Coastal Wetlands

[TJ Patrick]

Is this e-mail list still active?

Is it true that the state will no longer be regulating destruction of
coastal wetlands?

I just saw this on facebook:

The Michigan Senate passed SB 1052 which Removes Shoreline Wetland
Protections. The bill now moves to the House.
SB 1052 deregulates shoreline management activities such as removal of
vegetation, grooming, leveling, and mowing below the ordinary high
water mark, threatening shoreline wetland protections.

During periods of low water levels, submerged plants and wetlands are
exposed. When they are removed or covered with beach sand, it damages
lake ecology by destroying fish spawning beds, increasing lake
sediment, lowering oxygen levels, and destroying habitat.

Grooming and mowing are currently allowed through a Shoreline
Management General Permit. SB 1052 removes permit protection for
shoreline wetlands between the Ordinary High Water Mark and the
water's edge.

Contact the House Natural Resources, Tourism, and Outdoor Recreation
Committee Members and urge them to oppose SB 1052. Passage of this
bill will threaten Michigan’s coastal wetlands and the health of the
Great Lakes.

Committee Members:
Frank Foster (R), Committee Chair, 107th District
Matt Huuki (R), Majority Vice-Chair, 110th District
Wayne A. Schmidt (R), 104th District
Kurt Damrow (R), 84th District
Holly Hughes (R), 91st District
Joel Johnson (R), 97th District
Peter Pettalia (R), 106th District
Harold L. Haugh (D), Minority Vice-Chair, 42nd District
Maureen L. Stapleton (D), 4th District
Timothy Bledsoe (D), 1st District
Dian Slavens (D), 21st District

Also be sure to contact the DEQ Director, Dan Wyant and Governor Rick Snyder.