A Bi-Weekly Publication Friday January 30, 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. GOVERNOR GRANHOLM PROPOSES WATER PROTECTION PLAN In a special message to the legislature last week, Governor Granholm unveiled an ambitious plan to protect Michigan's water and wetlands focused on the following concerns: water withdrawal, invasive species, open water disposal of toxic sediment, water discharge permits, a revised sanitary code, wetlands protection, and federal funding for Great Lakes Restoration. The highly anticipated Michigan Water Legacy Act, intended to establish a comprehensive water withdrawal statute, should be delivered to the legislature by the end of February. The governor is expected to sign an Executive Directive in the coming days requiring DEQ to promulgate a rule to protect isolated wetlands on state-owned land. While we applaud Governor Granholm's efforts to protect isolated wetlands on state-owned land, we see this as a first step in a series of needed actions to fully protect isolated wetlands. · Gov's Message to the Legislature SPACE-AGE WETLAND ENFORCEMENT IN MASSACHUSETTS The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection has become the first such state agency in the nation to use aerial photos linked with digitized wetland maps to catch illegal wetland destruction. State officials have so far found that between 1991 and 2001, more than 1,500 locations had been illegally filled resulting in a loss of over 700 acres of wetlands. The agency believes the high quality before and after photos are more convincing to juries, and recently announced $280,000 in fines against two companies. Given the high costs of traditional "on the ground" enforcement and recent budget setbacks, the Michigan DEQ should consider the potential of this technology to cost effectively enforce wetland violations, and send a message to would-be violators that, "you will be caught." · Read the Christian-Science Monitor Article EPA ANNOUNCES CONTAMINATED SEDIMENT CLEANUP FUNDS EPA Administrator Mike Leavitt announced the inclusion of $45 million in the president's budget proposal to congress to cleanup contaminated sediments in Great Lakes Areas of Concern through the Great Lakes Legacy Act. Wetland advocates should recognize that while this announcement is encouraging, it is a far cry from the level of funding needed to make a serious commitment to restoring the Great Lakes. Please continue to support the Great Lakes restoration effort. · Read the PIRGIM / Tip of the Mitt Press Release			GLAHNF SPRING RFP The Great Lakes Aquatic Habitat Network and Fund has released the Spring 2004 Request for Proposals. Wetland protection and restoration is one of several priority program areas for funding. Learn more about GLAHNF, the Spring RFP and how to apply by clicking the above link. Comments Needed on EPA Sewage Blending Comments Due February 9^th On November 3^rd, EPA released a "sewage blending" policy that would allow partially treated wastewater to mix with treated wastewater prior to being discharged to rivers, lakes and streams during periods of heavy rain and snowmelt. This blending policy poses serious health risks for humans and wildlife, and with a record number of Michigan beach closings in recent years, it is important for EPA to hear citizen concern. Take Action via American Rivers EPA Proposal
	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