MWAC Newsletter

February 20, 2009

In This Issue:

• GOVERNOR’S BUDGET: ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTIONS HUNG OUT TO DRY
• SPEAK UP TO SAVE MICHIGAN’S WETLAND PROTECTION PROGRAM
• MICHIGAN WETLANDS GROUP/LIST-SERVE DEVELOPED

GOVERNOR’S BUDGET: ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTIONS HUNG OUT TO DRY

Fresh from endangering Michigan’s lakes and streams by proposing to give up the state’s wetlands protection program, Gov. Jennifer Granholm has suggested further crippling cuts to environmental protection and public health in her 2010 budget.

The budget contains cuts to many programs necessary to protect Michigan’s vital natural resources. The economy is terrible and times are very tough, however, that does not mean that environmental protections and public health should be hung out to dry now, especially since the DEQ budget has already been sacrificed over the past 7 years. It’s time to look elsewhere; it’s time to turn the hatchet on other wasteful expenditures. Enough is enough.

The Department of Environmental Quality has seen state general fund support erode from a high of over $101 million in FY 2002 to $44.4 million in FY 2009, representing a 68 percent reduction in general fund support. Shamefully, Michigan ranks 47th out of the 48 contiguous states for conservation and environmental protection efforts on a per capita spending basis, according to a report by the Land Policy Institute at Michigan State University. To make matters worse, the Governor proposed an additional $11.3 million be cut from the DEQ's general fund appropriation, reducing the overall general fund support to $33.1 million in 2010. This is a 24% cut, which is a higher cut than any another state department faces.

The Great Lakes are some of the most magnificent natural resources on Earth, holding nearly 20% of the planet's fresh surface water. In addition to the Lakes themselves, the region is richly endowed with high quality inland lakes, expansive forests, blue-ribbon trout streams, prairies, bogs, and the largest freshwater coastal wetlands system on Earth. The Michigan Department of Environment Quality is the key agency responsible to the people of Michigan for upholding the state’s constitution and administering laws that regulate activities in Michigan’s most treasured natural resources. In order for the DEQ to live up to this obligation, adequate financial support must be provided. However, we are seeing the exact opposite occur, placing our magnificent resources at risk.

The Michigan Legislature and the Governor hold a responsibility to the citizens of Michigan to ensure that the programs which provide essential protections to our water resources are enhanced and maintained. In order for the DEQ to live up to its commitment, the legislature must provide adequate resources. Providing adequate resources through increased General Funds to the DEQ is an investment in Michigan’s most treasured resources–the Great Lakes and our inland lakes, rivers, and wetlands.

SPEAK UP TO SAVE MICHIGAN’S WETLANDS PROTECTION PROGRAM

Make your voice heard on the Governor’s proposal to return the wetland protection program to the federal government. We have already been told by legislators in Lansing that they are hearing from constituents on BOTH sides on this issue. Contact your State Senator and Representative today!

This debate will begin with the budget in the House Appropriations Committee – as you contact elected officials, be sure to target the following Representatives who sit on the House Appropriations Committee: Reps. Cushingberry (Chair), Hammel (Majority Vice Chair), Bauer, Bennett, Terry Brown, Dean, Durhal, Espinoza, Gonzales, Gregory, Jackson, Lahti, LeBlanc, McDowell, Miller, Smith, Spade, Switalski, Tlaib, Moss (Minority Vice Chair), Agema, Booher, Caul, Genetski, Green, Haines, Hildenbrand, Lori, Proos, Rogers, Schuitmaker. The most important members who need to hear from you right now belong to the House Appropriations Sub Committee for Environmental Quality: Reps. Bennett (Chair) http://092.housedems.com/biography/ , Espinoza (Majority Vice Chair) http://083.housedems.com/ , and Rogers (Minority Vice Chair) http://house.michigan.gov/rep.asp?DIST=066

Below are talking points that you can use to help convey the importance of maintaining Michigan’s Wetlands Protection Program. The message is simple: Sending the wetland program back to the federal government is a bad idea that jeopardizes our water resources and will create delays in permitting, putting a burden on our economic development. Keep the program and refine it, if needed, but DO NOT get rid of Michigan’s wetlands program!

• Wetlands provide untold functions and values:
• Flood control
• Water quality protection
• Shoreline stabilization
• Wildlife/fisheries habitat
• Ground water Recharge
• Recreational Opportunities
• Education and Research

• Benefits of the State Wetland Protection Program:
• MDEQ regulates 95.1% of Michigan’s wetlands
• MDEQ staff have more knowledge of local wetland resources
• MDEQ has more field offices, providing on-site review and the ability to work locally with permit applicants to reduce adverse impacts to the resource
• State permits are often more timely than federal permits – actions must typically be taken on completed permit applications within 90 days (150 days if there is a hearing) and the average permit processing time is approximately 60 days.
• The state program can reduce the need for duplicative state and federal permits, and eliminate potentially conflicting permit decisions
• The state program can encourage integration of issues such as floodplain management, storm water management, local or regional zoning or land use plans

• Michigan’s Future Without a State Wetlands Protection Program:
• Loss of wetland protection and the functions and values they provide– at a minimum, an estimated 930,856 acres of wetlands, representing approximately 17 percent of Michigan wetland resources are not clearly protected under federal law.
• Considerable time delays and frustration for permit applicants due to backlog and jurisdictional confusion under the US Army Corp of Engineers – some permit applications are taking 600 – 700 days to review
• Permit applicants will be required to obtain multiple permits from multiple agencies increasing time and costs
• Hinder state’s ability secure significant funding for Great Lakes restoration and implement recommendations in the MI-Great Lakes Plan
• Loss of wetland assistance services to Michigan citizens including wetland mapping and aquatic invasive species control
• Michigan will need to develop/expand a 401 certification program required by federal law that was previously incorporated into the state 404 review process – this will require additional staff and monetary resources

MICHIGAN WETLANDS GROUP/LIST-SERVE

A discussion group/list-serve has been created dealing directly with Governor Granholm's proposal to repeal Michigan's Wetland Protection Law and end Michigan's 404 assumption. Its website has educational information about the issue, some interesting discussion on the topic, and actions you can take to help save Michigan's wetland protection program. You can also become a member of the group through the website and receive e-mails. The website is: http://groups.google.com/group/michigan-wetlands?lnk=srg&hl=en

 The Michigan Wetland Action Coalition (MWAC), a project of Tip of The Mitt Watershed Council, is a network of wetland protection advocates across the state. MWAC is focused on promoting sound wetland protection policies at the state and federal level through education and advocacy.

Tip of the Mitt Watershed Council
426 Bay Street ,
Petoskey, Michigan 49770
Phone: (231) 347-1181 x 114
Fax: (231) 347-5928
Email: jenniferm@watershedcouncil.org
Web: http://www.michiganwetlands.org/