WOODCOCK RECOVERY PLAN S.B. 860 (S-1):
SUMMARY OF BILL
REPORTED FROM COMMITTEE
Senate Bill 860 (Substitute S-1 as reported)
Committee: Natural Resources and Agriculture
CONTENT
The bill would amend Part 405 (Wildlife Restoration, Management, and Research) of the Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act to require the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) to create an American woodcock restoration plan and to do the following:
-- Require the plan to align with the American Woodcock Conservation Plan and specify the parties with which the DNR would have to have input from in the plan's development.
-- Require the plan to include population goals, habitat treatments, cooperative efforts, strategies for habitat expansion on private lands, and other restoration measures.
-- By December 31, 2025, require the DNR to submit the plan to the Legislature's natural resources standing committees.
-- Require the DNR to review the plan every five years and update it if necessary.
-- Require the DNR to provide biannual progress reports on the plan and updates as necessary to the Legislature's natural resources standing committees.
BRIEF RATIONALE
The American woodcock is a migratory bird with a breeding range in Michigan and other states with upland geography. According to testimony before the Senate Committee on Natural Resources and Agriculture, since the late 1960's the American woodcock population has been declining at a rate of 1% each year. In an effort to conserve the species, the Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies developed the American Woodcock Conservation Plan that established state level conservation goals. It has been suggested to codify a conservation plan to ensure the American woodcock's population goals are met and sustained.
Legislative Analyst: Eleni Lionas
FISCAL IMPACT
The bill likely would have a negative fiscal impact for the DNR. At this time, the extent of this impact is unclear. The bill would require the DNR to create a plan for the restoration of American woodcock populations in collaboration with a number of entities, both private and public. The bill would not provide for additional funding, and it's unclear at this time if implementation and staffing costs would be fully covered by existing appropriations.
Date Completed: 10-3-24 Fiscal Analyst: Jonah Houtz
This analysis was prepared by nonpartisan Senate staff for use by the Senate in its deliberations and does not constitute an official statement of legislative intent.