Welcome to our discussion and information group on the current proposal to repeal Michigan's Wetland Protection Law.  Under "Pages" you'll see some Action Items. Please take action, and have your friends and family take action, to help continue protection of Michigan's Wetlands!  

About this Group

We suggest you click on "View All" before you open pages, messages, and files so that they are in logical order.  Also, please note that under "Discussion" only the first email in the discussion thread will be shown until you click on "1 ____ of ___ messages" next to it.

Feel free to pass the word about this discussion group to those who are interested in protecting Michigan's Wetlands.  You do not have to be a member of this group to view the pages, discussions, and files.  You do need to be a member to post messages and join the e-mail list serve.  You can ask to join by applying for group membership.  You will need to create a google account/profile to become a member of the group.

We believe that the web pages and files posted here are factually accurate, so please let us know if you have suggestions or concerns about the content. 

Major Issues Relating to Loss of the Michigan's Wetland Program and 404 Assumption

Impacts to the Citizens of the State of Michigan:

• Less natural resource/wetland protection
• Loss of understandable wetland regulations with defined timelines
• Loss of staff in district offices who understand local resources
• Loss of state control of developments where wetlands are involved
• Loss of local assistance in education, mapping, and restoration efforts
• Loss of landowner assistance in wetland identification
• Loss of "one-stop" permitting (state and federal authorizations under one review and permit).  Wetland Permits from the DEQ currently include:  1. Authorization under Federal Clean Water Act (both sections 401 and 404)  2. Authorization under the State Wetland Protection Law  3. If needed, authorization under inland lakes, stream, or Great Lakes Parts  4. If needed, Certification of Consistency with the State's Coastal Zone Management Plan  5. Review of potential impacts to Threatened or Endangered Species with coordination with state and federal agencies  6. Screening for potential impacts of state historic or cultural resources and coordination with the State Historic Preservation Office

Issues with the Federal Wetlands Program:

• Confusing wetland regulations
• Long waiting times to determine which wetlands they regulate
• Long waiting times for review of most permit applications
• Less staff located in a few offices in state
• Applicants will need water quality certification from state
• Applicants may need a separate Inland Lakes, Streams, or Great Lakes permit from the state
• Applicants will need to get separate approval from the federal government to ensure no impacts to Threatened or Endangered Species
• Applicants may need to obtain a separate certification from the State's Coastal Zone Management Plan
• No concern for economic development or job creation in Michigan