8/21/2025

UPPER MICHIGAN - State Representative Greg Markkanen has introduced two bills that could change recreation access in Michigan. Yesterday afternoon, Markkanen’s bills went before the House Natural Resources and Tourism Committee.  The proposed bills would allow municipalities to establish recreational authority to acquire, operate and improve public recreational facilities.  The bill would allow the Nature Conservancy to designate 20,000 acres as a protected community forest to be governed by five elected county residents.  If the bill passes, the TNC can then establish a forest authority board and governing committee made up of county residents.  The other would also amend the Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act to allow Gold Star families free access to state parks and recreational areas.  Those proposed bills still need a full vote of the House and Senate before passing.