A bill to amend 1994 PA 451, entitled “Natural resources and environmental protection act,” by amending section 32502 (MCL 324.32502), as added by 1995 PA 59, and by adding section 32517.
The proposed legislation seeks to amend the Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act of 1994 by modifying section 32502 and adding section 32517. The primary objective is to manage and protect the unpatented lake bottomlands and made lands in the Great Lakes, including their bays and harbors, which are either state-owned or held in trust. The legislation aims to ensure that any private or public use of these lands and waters, including activities such as hunting, fishing, swimming, pleasure boating, or navigation, does not substantially affect public use or impair the public trust. A significant change introduced is the adjustment of the ordinary high-water mark for the Great Lakes, which will now be determined by the higher of the specified numeric levels or the elevation of the lake surface during calm water.
Additionally, the bill mandates the development of a simplified permit application process for shoreline protection structures when lake water levels are one foot or more above the specified numeric levels. This simplified application can be used if the project falls within a minor project category, has not violated any permit requirements, and includes detailed information such as the property owner's contact details, project location, purpose, construction description, and relevant plans. The bill also shortens the application review period from 30 days to 14 days and sets a processing period of 28 days, expediting the permit approval process.
Introduced
by
Referred to the Committee on Natural Resources, Environment, Tourism and Outdoor Recreation
