An update the Department of Natural Resources' policy on naming department-managed lands and facilities was approved by the Natural Resources Commission (NRC) at its meeting in Lansing on Thursday. Another policy governing how the DNR can enter public-private partnerships was approved by DNR Director Rebecca Humphries at the meeting.

The update to the naming policy replaces a policy that had been in effect since 1987. The old policy said that DNR-managed lands and facilities could be named for geographic characteristics, cultural attributes or geographic locations. It prohibited the naming of land and facilities after an individual, except at the discretion of the NRC.

"Much has changed since 1987," said Humphries. "Today, the granting of naming rights, if managed carefully, can act as a tool for obtaining financial contributions from individuals, corporations or foundations to help support the DNR's mission. Also, contributors often can help bring public awareness to the resource."

Naming rights for more than 25 years or for perpetuity would require approval by the NRC, and would have to meet the highest standards of value for the privilege of assigning a name to a DNR-managed land or facility, Humphries added. All other naming requests for DNR products, programs or properties for agreements under 25 years would be approved by the DNR director.

Additionally, the policy states the DNR will be prohibiting from naming:
 

A new policy governing public-private partnerships and donations also was acted upon by Director Humphries.

"Over the last several years, we have carefully studied the advantages and disadvantages of entering into relationships with private sector entities," Humphries said. "This new policy will provide direction and procedures to follow when entering these types of partnerships to allow the DNR to be more responsive to new and emerging private sector opportunities."

While the new policy does open the door to public-private partnerships, there is strong language in the guidelines for ethics, the selection of appropriate partners, limitations and the critical issue of proportionality in recognizing partners and sponsors, Humphries added.