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SB 1003

Natural resources: land acquisition; preservation of land and water; provide for. Amends secs. 503, 2106 & 2165 of 1994 PA 451 (MCL 324.503 et seq.) & adds sec. 502c.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Rosemary Bayer and 3 co-sponsors

Michigan aims to conserve 30% of land/water by 2030, via regional legacy plans guiding science-based land acquisition, management, and public participation.

REFERRED TO COMMITTEE ON NATURAL RESOURCES AND AGRICULTURE
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Bill Summary · SB 1003

Summary of SB 1003 (2025-2026) — Michigan

SB 1003 proposes amendments to the Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act (1994 PA 451) to expand, coordinate, and formalize land and watershed preservation, conservation planning, and public involvement in land acquisitions and management. It introduces a framework for achieving substantial habitat protection, ecosystem connectivity, and equitable access to public lands, while guiding the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) through regional planning and transparent reporting.

Main purpose and intent

  • Establish a state-wide goal to voluntarily conserve and create habitat connectivity for 30% of Michigan’s total land and water by 2030.
  • Create a structured, science-based, regionally focused planning process (legacy plans and a strategic plan) to guide land acquisition, management, and disposition.
  • Integrate considerations of biodiversity, endangered species, climate resilience, environmental justice, and water quality into land decisions.
  • Improve public transparency and stakeholder engagement in land transactions and planning.

Key provisions and changes

  • Sec. 502c (legislative framework and terms)

    • Defines core concepts: biological diversity, ecosystem, ecosystem services, habitat connectivity, habitat corridor, legacy plan, sustainable use, environmental justice community, and related terms.
    • Establishes a 30% land/water conservation and habitat connectivity target by 2030, including lands owned by state, federal, and local governments, tribal lands, and voluntary private lands.

  • Legacy plans (Sec. 502c(2)-(7))

    • DNR must develop six regional legacy plans by Dec 31, 2026, covering:
    • Southeast Lower Peninsula
    • Southwest Lower Peninsula
    • Northeast Lower Peninsula
    • Northwest Lower Peninsula
    • Eastern Upper Peninsula
    • Western Upper Peninsula
    • Plans must:
    • Be science-based, identify restoration/monitoring areas, and assess conservation programs.
    • Include funding assessments and recommendations for land acquisition and stewardship.
    • Include an online assessment tool as feasible.
    • Be posted publicly and reviewed by relevant legislative committees.
    • Legacy plans guide acquisition, disposition, and management, and may be updated every 10 years with legislative approval.

  • Strategic plan and reporting (Sec. 503; Sec. 2106; Sec. 2165)

    • Department must develop a 6-region strategic plan with goals for access, recreation, forests, wildlife, and the new 502c goals.
    • Requires biannual progress reports to legislative committees and public posting.
    • Agencies must coordinate with the Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) and the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MADRD).

  • Acquisition and land management safeguards (Sec. 503; Sec. 2106)

    • DNR must consider public access, resource-based industries, and effects on nearby private property before designating or classifying land.
    • Establishes procedures for land exchanges, deeds, and title verification, with detailed caveats on surface rights, easements, and mineral rights.

  • Local government notice and public involvement in large transactions (Sec. 2165)

    • For land over 80 acres, the DNR must notify local legislative bodies, post notices, publish in newspapers, and offer public meetings.
    • Allows local governments and residents to request general public meetings and interact with a DNR representative.

  • Financing and leases (Sec. 503(11)-(15))

    • Clarifies leasing/concession authority, term limits (generally up to 7 years; up to 15 years if significant capital investment is needed), and decommissioning requirements.
    • Revenue allocations from leases/concessions are directed to specific conservation-related funds (e.g., Michigan conservation and recreation legacy fund, forest/ wildlife funds) with distinctions by land type.

  • Financial and governance details

    • Provisions for accepting federal funds with conditions and preserving state control.
    • Authority to sell or exchange land, with restrictions on mineral rights and preserving surface rights where appropriate.
    • Establishes record-keeping requirements on land acquisitions and dispositions.

Who and what is affected

  • State: Michigan Department of Natural Resources will lead planning, acquisition, disposition, and management under the new framework.
  • Land and resources: Emphasis on land and water conservation, habitat connectivity, public access, and ecosystem services across six regions.
  • Stakeholders: Local governments, tribes, conservation organizations, private landowners (especially working and agricultural lands), environmental justice communities, and outdoor recreation groups.
  • Financial streams: Allocation of proceeds to environmental protection funds, forest/wildlife accounts, and related conservation funding.

Procedural and timeline highlights

  • Legacy plans due by December 31, 2026 (six regions).
  • Regional and strategic plans require updates every 6-10 years, with legislative approval as applicable.
  • Biannual progress reporting to legislative committees; plans posted online.
  • Public meetings required for large land actions (over 80 acres) upon request; public input integrated into planning.

Overall, SB 1003 aims to formalize Michigan’s land conservation strategy, enhance ecosystem resilience, and increase public participation in land decisions, while aligning acquisition and management with biodiversity, climate, and environmental justice objectives.

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

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