where is the noise?

[DaveDem]

First of all, let me commend the Tip of the Mitt Watershed Council for
its diligent work in standing up for Michigan's wetlands program.
Grenetta Thomassey and Jennifer McKay are doing a great job.

Still, based on reports from Lansing, it appears legislative friends
of the wetland law, especially in the State Senate, are few and that
at best, the program will limp along for another year or two until
this crisis comes again. Several of my sources say the lack of
consistent outside pressure and visibility from the environmental
community is leaving the field dominated by lobbies that are willing
to see the law and program continue only after they win important
concessions (streamlined if not rubber-stamped permits, for example)
in the work group DEQ has convened.

The wetland protection act was won at great cost by a generation of
advocates that predate me. To let it be slowly chopped to death
dishonors their good work. Nothing we've learned from the science
since 1979 diminishes the importance of protecting Michigan wetlands.

I am willing to do more than complain -- I'll come to Michigan and
work on this if it will help. But many more relevant and more adamant
voices need to be heard.

[Cynthia Price]

The Statewide Public Advisory Council (S-PAC), a networking group of the citizen advisory bodies involved with the 14 Areas of Concern ("toxic hot spot" waterbodies) in Michigan which is administered through the Great Lakes Commission, voted to advocate in opposition to weakening the wetlands program. I think there are groups like this who are kind of waiting for the Big Call to Action, since many who want to see it continued are volunteers.

In addition, confusing stories have emerged about its actual status, and I think people want to hear something definitive before acting.

But I suppose if push comes to shove, we could all rise up separately (and I think the S-PAC will) if there's no one organizing the concerned parties. I know Muskegon Save Our Shoreline will step up. i just think it would be preferable if someone were willing to organize us into one voice.

Cynthia Price

Chair, Muskegon Lake Watershed Partnership (one of the Areas of Concern)

President, Muskegon Save Our Shoreline

Chair, Greater Grand Rapids Food Systems Council