(1) In a county in which more than 50% of the land is owned by the state and in which the county annual average unemployment rate exceeds the state annual average unemployment rate, as determined by the Michigan employment security commission, due to reductions in staff at a state facility located in the county, the department is authorized to convey a leasehold interest, without monetary consideration, to the county in not more than 1% of the state owned property located in the county and under the control of the department. The county forestry committee created pursuant to section 50703, in cooperation with the department, shall designate the specific sections of property to be leased. The property designated pursuant to this subsection shall not include forest lands located in state parks or lands useful for forest preserves, game areas, and recreational purposes, including wilderness areas, quiet areas, or other special use areas. The property designated pursuant to this subsection shall consist of forest lands previously designated by the department for timber production and suitable for use in the forest management demonstration program established pursuant to this part.

  (2) The term of a leasehold interest authorized by this part shall not exceed 15 years, but the leasehold interest shall be renewable for an additional 15 years if the primary objectives of the forest management demonstration program established pursuant to this part are met, as determined by the department.

  (3) During the term of the leasehold interest authorized by this part, the leased property shall be open to the public for hunting, fishing, and other recreational uses as considered appropriate by the department.