Reps. Bellino, Howell: New law clears the way for wetlands restoration

A plan to cut senseless regulation standing in the way of local efforts to restore precious wetlands, spearheaded by Rep. Gary Howell and Rep. Joe Bellino was signed into law Jan. 4 by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer.
“Previously, the laws on the books treated volunteer organizations who wanted to restore our wetlands the same as big developers with plans to disrupt natural features,” Howell, of North Branch, said. “This plan removes the obstacles to good stewardship of our wetlands and encourages conservation volunteerism.”
Bellino of Monroe agreed: “Many of the regulations faced by volunteer groups simply don’t fit, and it made no sense to create needless complications and delays because the laws treated volunteers as though they were big development corporations. I am pleased to see this plan to help restore our wetlands signed into law.”
The plan laid out in House Bills 5854 and 5855, now Public Acts 561 and 562 of 2018, establishes a voluntary wetland restoration permit process that allows the Michigan Department of Natural Resources to better consider the effects of a proposed project as it relates to the health of the entire ecosystem.
“This is a smart solution that will help restore more wetlands and benefit all of our fish and wildlife population,” Bellino said.
“Public policy should reward and incentivize good stewardship of our natural resources, not serve as an obstacle, and that exactly what this bill achieves,” Howell said.
Rep. Bellino, R, represents Sumpter Township in Lansing.