The systematic dismantling of the Michigan Department of Natural Resources has not only led to the disparagement of those diligent Department employees who take pride in upholding the public trust doctrine, it has caused others who work with those agencies immense headaches when volunteering time and money to improve and conserve the state's natural resources. The present political administration has successfully neutered the resource agencies' ability to work together. At a time when most states are combining departments and divisions in an attempt to manage resources on an ecosystem basis, collectively making decisions based upon sound scientific principles, Michigan has taken countless steps backward.
Michigan is blessed with some of the world's greatest natural resources. Northern Michigan's lakes and rivers are perhaps the most notable. Nowhere else in the world can you find such a wealth of high quality water. Surprisingly, many of us take this for granted. A few insightful, appreciative, and dedicated individuals have worked diligently in an attempt to protect and conserve, only to be beaten up by the selfish and greedy who spout the philosophy of "I'm not going to be alive forever, so I have to take advantage of these resources now -- I don't care about future generations". Sadly enough, it is those individuals who have won the fight, primarily because they control a great deal of the wealth, power and political clout.
As a professional in the field of natural resource management, I am always reminded of why I entered this field. Rest assured that it has nothing to do with money. Natural resources managers are among the lowest paid professionals in the world, somewhat ironic when you consider their impact on the well being of all earthly inhabitants. I think I speak for most resource professionals in that we enter this field with a passion to make this planet a better place not only for ourselves and our families, but for all inhabitants, with little regard for personal wealth and greed.
OK. Off my horse. My reason for writing this article is to bring awareness to an existing situation within our state government that has festered as a result of the divorce of the Department of Natural Resources from the Department of Environmental Quality. The problem is with the requirement, attendant red tape, and subsequent costs associated with the procurement of permits required under the Michigan Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act, P.A 451 of 1994 as amended. Most of us understand the necessity for such permits. This is the only mechanism available to ensure that construction, development, and special uses do not significantly affect the quality of surrounding resources, primarily aquatic resources.
Under the present administration, it is easier for large industry or a developer to be granted a blanket permit for wetland destruction, or other potentially detrimental activities, than it is for a conservation group to obtain a permit to improve, repair or restore an ecosystem. Many of Michigan's existing Watershed Councils, Associations, and Restoration Committees have a well-rounded group of natural resource experts involved with their planning and implementation activities. This combined expertise is often far superior to the staff person appointed to oversee and eventually approve or deny the permit as requested. Also, it seems absolutely absurd that these volunteer organizations are required to submit the inflated permit fees associated with this application.
This only takes away project funds, which are often received as donations from hard working taxpayers, which often results in a dilution of the project. I believe it is the responsibility of our state's resource agencies to protect, restore, and enhance Michigan's natural resources. Natural resources are entrusted to these agencies for this purpose, and to preserve their integrity for future generations of Michigan residents and visitors to enjoy. If these agencies find it hard to fulfill this obligation, they should concede this responsibility and relinquish authority to those organizations and citizens dedicated to their proper management and protection, and not act as an obstacle to this end. This editorial in no way reflects the combined sentiment from the author's place of employment or any other professional or personal affiliation. RWOL
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