Michigan's Natural Rivers Act: Conflict and Coordination in Multijurisdictional Natural Resource Management

摘要

The Michigan Natural Rivers Act is a river protection statute that provides for zoning and land use controls up to 400 feet on either side of designated rivers. Since its enactment in 1970, there have been a number of opponents to each designation. Opposition includes concerns about perceived state intrusion into local government affairs, ineffectiveness of the designation in protecting the river and its watershed, and violations of personal property rights. The Michigan Department of Natural Resources Natural Rivers Program strives to address these concerns through extensive public and local involvement in the designation, implementation, and management of designated Natural Rivers. The degree of local participation has increased with subsequent designations. Nonetheless, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources must continue and increase its education and communication efforts with local governments and citizens along current Natural Rivers and during future designations to achieve effective cooperation in protecting Michigan's river resources.