2704 - WILDERNESS AND NATURAL AREAS
Issued June 8, 1979

WILDERNESS AND NATURAL AREAS

The protection of undeveloped wilderness lands or waters, and natural areas with unusual and outstanding characteristics, is of growing concern to many citizens and is considered to be in the public interest.  Act 241, Public Acts of 1972, the Wilderness and Natural Areas Act, places certain responsibilities regarding such areas in the Department, and creates a Wilderness and Natural Areas Advisory Board to make recommendations concerning dedication of these areas by the Natural Resources Commission through the promulgation of rules according to Act 306, Public Acts of 1969.

The Department shall work closely with the Wilderness and Natural Areas Advisory Board in investigating and recommending lands for dedication as Wilderness and Natural Areas, in accordance with Act 241, Public Acts of 1972.  The Department shall work with the Board in developing procedures and criteria so that proposals are developed and reviewed in an orderly manner and submitted to the Board in timely fashion for their decision on forwarding such proposals to the Natural Resources Commission.

Supported by Commission Action June 8, 1979.

Procedure No. 2704.4.