Gov. Snyder vetoes bill that could restrict sustainable forest management

Thursday, January 15, 2015

On Jan. 15  Gov. Rick Snyder  vetoed a bill that could have restricted the Michigan Department of Natural Resources from effectively and sustainably managing forests, potentially putting Michigan’s natural resources at risk. 

“Biodiversity is essential to how our world-class natural resources are managed,” Snyder said. “While there may be opportunities to look into our forest management practices, reducing biodiversity authority will only cause confusion and hurt our forests.” 

Senate Bill 78, sponsored by state Sen. Tom Casperson, would have restricted the tools the department could use for managing forests for biodiversity. In his veto letter, (See below) the governor wrote that this legislation could also threaten forest certification, which is critical in maintaining forest products industries.

VETO LETTER

Today I am returning to you enrolled Senate Bill 78 without signature. I believe that biodiversity is an essential component of sustainable forest management, a principle affirmed throughout this legislation.

The proposed legislation -- specifically the re-definition of the conservation of biological diversity and the complete elimination of designation options -- causes confusion and inconsistencies and could make it more difficult to sustainably manage Michigan's Public forests and world class natural resources to meet the changing needs of current and future generations.

Michigan's robust forest products industry has responded positively over the past decade to national and global demand for certified forest products. Michigan's state forest system is the single largest source of certified wood fiber in Michigan, and our robust forest products industry has grown to rely on this steady supply. Legislation that may threaten forest certification could weaken existing industries and make Michigan less competitive in attracting additional forest products investment. I believe there is continuing support by the forest products industry to maintain certification and a clear understanding of the need to protect biodiversity. In addition, I believe that responsible state management should not result in the removal of large areas of land from forest production.

I concur that providing public access to DNR state forest lands, state parks, and wildlife areas is a critical part of our public trust responsibilities. Consideration of the economic value and contribution of these lands to state and local economies is very important to DNR land management strategies. I believe there is an opportunity to further address sustainable forest  management, public access and economic considerations through the DNR Managed Public Land Strategy.