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SB 686

Land use: farmland and open space; land subject to conservation easement; allow partial relinquishment of. Amends sec. 36110 of 1994 PA 451 (MCL 324.36110). TIE BAR WITH: SB 0685'25, SB 0687'25, SB 0688'25, SB 0689'25, SB 0690'25, SB 0699'25

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

Michigan law now allows landowners to partially relinquish conservation easements on farmland, enabling selective conversion of restricted land while maintaining protections elsewhere.

ASSIGNED PA 0069'25 WITH IMMEDIATE EFFECT
#landuse:farmlandandopenspace
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Bill Summary · SB 686

Legislative bill overview

SB 686 amends Michigan's conservation easement law to allow landowners to partially relinquish (give up) conservation easements on farmland and open space, rather than requiring full relinquishment. The bill modifies Section 36110 of the Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act and works in conjunction with five related bills (SB 685, 687, 688, 689, 690, and 699) that comprehensively reform Michigan's conservation easement framework.

Why is this important

Conservation easements permanently restrict land development to preserve agricultural and natural areas, but they can lock landowners into restrictions they may later need to modify. This bill addresses practical situations where landowners might want to convert only portions of restricted land to other uses while maintaining easements on remaining property. The immediate effective date indicates Michigan lawmakers view this as urgent policy reform affecting current landowners and conservation practices.

Potential points of contention

  • Conservation advocates' concerns: Allowing partial relinquishment could undermine the permanence of conservation easements and create loopholes that gradually erode protected lands if poorly regulated
  • Landowner flexibility vs. intent preservation: Balancing fair access for property owners with the original conservation goals that prompted easement donations or purchases by non-profits and government agencies
  • Implementation details: The bill's effectiveness depends heavily on how "partial relinquishment" is defined and what safeguards prevent cascading easement erosion—specifics would be in companion bills

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

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