If cuttings of forest growth, slash, and debris are not disposed of as provided under section 51903, the department shall notify, by registered mail, the person responsible for the cuttings of the requirements imposed for the removal or elimination of fire hazards. If the responsible party or parties fail to comply with the provisions in the notification, the department may remove or eliminate the fire hazards, and the department is not liable in any action or trespass for that action. The department shall pay for the disposal or elimination of fire hazards resulting from cuttings of forest growth, slash, and debris from the forest fire control appropriation, and the department shall keep an accurate account of the expenditures incurred by it in implementing this part. The department shall present a full and complete statement of its expenditures, verified by oath, requiring the person to pay to the state the amount set forth. If the offender refuses or neglects to pay that amount within 30 days after the notice and demand, the department may bring suit against the person in a court of competent jurisdiction in the county where the forest growth cuttings, slash, and debris were not disposed of as required by the department, or in the county of the residence of the defendant or of any defendant if there is more than 1. All money collected as result of action under this section shall be paid to the state treasurer and credited to the forest fire control appropriation from which the expenditures were made.
MCL 324.51904