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SB 687

Land use: farmland and open space; agricultural conservation easement; allow to be held by local unit. Amends sec. 36206 of 1994 PA 451 (MCL 324.36206). TIE BAR WITH: SB 0688'25, SB 0690'25, SB 0686'25, SB 0689'25, SB 0685'25

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by John Cherry and 4 co-sponsors

SB 687 permits Michigan local governments to directly hold agricultural conservation easements on farmland, shifting authority from state/federal agencies and nonprofits to counties and townships.

referred to second reading
#landuse:farmlandandopenspace
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Bill Summary · SB 687

Legislative bill overview

SB 687 amends Michigan's Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act to allow local governmental units (counties, townships, municipalities) to hold agricultural conservation easements on farmland and open space. Currently, these easements can only be held by state or federal agencies and qualified nonprofit organizations, limiting local control over farmland preservation efforts.

Why is this important

This change could enable communities to more directly manage farmland preservation within their jurisdictions, potentially reducing administrative costs and increasing responsiveness to local agricultural and land-use priorities. However, it represents a significant shift in how Michigan's farmland conservation program functions and raises questions about local capacity and consistency in easement management statewide.

Potential points of contention

  • Local capacity concerns: Small townships and rural counties may lack the financial resources, legal expertise, and infrastructure to properly manage and enforce conservation easements over decades
  • Statewide consistency: Allowing multiple local entities to hold easements could create inconsistent standards and enforcement practices across the state, potentially weakening farmland protections
  • Liability and perpetuity requirements: Conservation easements are perpetual legal obligations; questions exist about whether local governments can reliably steward these commitments through budget cycles and administration changes

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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