
information.
(d) Acquire in the name of Michigan by gift, purchase, or
otherwise any property, personal or real, that is or is related to
a Michigan natural landmark.
(e) Contract and make cooperative agreements with local units
of government, corporations, associations, or individuals to
protect, preserve, maintain, or operate any Michigan natural
landmark.
(f) Restore, reconstruct, rehabilitate, preserve, protect,
manage, and maintain a historic, scenic, or scientific site,
structure, or object according to the purpose and reason that the
proclamation identified the site, structure, or object as a
Michigan natural landmark.
(g) Erect and maintain markers to mark or commemorate Michigan
natural landmarks and events of state historic, scenic, or
scientific significance.
(h) Charge reasonable visitation fees and grant concessions,
leases, or permits for the use of land, building space, roads, or
trails to accommodate the public or to administer this act.
(i) Develop an educational program and service for the purpose
of making available to the public facts and information pertaining
to Michigan natural landmarks.
(2) When the governor determines that it would be
administratively burdensome to restore, reconstruct, operate,
preserve, or maintain any particular Michigan natural landmark
donated to the state, he or she may allow a private entity to
perform such activities under the laws of this state.
(3) A site, structure, or object located on private property
shall not be eligible to be named a Michigan natural landmark under
this act without the express written consent of the property owner.
Sec. 75504. A person who alters, damages, or destroys a
Michigan natural landmark is guilty of a misdemeanor punishable by
imprisonment for not more than 12 months or a fine of not more than
$10,000.00, or both.