TRANSFER OF DEVELOPMENT RIGHTS MACD supports enabling legislation authorizing local Transfer of Development Rights (TDR) programs. A TDR program allows for local implementation of a voluntary, market-based sales and transfer of development rights from willing sellers within a sending zone (farm or forest land) to a willing buyer who is building homes in a receiving area. Transferring development rights has the potential to voluntarily preserve farmland, forestland, and/or natural areas, where they are needed or desired, and develop land which is best suited for development, without using public funds. URBAN REVITALIZATION MACD recognizes that we cannot save Michigan’s farmland, if we fail to save our cities. MACD supports efforts to improve urban land use policies in order to make urban areas attractive places to live, including strengthening urban school systems. 19. MANAGEMENT TECHNIQUES BACKGROUND Management of Michigan’s plant communities including forests, wetlands, grasslands and brush lands relies on making decisions about landscape succession. Succession may need to be pushed forward or set back to achieve management goals and landowner objectives. Modern management techniques mimic natural disturbances, but in a controlled setting. POLICY MACD supports the responsible use of management techniques that help private and public landowners manage natural resources in an ecologically sustainable manner including, but not limited to: prescribed fire; pesticides; planting trees, shrubs, and herbaceous vegetation; and timber harvesting. 20. MICHIGAN AGRICULTURE ENVIRONMENTAL ASSURANCE PROGRAM (MAEAP) BACKGROUND Agriculture is Michigan’s second-largest industry, with over 56,000 farms spread over about 10 million acres. Conservation practices on agricultural operations are extremely important to the protection of Michigan’s natural resources and quality of life for our citizens.
TRANSFER OF DEVELOPMENT RIGHTS MACD supports enabling legislation authorizing local Transfer of Development Rights (TDR) programs. A TDR program allows for local implementation of a voluntary, market-based sales and transfer of development rights from willing sellers within a sending zone (farm or forest land) to a willing buyer who is building homes in a receiving area. Transferring development rights has the potential to voluntarily preserve farmland, forestland, and/or natural areas, where they are needed or desired, and develop land which is best suited for development, without using public funds. URBAN REVITALIZATION MACD recognizes that we cannot save Michigan’s farmland, if we fail to save our cities. MACD supports efforts to improve urban land use policies in order to make urban areas attractive places to live, including strengthening urban school systems. 19. MANAGEMENT TECHNIQUES BACKGROUND Management of Michigan’s plant communities including forests, wetlands, grasslands and brush lands relies on making decisions about landscape succession. Succession may need to be pushed forward or set back to achieve management goals and landowner objectives. Modern management techniques mimic natural disturbances, but in a controlled setting. POLICY MACD supports the responsible use of management techniques that help private and public landowners manage natural resources in an ecologically sustainable manner including, but not limited to: prescribed fire; pesticides; planting trees, shrubs, and herbaceous vegetation; and timber harvesting. 20. MICHIGAN AGRICULTURE ENVIRONMENTAL ASSURANCE PROGRAM (MAEAP) BACKGROUND Agriculture is Michigan’s second-largest industry, with over 56,000 farms spread over about 10 million acres. Conservation practices on agricultural operations are extremely important to the protection of Michigan’s natural resources and quality of life for our citizens.