Environment
Open conservancies or pay tax, Casperson says
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By YANJIE WANG
Capital News Service
LANSING — Nonprofit organizations that safeguard land and habitat in Southeast Michigan are worried about a proposal that could tax their preserves. A proposal by Sen. Tom Casperson, R-Escanaba, would require land conservancies to pay property taxes if they restrict access to the public, including access for motorized and non-motorized vehicles. In the draft bill, motorized recreational activities could be limited to designated trails, however. The idea creates concern among people who are responsible for managing land conservancies. Leo Dorr, the treasurer of the Lapeer Land Conservancy, said he is worried about negative effects on the work, conservation and ecology of his organization and properties.