A Bi-Weekly Publication Friday January 16, 2004

				Dear Wetlands Advocate, We hope this e-newsletter continues to be a valuable resource for Michigan's wetland advocates.  Please forward this on to those you think would be interested.  If you would like to be added to or unsubscribed from this list, please email Chris Grubb. ON THE ROAD TO HEALTHY WETLANDS, PROPOSED AMENDMENT IS HEADED IN THE WRONG DIRECTION Several Michigan lawmakers have introduced a bill, HB 5274, that would prevent DEQ from imposing mitigation conditions on a permit if the proposed activity takes place within the right-of-way of an existing road. DEQ is beginning the process of making a number of changes to Michigan's wetland program to maintain assumption of the federal program in response to an EPA review. This proposed amendment could slow or jeopardize that process. Over time, amendments to Michigan's Wetlands Protection Act such as this could mean death by a thousand pricks for our wetlands. We encourage wetland advocates to contact your legislator about this bill. GREAT LAKES RESTORATION WEB SITE LAUNCHED A coalition of environmental and conservation groups have launched a  website, www.restoremichigan.org, dedicated to promoting ecosystem restoration in the Great Lakes, and to provide information about pending Great Lakes restoration funding bills in congress. Please stop by the site to learn more about this effort, and how you can get involved. CONTRIBUTE TO THE WETLAND CONFERENCE! Organizers of the upcoming statewide wetland conference scheduled for May 20-22 in Traverse City are now seeking contributors. Agencies, businesses, individuals, or organizations who make financial contributions to the conference will receive various benefits, including (depending upon the level of contribution) free registration for attendees, free exhibit space, and recognition in conference materials. For more info, please contact Peg Bostwick (517) 335-3470 or Wil Cwikiel (231) 347-1181.			Endangered Species RFP Fish and Wildlife Service Accepting Proposals for FY2004 Funding The Private Stewardship Program provides grants and other assistance on a competitive basis to individuals and groups engaged in local, private, and voluntary conservation efforts that benefit federally listed, proposed, or candidate species, or other at-risk species. Proposals are due by March 8. World Wetlands Day Feb. 2nd From Mountains to the Sea – Wetlands at Work for Us We encourage all wetland advocates to check out the WWD website to learn more about how people around the world are celebrating wetlands, and how you can get involved.
	Tip of the Mitt Watershed Council 426 Bay Street , Petoskey, Michigan 49770 Phone: (231) 347-1181 x 118 Fax: (231) 347-5928 Email: chrisgrubb@watershedcouncil.org  Web: http://www.michiganwetlands.org