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Oli~ II 5 6 MICHIGAN Michigan's Natural P~vers Act was passed by the state legislature in 1970. Three classes of designated rivers have been established: Wilderness, Wild- Scenic, and Country-Scenic. Criteria for each class are flexible. Administration of the system is the responsibility of the Natural Resources "',' Commission. Local governments are encouraged to adopt and administer land use controls. . However, if the local units fail to have zoning ordinances in effect within one year after notice from the Commission, or if adopted ordinances are determined to be inconsistent with the objectives of the program, the Commission may promulgate zoning regulations. (281.768 Sec. 8) Zoning regulations may prohibit or limit the cutting of trees, but not for more than 100 feet from the water's edge, Mining and drilling for oil and gas may be limited or prohibited, but not for more than 300 feet from the river's edge. A zoning ordinance promulgated by the Commission shall not control lands more than 400 feet from the river's edge, (281,771 Sec. 11) To date, sections of eleven rivers and their designated into the system, totaling 1,160 miles. actually protected with adopted zoning ordinances Natural River standards. The other 176 miles are zoned.In addition, 24 rivers are under study. tributaries have been Of that total, 984 ~iles are or state rules, all to state in the process of being NATIONAL RIVERS The Pere 11arquette River main stream is a designated federal "scenic River," This 66 mile stretch is also designated under the state act. Final study reports have been completed for the Ausable and Manistee rivers as well. It was the recommendation of the Study Team (U.S. Forest Service and Michigan DNR as lead agencies), to include 91 miles of the Ausable and 188 miles of the Manistee in the federal system, The total for the Nanistee includes 46 miles of its tributary, the Pine River, CONTACT: Hr. Douglas Carter Dept. of Natural Resources Box 30028 Lansing, NI 48909 (517) 373-3328 . BIBLIOGRAPHY 1. Natural Rivers Act, Act 231 of 1970, Division of Land Resource Programs, tepartment of Natural Resources, pp. 6. 2. Guidelines for Designating Natural Rivers, Division of Land Resource Programs, Department of Natural Resources, pp. 10. 3. Natural Rivers Program: 1979 Annual Report, Division of Land Resource Programs, Department of Natural Resources, pp. 5. 31