A Bi-Weekly Publication Friday September 24, 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. TIP OF THE MITT SENDS OUT NEW COASTAL WETLAND BROCHURE The feedback is in – and it all points to good news for coastal wetland protection. After sending out Fish and the Great Lakes – The Wetland Connection, we have received a tremendously positive response from the shoreline residents of Grand Traverse Bay, Little Traverse Bay, the Straits of Mackinac, and Saginaw Bay. Many folks have called to learn more by purchasing Denny Albert's recent book Between Land and Lake: Michigan's Great Lakes Coastal Wetlands as well as Wil Cwikiel's Living with Michigan Wetlands: A Landowner's Guide. The tide has turned on the beach dooming issue. Whether it's the positive response we've received from the coastal wetland brochure, or the overwhelming victories in the May Senate hearing and the recent DEQ GP public comment period, the message is clear: coastal wetlands are simply too important to jeopardize. MWAC will be sending all of our State legislators that message lound and clear, along with a copy of the recent brochure. It is our hope that we can put this chapter behind us and begin working with the Legislature to improve the protection of Michigan's wetland resources. LAWSUIT PUSHES FEDS TO PROTECT DRAGONFLY HABITAT In a recent court settlement, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has agreed to desginate critical habitat for the endangered Hine's emerald dragonfly. The agency was sued by 5 groups, including the Michigan Nature Association, for failing to fulfill its responsibilities under the Endangered Species Act. Already gone from Indiana and Ohio,the Hine's emerald dragonfly is a wetland-dependent species found only in pockets of northeastern Michigan's lower peninsula, Illinois, and Wisconsin. The Fish and Wildlife Service expects to issue a final rule by May 2007. Read the AP Article Photo Courtesy: Illinois Natural History Survey			Humbug Marsh Added to Wildlife Refuge Just 10 miles south of Detroit, Humbug Marsh is a 410 acre parcel of wetlands along the Detroit River. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service bought the property last week for $4.1 million, adding to the Detroit River International Wildlife Refuge by 25 percent. Many people and organizations deserve credit for this, but one standout is Representative John Dingell who described the purchase as the culmination of an 8 year dream. Read the AP Article GLAHNF Grant App Deadline Approaching The Great Lakes Aquatic Habitat Network and Fund's Fall funding cycle is open until September 30^th. Wetland protection is a priority program area for funding this Fall. You can learn more about GLAHNF and download grant application materials here.
	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