Michigan Lcv Education Fund - Environmental Briefing Book - 2007-2008

2007-2008

Michigan

Environmental Briefing Book

Where we stand on the issues “We abuse the land because we regard it as a commodity belonging to us. When we see land as a community to which we belong, we may begin to use it with love and respect.” — ALDO LEOPOLD

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n Michigan, people stand up for the environment. Michiganders understand the environment is more than places to recreate. It is the air you breathe, the water you drink, the land you grow food on, and the neighborhood where you live. Our natural resources can also be a major part of our future success and a vibrant economy. But only if we respect our resources and use them in a sustainable manner. Michigan has new opportunities to foster growth through renewable energy and energy efficiency programs. Green Chemistry, or the use of natural substances to replace a wide variety of toxic chemicals, is a

growing global market. Michigan should encourage these green industries. The 2007-08 Michigan Environmental Briefing Book is a great tool for the public, lawmakers, and reporters. We list the most urgent public health and natural resource problems facing Michigan. We share the causes and suggest real solutions. We also provide contact information for the issue experts leading the charge on environmental protection across the state. Our proposed policy changes can help achieve poisonfree communities, make wise investments, and protect Michigan’s heritage.

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2007-2008 Environmental Priorities for Michigan’s Legislature Defend Great Lakes Water (Page 6) Michigan residents know why our Great Lakes water should be protected. We were raised swimming in lakes, fishing in rivers, and exploring neighborhood streams. Our families picnic at the beach, canoe inland lakes, and slide down sand dunes. The Great Lakes define who we are. The Great Lakes are also the key to our economic well-being. Water is critical to our tourism industry, agriculture, and manufacturing. The core responsibility for every public office holder in Michigan is to ensure clean water is available now and in the future. This includes protecting water from export and diversion, and managing in-basin uses to prevent harm to our water resources. Priority Action: Strengthen Michigan’s water use laws by ratifying the proposed Great Lakes Saint Lawrence River Water Compact and enacting strong implementation.

Build a Clean Energy Future (Page 8) Michigan residents spend $20 billion a year on fuels that come from other states and overseas — money that could be used to help our state’s economy. We rely heavily on dirty coal technology that has given us poisoned lakes and fish, shorter life spans, and some of the highest asthma rates in the country. It’s time to try something new. We can act now to create a better energy future for Michigan. Energy efficiency could save $4 billion a year in energy costs— just as a start.

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Investing in renewable energy will keep money in Michigan’s economy. It will create thousands of jobs manufacturing wind turbines and other clean technologies. And it will give us a reliable source of energy that never runs out. Priority Action: Create a public benefits fund of $150 million per year for energy efficiency and a 20% Renewable Energy Standard by 2020.

Protect Families’ Health (Page 10) Animal factories are polluting our water, farmland, and families. An animal factory with 3,000 cows produces the same amount of urine and feces as a city the size of Saginaw (or 65,000 people). Human sewage is carefully collected and treated. Yet there are no such regulations for livestock sewage. It contains high levels of dangerous bacteria, viruses, and toxic odors that are making people sick. This untreated sewage also flows into our Great Lakes, which causes beach closings from the public health risks. Today, there are more than 200 animal factories in Michigan. These factories produce as much pollution as industrial operations, but they are not required to meet the same environmental standards. It’s time for that to change. Priority Action: Pass legislation that brings animal factories under the same environmental laws as all other industries.

Safeguard Public Lands (Page 12) Michigan has the largest state forest system east of the Mississippi River. In total, the state owns more than 4.5 million acres of public land for our enjoyment, about 12% of the total land in Michigan. Families use these lands for a wide variety of recreational uses — hunting, mountain biking, fishing, skiing, hiking, snowmobiling — the list goes on and on. Our public land is one of the things that makes Michigan such a great place to live and visit. But pressure is mounting to sell these lands, put up fences, and keep people out. Local governments are struggling to keep up with the costs of supporting this land. Michigan legislators need to step up and protect these properties by making sure local governments receive the funds they deserve for doing their part. Once these properties are developed and fenced, the public won’t be welcome any more. Priority Action: Fully fund payments to local governments where state lands are held.

Preserve Michigan’s Wild Heritage (Page 14) Deer hunting is a vital part of Michigan’s outdoor heritage and recreation economy. Yet growing wildlife disease may devastate deer populations. Improper management of captive deer herds is linked to the spread of Chronic Wasting Disease among wild herds, and Michigan’s regulation of captive deer herds has been lax.

Switching control of captive deer herds to the Department of Natural Resources will reduce the spread of Chronic Wasting Disease to wild deer. It will also protect our outdoor recreation economy. Priority Action: Empower the Department of Natural Resources to regulate Michigan’s captive deer herds.

Support Smart Growth and Sound Investments (Page 16) Without strong cities, Michigan cannot compete in the global marketplace. We need vibrant cities to attract and retain young, educated workers. If we build safe, affordable neighborhoods in our cities, we can reduce development pressure on our farms and lakeshores. We need to start investing in thoughtful planning for our towns and cities. Michigan needs to reshape its urban regions around a world-class transit system. Doing so will make our cities more attractive to young workers when compared with other great cities around the country. Priority Action: Boost state support and enact new laws to create more local funding tools to create and operate metropolitan transit systems. Appendix A: Learn about other critical issues (Page 18) Appendix B: Find an environmental group near you (Page 19)

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What you can do to defend our Great Lakes water Priority Action

Michigan’s Environmental Agenda

Defend Great Lakes Water Every year, fresh water becomes scarcer and more precious We all know that water is an essential resource. About one-fifth of the world’s fresh surface water is found in our Great Lakes. Yet, these waters are not limitless, and they are vulnerable.

Michigan must be a leader. We need to adopt a restoration plan and earmark matching funds for new federal money.

Keep sewage out of Michigan’s waterways Half of our residents dispose of their sewage through on-site septic systems. When properly maintained, these systems provide a basic level of A growing population, unwise water uses, and protection for our water. However, many people proposed large-scale exports all threaten our don’t know how to Great Lakes. Growing maintain their systems. water demand must be A growing population, unwise leads to a septic monitored to protect water uses, and proposed large-scale This system failure rate of trout streams, drinking exports all threaten our Great Lakes. 10-20%, releasing water supplies, and our E. coli bacteria and economy. Conserving other pollutants into our water. Michigan is one water will prevent harm to our lakes, streams, of the few states without a statewide sanitary code and drinking water sources. It can save businesses for these systems, and we do not require septic money by reducing operating costs, and it can system inspections. We need to act now to protect create new jobs in water technology industries. clean water. Michigan needs to be on guard against those who Protect Michigan’s water as a public resource would drain the Lakes and degrade our natural Each state was granted the role of trustee over its resources. We need to make it clear that water water resources. This has ensured that the public belongs to all, not to special interests. can enjoy water for boating, swimming, fishing, and Restore the Great Lakes to greatness other uses. The recent growth in the packaging and A $20 billion Environmental Protection Agency selling of water for profit shows that some would blueprint to protect and restore the Great Lakes like to privatize water. Michigan needs a new law was launched in 2006. It calls for upgrading preventing privatization of our Great Lakes Basin sewage plants, restoring wetlands, cleaning up waters and maintaining public oversight of all contaminated harbors and bays, and stopping water uses. invasive species. To be successful, actions must be taken by the Great Lakes states and by Congress.

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• Ratify the proposed Great Lakes-Saint Lawrence River Basin Water Compact and strengthen Michigan’s water use laws.

SURROUNDED BY WATER, MICHIGAN NEEDS TO SHOW LEADERSHIP IN CONSERVATION For decades, Michigan citizens did not see a need to conserve water. They were surrounded by almost 20% of the world’s fresh water. However, all that has

Further Actions

changed in the last 25 years due to growing demands

• Enact Great Lakes restoration legislation and earmark matching funds for new federal Great Lakes restoration money.

for our water.

• Pass a code that sets statewide standards and ensures septic systems are properly maintained and water resources are protected

• Reaffirm in legislation that the public as a whole owns water resources as a defense against attempts to privatize our water.

Who you can contact to learn more about defending our Great Lakes water

In 1998, a company obtained a permit from Ontario to ship up to 50 tankers per year of Lake Superior water to Asian markets. This project dramatized the growing political and commercial importance of water. Michigan was among the states that successfully opposed this project and began working on a defense against water exports. This resulted in the proposed Great Lakes Compact of 2005, which will come before the state legislature in 2007.

Brian Beauchamp, Michigan League of Conservation Voters Education Fund 734-222-9650 [email protected]

It will be impossible to protect our water from being

James Clift, Michigan Environmental Council 517-487-9539 [email protected]

people.

drained or shipped away if we are not demonstrating the importance of water to our environment and its

“Our Great Lakes state has to set the example for its

Jamie Cross, Alliance for the Great Lakes 616-850-0745 [email protected]

neighbors by promoting efficient water use,” says

Molly Flanagan, National Wildlife Federation 734-769-3351 fl[email protected]

Conservation. “It will not only help our economy, but

Erin McDonough, Michigan United Conservation Clubs 517-346-6475 [email protected]

Terry Swier, president of Michigan Citizens for Water also shows others that we are serious stewards of our water resources.”

Cyndi Roper, Clean Water Action 517-203-0754 [email protected] Mike Shriberg, Environment Michigan 734-662-6597 [email protected] Terry Swier, Michigan Citizens for Water Conservation 231-972-8856 [email protected] Grenetta Thomassey, Tip of the Mitt Watershed Council 231-347-1181 [email protected]

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Michigan’s Environmental Agenda

Build a Clean Energy Future Michigan residents spend approximately $20 billion a year for fuels that are imported from other states and overseas—money that could be used to help our state’s economy. We rely heavily on dirty coal and nuclear technology that has given us poisoned lakes and fish, shorter life spans, and some of the highest asthma rates in the country. It’s time to try something new.

to attract the same investments. Michigan has outstanding untapped potential for thousands of jobs in wind energy. Michigan should require at least 20% of its electricity from clean, renewable sources by 2020. Support clean and healthy biofuels The use of crops or other organic “biomass” as sources of vehicle fuels holds great promise if done responsibly. It could help farmers and help break our “oil addiction.” But, to realize that promise, we need to move past current technologies, such as corn-based ethanol, to cleaner and more efficient options, such as cellulosic ethanol (that use stalks and grasses) and clean biodiesel.

We can act now to create a better energy future for Michigan. Energy efficiency programs could save $4 billion a year in energy costs— just as a start. Investing in renewable energy will keep money in Michigan’s economy. It will create thousands of jobs manufacturing wind turbines and other clean technologies. It will reduce the risk of global Michigan residents spend $20 billion warming and its impacts a year importing fuels that come on the Great Lakes, and from other states and overseas— it will give us a reliable source of energy that money that could be used to help our never runs out.

To make us national leaders, our legislature should commit at least $5 billion from the 21st Century Jobs Fund and other state’s economy. sources over the next Save money by 10 years to clean restarting energy efficiency energy ventures, including renewables, new biofuel programs statewide technology and energy efficiency projects. Investing in energy efficiency is the fastest, safest, Get rid of outdated building codes and and cheapest way to reduce our dependence on update appliance efficiency dirty, imported energy. These programs can actually Our building codes are woefully inefficient. We lag save us money. They cost less than half of what it behind other states and waste energy with these takes to build a new power plant. Eighteen other outdated codes. If we update our residential and states have started similar programs with great commercial building codes, Michigan can reduce success. In some cases, they not only meet all new energy use and keep more money here. electricity needs, but even reduce total demand. Foster job growth through a new, renewable energy industry States that set minimum renewable requirements have seen a surge in jobs providing clean energy. States that rely on voluntary programs have failed

Michigan needs to update energy standards for 10 everyday products, like home furnaces. It would save consumers more than $2 billion over the next 25 years. Modern standards would help remove the most inefficient appliances from store shelves.

What you can do to build a clean energy future Priority Action • Create a public benefits fund of at least $150 million per year to support energy efficiency projects. Further Actions • Require at least 20% of Michigan’s electricity come from clean, renewable sources by 2020.

• Make energy efficiency, clean biofuels, and renewable energy a key part of growing our economy by committing at least $5 billion to clean energy ventures over the next 10 years. • Update commercial and residential building codes and energy efficiency standards for appliances used every day in homes and businesses.

Who you can contact to learn more about building a clean energy future Brian Beauchamp, Michigan League of Conservation Voters Education Fund 734-222-9650 [email protected] David Gard, Michigan Environmental Council 517-487-9539 [email protected]

GREEN ENERGY POLICY MEANS MORE JOBS A worldwide renewable energy boom is happening, and Michigan should jump on board. Studies by the American Council for an Energy Efficient Economy, the Union of Concerned Scientists, and The Renewable Energy Policy Project have found that a smart, green energy policy in Michigan would create thousands of new jobs. Some jobs already on their way to Michigan:

• United Solar Ovonic is investing $129 million to locate a new production facility in Greenville. The facility will create 200 new jobs to manufacture solar energy equipment.

• Noble Environmental Power is building a 32-turbine wind energy park near the village of Ubly in the Thumb. The project brings land lease

Patricia Gillis, Voices for Earth Justice 586-779-8015 [email protected]

payments to farmers. And it will provide 200

Charles Griffith, Ecology Center 734-761-3186 x 116 [email protected]

jobs to operate and maintain the wind generators.

Zoe Lipman, National Wildlife Federation 734-769-3351 [email protected] Father Charles Morris, Michigan Interfaith Power and Light 734-552-0104 [email protected]

temporary construction jobs and 10 permanent

• Hemlock Semiconductor is the world's leading producer of polycrystalline silicon. They are spending $400-$500 million to expand their Hemlock headquarters near Saginaw and they are growing because of the high demand for this material to produce solar cells.

Kim Pargoff, Environment Michigan 517-485-1003 kpargoff@environmentmichigan.org

This is a hopeful start, but much more is possible.

David Pettit, PIRGIM 734-662-6597 [email protected]

of their clean energy policies. Our legislature has

Other states are leapfrogging Michigan because the power to boost Michigan’s economy today and compete in this emerging market. They should require that 20% of our electricity come from clean, homegrown, renewable sources by 2020.

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Michigan’s Environmental Agenda

Protect Families’ Health Our health and our environment are innately linked Human and animal wastes, pesticides, toxic metals, and many other pollutants are being released into our air, water, and consumer products. Scientists are uncovering the links between chemicals and childhood diseases and, in many cases, the findings are alarming.

Polluted animal factory sludge is spread on fields, where it runs into nearby streams or soaks into the ground. It poisons drinking water and releases noxious fumes. It makes people sick throughout Michigan. It flows into our Great Lakes and causes beach closings from the public health risks.

Today, there are more than 200 animal factories in Michigan. These factories produce as much pollution—including toxic odors, bacteria and The most effective and least costly solution is viruses—as industrial operations. But, they are prevention. Nationally, the effects of pollutants not required to meet the same environmental on children’s health cost more than $54 billion a standards. It’s time for year. Green chemists have that to change. successfully found natural Now is the time to renew our substitutes for many toxic commitment to poison-free Ban toxic lindane chemicals. These “green” from use on kids communities and protecting our chemicals both limit Lindane is a neurotoxic health risks and reduce families’ health. pesticide that should costs for businesses dealing not be allowed as a with hazardous chemicals. pharmaceutical treatment for head lice in children. Pharmaceutical use of lindane has been phased Other sensible steps are also available. Our state out in 52 countries and California. Many health was among the first to crack down on the health professional organizations and the Michigan risks of DDT, mercury, and toxic waste sites that Department of Community Health support a ban. threatened drinking water supplies and people. Now is the time to renew our commitment to Protect children from mercury poison-free communities and protecting our In Michigan, one out of every 10 women of families’ health. childbearing age has unsafe levels of mercury in her blood. Each year, about 60,000 babies Clean up animal factory pollution nationally suffer developmental harm because their Animal factories, also known as concentrated moms ate mercury contaminated fish. Mercury is animal feeding operations (CAFOs), are polluting a toxin that harms a child’s developing brain. It is our water, farmland, and families. An animal poisonous even in small amounts. Kids exposed to factory with 3,000 cows produces the same amount mercury can develop learning of urine and feces as a city the size of Saginaw disabilities and (or 65,000 people). Human sewage is carefully problems with collected and treated. Yet there are no such their nervous regulations for livestock sewage. It contains high system. levels of dangerous bacteria and disease-causing pathogens (like giardia and cryptosporidium).

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Coal-fired power plants are the main source of mercury emissions today. Michigan has started to get rid of mercury pollution by requiring a 90% reduction from those plants by 2015. Now, we must implement this rule and reduce other major mercury sources. They include cement plants and products such as barometers and switches that release mercury when dumped in landfills or burned. Michigan must also ban the remaining mercury-containing products that are still used in the state. What you can do to protect your family’s health

HOW ANIMAL FACTORY POLLUTION THREATENS THE FUTURE OF FAMILY FARMS John and Peggy Zachel of Morenci have been farming their land for more than 50 years. Today, they wake up each day to a nightmare. Three years ago, an animal factory moved in across the road. They now have 4,000 hogs practically in their front yard. It is an incredible assault on the senses. The constant

Priority Actions

noise of pigs, trucks, and other machinery. The clouds

• Pass legislation that brings animal factories under the same environmental laws as all other industries.

of dust and flies always in the air and, above all, the stench. It permeates everything: clothes, furniture,

• Support tough enforcement of environmental standards for animal factory pollution.

even food. And it never goes away.

Further Actions

Michigan. For the past few years (since animal

• Support the development of Green Chemistry in Michigan.

factories moved in), she’s watched her neighbors and

• Phase out the use of priority neurotoxic chemicals including mercury and lindane.

• Reduce mercury emissions from cement plants, other industrial sources, and phase out mercury in health care products, toys, and other uses where safe alternatives are available.

Kathy Melmoth is a registered nurse in Pittsford,

friends suffer. Every day, they are forced to breathe volatile chemicals like methane, ammonia, and hydrogen sulfide. The result is burning eyes, nausea, breathing difficulties, diarrhea, and sinus infections. The animal factories’ liquid mixture of feces, urine and chemicals is spread untreated on nearby fields, soaking into ground water and running into streams.

Who you can contact to learn more about protecting your family’s health

The pollution from the waste pits under the hog

Tracey Easthope, Ecology Center 734-761-3186 [email protected]

threatened their health. The Michigan Departments

barns has ruined the Zachel’s property value and of Agriculture and Environmental Quality have been

Tess Karwoski, Michigan Environmental Council 517-487-9539 [email protected]

unable to stop this pollution. Regulations are weak

Kate Madigan, Michigan Environmental Council 517-487-9539 [email protected]

farms instead of industrial operations. The Michigan

David Pettit, PIRGIM 734-662-6597 [email protected] Mike Shriberg, Environment Michigan 734-662-9797 [email protected]

because current law treats animal factories like Right to Farm Act preempts local governments from regulating animal factories. There is not enough funding for state enforcement of water quality laws. It is time for Michigan legislators to step up and do the right thing to protect our water and family farms.

Anne Woiwode, Sierra Club Michigan Chapter 517- 484-2372 [email protected] 9

What you can do to safeguard public lands Priority Action

Michigan’s Environmental Agenda

Safeguard Public Lands Michigan has the largest state forest system east of the Mississippi River. In total, the state owns more than 4.5 million acres of public land for our enjoyment, about 12% of the land in Michigan. We have close to 100 state parks and recreation areas, and a system of trails that is the envy of many states.

Revive Michigan’s natural areas program A 1972 law allows the conservation of up to 15% of all state-owned land as wilderness and natural areas. But outside of the Porcupine Mountains State Park, less than 6,000 acres of the more than 4.5 million acres of state land have been conserved, and no new natural areas have been established in the last 18 years. For example, a proposal to protect Families use these lands for a wide variety lands surrounding Ludington State Park from of recreational uses— development has been hunting, mountain Our public land is one of the things pending for years. biking, fishing, skiing, that make Michigan such a great hiking, snowmobiling— Our legislature should place to live and visit. the list goes on and on. urge the Department Our public land is one of Natural Resources of the things that make Michigan such a great to increase their use of the Wilderness and place to live and visit. However, these lands are Natural Areas Act to protect more areas, including at risk from increasing development, mining, all lands with currently pending wilderness logging and drilling. designation decisions. Fund local governments to preserve public lands Local governments are struggling to keep up with the costs of supporting our public land. Pressure is mounting to sell these lands, put up fences, and keep people out. Michigan legislators need to step up and protect these properties by making sure local governments receive the funds they deserve for doing their part. Once these properties are developed and fenced, the public won’t be welcome anymore.

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Repair damage from off-road vehicles Our state offers funding to maintain off-road vehicle (ORV) trails on public lands. The money can be used to maintain existing trails, develop new trails, and repair areas disturbed by ORV use. But the grants are not available to those who want to repair ORV damage on private land, even if that land is open to the public. The state creates trails that lead to, or are very near, private property. ORV damage is often caused by riders trespassing from state lands. Michigan needs to prioritize use of this fund to pay for ORV damage on private and public lands.

FUNDS NEEDED TO REPAIR PUBLIC ORV DAMAGE IN PRIVATE NATURE SANCTUARIES

• Fully fund payments to local governments where state lands are held.

In a remote area of the Upper Peninsula, not

Further Actions

far from Whitefish Point, the Michigan Nature

• Revive Michigan’s natural areas program, assuring long-term conservation of critical state-owned lands.

Association owns and protects over 300 acres of land

• Reform the ORV trails program by (1) allowing use of the Off-Road Trail Vehicle Improvement Fund to restore private lands damaged by ORV use and (2) increasing Fund revenues. Who you can contact to learn more about safeguarding public lands Leo Dorr, Great Lakes Bioregional Land Conservancy 810-664-5647 [email protected] Jeremy Emmi, Michigan Nature Association 517-655-5655 [email protected] Donna Folland, Oakland Land Conservancy 248-601-2816 [email protected] Brad Garmon, Michigan Environmental Council 517-487-9539 [email protected] Erin McDonough, Michigan United Conservation Clubs 517-371-1041 [email protected]

near Lake Superior. Unfortunately, their trails are often confused with the State Forest Off-Road Vehicle (ORV) trail system. Many ORV trail users on state land find themselves riding in unfamiliar areas. This causes them to often end up on protected land owned by the Michigan Nature Association. Some efforts have been made to stop ORV trespasses, but the sheer volume of riders on state trails still results in erosion damage to adjacent nature sanctuaries. Michigan has grant funding for private organizations or individuals who want to restore ORV damage on “public land,” but the funding cannot be used to restore ORV damage on private land, even if it is open to the public. As a result, the Michigan Nature Association has not been able to restore the ORV damage from riders coming off of state trails. Many private landowners are the victims of trespassing ORVs, but state lawmakers have the power to help restore these lands.

Mike Shriberg, Environment Michigan 734-662-9797 [email protected] Anne Woiwode, Sierra Club Michigan Chapter 517-484-2372 [email protected]

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Michigan’s Environmental Agenda

Preserve Michigan’s Wild Heritage Michigan’s tourism economy depends on healthy wild habitats Tourism brings $10-12 billion into our state each year, about half of which comes from hunters and anglers. People come to Michigan from all over the country because of our amazing wild heritage. Our natural places provide clean water, diverse wildlife, and chances to learn about the natural world.

Protect Michigan’s vital wetlands Wetlands act as valuable pollution filters and flood controls. They are also prime fish and wildlife habitat for many species. Their ecological benefits are worth billions of dollars.

Michigan, however, has already lost half of its original wetlands. We need to conserve our remaining wetlands and restore degraded Anglers fly-fish on the Our natural places provide clean ones. This can be done Au Sable River and sport water, wildlife habitat, and chances through both strong fish on the Great Lakes. to learn about the natural world. law enforcement and Bird watchers wander financial incentives. the state from Humbug Marsh near Detroit to Whitefish Point. Every fall, A proven step is to get farmers to enroll their marginal lands in wetland conservation programs. duck and deer hunters flock to northern forests Lawmakers need to get rid of loopholes and and wetlands. Families camp along woods and lakes, and skiers explore our wild snowscapes. Our strengthen our wetlands protection law. natural resources boost the state’s economy and Remove “timber quotas” and fund state provide refuge from the stresses of everyday life. forest management Public officials spent more than a hundred years Michigan must keep diverse, quality habitats if it wants to preserve its wild heritage. Wetlands restoring our forests after the destructive timber are crucial to water quality, but also to breeding harvest of the late 1800s. That investment is paying off: today, on top of the forestry jobs, there are a fish, waterfowl and bird populations. Sustainable forest management assures healthy woodlands and growing number of jobs linked to tourism and diverse wildlife habitat. outdoor recreation. But, the threats to our forests still exist. Recently, there has been increased Reduce the spread of wildlife disease pressure on state forests to produce more timber Deer hunting is a vital part of Michigan’s outdoor at the expense of other forest values. heritage and recreation economy. Yet spreading wildlife disease may ruin deer populations. Poor We praise the recent efforts to get state forests management of captive deer herds is linked to certified as “sustainable.” Yet to stay certified, the spread of chronic wasting disease among lawmakers need to get rid of “timber quotas.” wild herds, and regulation of captive deer herds Moreover, adequate funds need to be set aside has been lax. for conservation and management, and forest planning should allow for multiple public benefits, Switching control of the captive deer herds to the like recreation, natural diversity, and wildlife Department of Natural Resources will reduce the management. spread of chronic wasting disease to wild deer. It will also protect our outdoor recreation economy.

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What you can do to preserve Michigan’s wild heritage Priority Action • Empower the Department of Natural Resources to regulate Michigan’s captive deer herds.

BEACH GROOMING THREATENS COASTAL WETLANDS Michigan’s northern Lower Peninsula is characterized by unique coastal wetlands. These marshes are vital to the overall health of our Great

Further Actions

Lakes. Unfortunately, the region’s tourist-driven

• Get rid of loopholes and strengthen Michigan’s wetlands protection law.

economy has led hotel and motel owners to destroy

• Promote sustainable forest management on state lands by removing “timber quotas” that skew policy away from what is best for long-term, native forest restoration.

Who you can contact to learn more about preserving Michigan’s wild heritage Molly Flanagan, National Wildlife Federation 734-769-3351 fl[email protected]

these wetlands by trying to turn them into beaches. On east Grand Traverse Bay, we find the Cherry Tree Inn altering and removing coastal wetlands. When Great Lakes water levels dropped (a prime time for coastal wetlands to flourish), the Cherry Tree Inn bulldozed 400 feet of coastal wetlands, attempting to create a beach. Their attempt to duplicate nature failed miserably. Local citizens, watershed groups, and tribal

Jennifer McKay, Tip of the Mitt Watershed Council 231-347-1181 [email protected]

governments were outraged. They called for

Donna Stine, Michigan United Conservation Clubs 517-371-1041 [email protected]

Environmental Quality and the U.S. Army Corps

Anne Woiwode, Sierra Club Michigan Chapter (517) 484-2372 [email protected]

investigations by the Michigan Department of of Engineers. The investigation concluded the Cherry Tree Inn’s activities were outside the scope of permitted activity. Although violation notices were sent, and state and federal lawmakers got involved, the coastal marsh continues to be destroyed. In 2003, the Legislature weakened the Michigan Wetlands Protection Act. This change allowed for the destruction of coastal wetlands without a permit. So, the Cherry Tree Inn claimed they were following the law when they ruined the wetlands. Lawmakers need to get rid of loopholes that allow harmful activities and prevent future weakening of the law.

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Michigan’s Environmental Agenda

Support Growth and Sound Investments Unplanned, out-of-control sprawl is damaging our economy and communities Michigan is a state in transition. Our cities are losing people, housing, and jobs. This is more than an economic problem—it’s also an investment problem. We have paid a high price to shift our population farther and farther out from our cities. We have paved over our prized farms and forests. We have overbuilt our infrastructure, and we have abandoned the people left behind in our cities and towns. This outward exodus of people, resources and opportunity has to be reversed if we want Michigan to become a leader in job creation and resource conservation.

Michigan’s economic incentive programs should focus their help in communities with Smart Growth Planning. This planning is designed to promote vital urban centers and efficient land use. We need to enact “Commerce Centers” We cannot afford to throw legislation to reward away taxpayer dollars funding communities that adopt Smart Growth inefficient road and highwayordinances and tools.

only transportation systems that expand urban sprawl and benefit a few, but cost us all.

To increase our economic competitiveness, we need to become more efficient. We cannot afford to throw away taxpayer dollars to subsidize inefficient transportation systems and urban sprawl that benefits a few and costs us all. We must not let others exploit our land as a dumping ground for their wastes. Michigan needs convenient, economical mass transit Our country’s most vibrant metropolitan centers are served by convenient, economical mass transit systems that include bus, light rail, and regional commuter rail. These transit systems reduce traffic congestion. They allow for easier long-distance commutes, and they attract new employers who value the high quality of life associated with modern transit. Our tax dollars are subsidizing sprawl and hurting family farmers Too many of our economic incentive programs funnel tax dollars into costly and wasteful sprawl 14

projects, like new roads, big-box retail, and business parks. They are driving people away from our cities and squandering valuable farmland. These wasteful land practices are not a product of the “free market;” they are driven by government action.

We need to coordinate local land use planning Our patchwork of local planning and zoning laws adds to the state’s land use problems. Cities, villages, townships, and counties each plan and zone under laws that differ in significant ways. The legislature should consolidate planning and zoning laws to make them consistent. In addition, it needs to revise the Land Division Act so it no longer promotes sprawl and reduces open space.

It’s time to stop out of state trash Almost 30% of all trash in Michigan comes from out of state. Part of the problem is that Michigan only has a 21¢ per ton dumping charge on garbage (added to the fee the landfill charges). This is one of the lowest in the region. In addition, we have no limits on new landfills. We need to bring Michigan rates up to market levels by raising our dumping charges $7.50 per ton, and we need to put a moratorium on new landfill capacity. This will reduce trash trucks from Canada and other states from clogging our roads and provide funds for local recycling programs.

What you can do to support smart growth and sound investments Priority Action • Support the development of world-class public transit systems and invest to invigorate Michigan’s metropolitan areas. Further Actions • Fund the state’s Comprehensive Transportation Fund (for public transit) at its constitutionally allowed 10% of all gas tax revenues.

• Support and approve funds to continue the development of regional transit initiatives, including the Ann Arbor-Detroit Commuter Rail Project (with federal matching dollars), light rail on the Woodward Corridor in Detroit, and streetcar projects in Grand Rapids.

• Review state funding programs that affect local land use plans and create incentives to reward communities that employ smart growth techniques. • Streamline state laws affecting local land use planning and zoning to improve decision-making. • Impose a moratorium on landfill expansion and place a surcharge on landfilled waste to protect public health and discourage out-of-state waste dumping in Michigan.

Who you can contact to learn more about supporting smart growth and sound investments Mike Garfield, Ecology Center 734-761-3186 x 104 [email protected] Brad Garmon, Michigan Environmental Council 517-487-9539 [email protected] Erin McDonough, Michigan United Conservation Clubs 517-346-6475 [email protected] Megan Owens, Transportation Riders United 313-963-8872 [email protected] Cyndi Roper, Clean Water Action 517-203-0754 [email protected]

PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION PROTECTS OUR ENVIRONMENT AND ECONOMY A single transit vehicle can take dozens of cars off the road. Increased use of public transportation is the most effective way to our country’s energy independence. Europeans use public transit for about 10% of daily travel. If the United States did the same, it would reduce imported oil by more than 40%. Public transit systems can also bring new development and economic benefits. In the November 2004 election, voters across the country approved 33 transit ballot measures. These measures will raise $49.2 billion for transit, almost half for regional transit systems. Denver voters, for example, approved a 0.4¢ sales tax increase, which will raise $4.2 billion to build 119 miles of light rail and commuter rail, 18 miles of bus rapid transit, and expand its bus system. Phoenix voters approved a 0.5¢ sales tax extension, which will raise $2.8 billion to build 27.7 miles of light rail, add 12 new bus routes, and 14 new rapid transit routes to its bus system. As a result, Denver and Phoenix are poised to realize economic benefit through multi-million dollar development projects along their transit lines much like Tampa and Portland already have. For example, in less than two years after the TECO line opened in Tampa, $800 million in construction occurred within two blocks of the line. And in Portland, more than $1 billion in private capital has been invested along its transit line since 1997. “Studies show that employees weigh an area’s quality of life when deciding where to look for work. And a high-quality public transit system is one of the first factors they consider when evaluating quality of life,” said Jim Erkel, a Minnesota transportation policy expert. “Without a highly-skilled, educated workforce, our region can’t compete.”

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Appendix A

Appendix B

Learn About Other Critical Issues

Find an Environmental Group Near You

“Environmentally friendly cars will soon cease to be an option…they will become a necessity.” —FUJIO CHO, PRESIDENT OF TOYOTA MOTORS, NORTH AMERICAN INTERNATIONAL AUTO SHOW, 2004

“I look forward to an America which will not be afraid of grace and beauty, which will protect the beauty of our natural environment, which will preserve the great old American houses and squares and parks of our national past and which will build handsome and balanced cities for our future.” — JOHN F. KENNEDY

Provide Environmental Education Michigan’s natural resources drive much of its economy. Yet our state does a poor job of promoting sustainable practices. We need to provide environmental education to students, teachers, businesses, consumers, and government. Programs should teach about water quality, energy conservation, ecosystem balance, and outdoor recreation. By providing hands-on experience in a real world context, Michigan can foster better environmental stewardship. Make Clean Cars Michigan residents drive 100 billion miles a year. The resulting tailpipe emissions add to air pollution and pubic health problems. We need to help our automakers shift production to new, cleaner vehicles. Clean cars will give us cleaner air and help our businesses compete in tomorrow’s global economy. Regulate Risky Mining Activities Mining in sulfide-based ores is a risky business. Sulfide mining combines metallic deposits with sulfur to form metallic sulfides. If these sulfide ores or their waste rocks are exposed to water or air, they form sulfuric acid. If not properly contained and managed, the resulting acid drainage pollutes ground and surface waters, which can ruin wildlife habitat, threaten human health, and hurt our outdoor recreation economy. This is why the administration, supported as needed by the state legislature, needs to enforce the laws to minimize these risks. Environmental Justice The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) defines Environmental Justice (EJ) as the 16

“fair treatment for people of all races, cultures, and incomes, regarding the development of environmental laws, regulations, and policies.” Concern that minority populations and/or lowincome populations bear a disproportionate amount of adverse health and environmental effects led President Clinton to issue Executive Order 12898 in 1994, focusing federal agency attention on these issues.

4 Towns Citizens Action Team Julie LeBlanc 7071 Locklin St. West Bloomfield, MI 48324 (248) 363-6128 [email protected] www.4townsunionlake.org

Michigan is experiencing these problems first hand. The child asthma rates in Southeast Michigan are among the highest in the country, a major cause of missed school days. Lead poisoning of children still remains a major problem. Many studies show decreases in educational performances of our children due to increased exposure to air toxics and water toxics.

Alliance for the Great Lakes Jamie Morton 700 Fulton St., Suite A Grand Haven, MI 49417 (616) 850-0745 (616) 850-0765 fax [email protected] [email protected] www.lakemichigan.org

Michigan should follow the federal example and make sure that no region or segment of our populations bears an unfair burden from pollution. We can address these issues by first recognizing which parts of Michigan are impacted the most. Then, we can implement pollution prevention and focused environmental health improvement programs to reduce the public health impacts on our kids.

American Lung Association of Michigan Ray Maloni, Director of Business Operations 25900 Greenfield Rd., Suite 401 Oak Park, MI 48237 (248) 784-2022 [email protected] www.alam.org Anglers of the AuSable Calvin Gates, Jr 403 Black Bear Dr. Grayling, MI 49738 (989) 348-8462 [email protected] www.ausableanglers.org

Arab Community Center for Economic and Social Services (ACCESS) Kathryn Savoie 6450 Maple St. Dearborn, MI 48126 (313) 216-2225 [email protected] www.accesscommunity.org Brownstown Land Conservancy Richard Smith 24781 Pamela St. Brownstown, MI 48134 (734) 782-5834 (734) 675-2692 [email protected] Citizens for Alternatives to Chemical Contamination John Witucki 904 E. Florence Bay City, MI 48707 (989) 892-6174 [email protected] www.caccmi.org Citizens for Water and Clean Sky Freda St. John 5200 D Rd. Bark River, MI 49807 (906) 789-5107 (906) 789-5130 fax [email protected]

Clean Water Action David Holtz 1200 Michigan Ave. East Lansing, MI 48823 (517) 203-0754 (517) 203-0760 fax [email protected] www.cleanwateraction.org Concerned Citizens of Acme Township Denny Rohn 9267 Shaw Rd. Williamsburg, MI 49698 (231) 938-2748 [email protected] Detroit Audubon Society Gisela King 9601 Fish Lake Rd. Holly, MI 48442 (248) 634-7668 [email protected] Detroiters Working for Environmental Justice Donele Wilkins P.O. Box 14944 Detroit, MI 48214 (313) 833-3935 (313) 833-3955 fax [email protected] www.dwej.org

Continued 17

Appendix B — Find an Environmental Group Near You Dwight Lydell Chapter of the Izaak Walton League of America John Trimberger, Conservation Chairman 6260 Blythefield NE Rockford, MI 49341 (616) 866-8475 [email protected] www.michiganhikes.org East Michigan Environmental Action Council Diana Seales 21220 W. 14 Mile Rd. Bloomfield Hills, MI 48301 (248) 258-5188 (248) 258-5189 fax [email protected] www.emeac.org Ecology Center Mike Garfield 117 N. Division Ann Arbor, MI 48104 (734) 663-2400 (734) 663-2414 fax [email protected] www.ecocenter.org Environment Michigan Mike Shriberg 103 E. Liberty, Suite 202 Ann Arbor, MI 48104 (734) 662-6597 (734) 662-8393 fax mshriberg@environment michigan.org www.environmentmichigan.org

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Appendix B— Find an Environmental Group Near You

Environmentally Concerned Citizens of South Central Michigan Richard A. Chudey 13854 Emens Dr. Hudson, MI 49247 (517) 383-2519 [email protected] http://nocafos.org/

Friends of the Rouge Carolyne McCaughey University of Michigan—Dearborn 4901 Evergreen, 220 ASC Dearborn, MI 48128 (313) 792-9900 (313) 792-9628 fax [email protected] www.therouge.org

Friends of the Cedar River Watershed Larry Rochon 872 Bron-Del Petoskey, MI 49770 (231) 347-1579 phone and fax [email protected]

Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians Andrew Knott 2605 N. West Bayshore Dr. Peshawbestown, MI 49682 (231) 271-7368 (231) 271-7715 fax [email protected]

Friends of the Crystal River Barbara Weber P.O. Box 123 Glen Arbor, MI 49636 (231) 386-9285 (231) 386-9485 fax [email protected] www.friendsofthecrystalriver.org Friends of the Detroit River Jane Mackey 3020 Oakwood Blvd. Melvindale, MI 48122 (313) 388-8892 [email protected] www.detroitriver.org Friends of the Jordan River Watershed John Richter P.O. Box 412 East Jordan, MI 49727 (231) 536-9947 (231) 536-9947 fax [email protected] www.friendsofthejordan.org

Great Lakes Bioregional Land Conservancy Leo W. Dorr 1062 Morris Rd. Lapeer, MI 48846-9439 (810) 664-5647 (810) 664-5682 fax [email protected] http://glblc.lapeer.org/ Hamtramck Environmental Action Team Rob Cedar 3338 Doremus St. Hamtramck, MI 48212 (313) 871-9002 [email protected]

Huron River Watershed Council Laura Rubin 1100 N. Main St., Suite 210 Ann Arbor, MI 48104 (734) 769-5123 (734) 998-0163 Fax [email protected] www.hrwc.org Kalamazoo Environmental Council Don Brown 1624 Grand Ave. Kalamazoo, MI 49006 (269) 344-0536 [email protected] League of Michigan Bicyclists Rich Moeller, Ex. Director 410 South Cedar St., Suite G Lansing, MI 48912 (517) 334-9100 (517) 334-9111 fax offi[email protected] www.lmb.org League of Women Voters of Michigan Pat Donath 200 Museum Dr., Suite 104 Lansing, MI 48933 (517) 484-5383 offi[email protected] www.lwvmi.org Liaison for Inter-Neighborhood Cooperation Eleanor Luecke 1893 Birchwood Dr. Okemos, MI 48864 (517) 349-4306 [email protected]

Livingston Land Conservancy Sara Thomas P.O. Box 236 Brighton, MI 48116-0236 (810) 229-3290 [email protected] www.livingstonlandconservancy.org Local Motion Robin Heller 16824 Kercheval Ave., Suite B100 Grosse Pointe, MI 48230 (313) 881-2263 [email protected] www.local-motion.org Lone Tree Council Terry Miller 4649 David Ct. Bay City, MI 48706 (989) 686-6386 [email protected] Michigan Audubon Society Mike Boyce, President Michigan Audubon Society 6011 W. St. Joseph Hwy., Suite 403 Lansing, MI 48917 (517) 886-9144 [email protected] www.michiganaudubon.org Michigan Chapter of the North American Lake Management Society Ann St. Amand, Secretary 620 Broad St., Suite 100 St. Joseph, MI 49085 (269) 983-3654 (866) 728-5579 fax [email protected]

Michigan Citizens Against Toxic Substances William Tobler 13555 Bunton Rd. Willis, MI 48191-9757 (734) 587-3631 [email protected] www.mcats.org Michigan Citizens for Water Conservation Terry Swier 14134 Percy Dr. Mecosta, MI 49332 (231) 972-8856 (231) 972-8892 [email protected] www.savemiwater.org/ Michigan Coalition on the Environment and Jewish Life (MICOEJL) Sara Bernstein 6735 Telegraph Rd., Suite 205 Bloomfield Hills, MI 48301 (248) 642-5393 (248) 642-6469 fax [email protected] Michigan Interfaith Power and Light Fr. Charles Morris P.O. Box 4606 East Lansing, MI 48826 (734) 552-0104 [email protected] www.miipl.org Michigan Land Trustees, Inc. Ken Dahlberg 2427 Kensington Dr. Kalamazoo, MI 49008 (269) 343-4748 www.michiganlandtrust.org

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Appendix B— Find an Environmental Group Near You Michigan Land Use Institute Hans Voss P.O. Box 500 Beulah, MI 49617 (231) 882-4723 (231) 882-7350 fax [email protected] www.mlui.org

The Nature Conservancy Michigan Chapter Great Lakes Program 8 S. Michigan Ave., Suite 2301 Chicago, IL 60603 (312) 759-8017 (312) 759-8409 fax [email protected]

Michigan League of Conservation Voters Education Fund Lisa Wozniak 213 W. Liberty St., Suite 300 Ann Arbor, MI 48104 (734) 222-9650 [email protected] www.michiganlcvedfund.org

Michigan Nurses Association Tom Bissonnette 2310 Jolly Oak Rd. Okemos, MI 48864 (517) 349-5640 (517) 349-5818 fax [email protected] www.minurses.org

Michigan Mountain Biking Association Todd Scott 5119 Highland Rd., PMB 268 Waterford, MI 48327 (248) 288-3753 [email protected] www.mmba.org Michigan Natural Areas Council Christopher Graham 925 Aberdeen Dr. Ann Arbor, MI 48104 (734) 975-7800 (734) 975-2424 fax [email protected] www.cyberspace.org/~mnac Michigan Nature Association Jeremy Emmi 326 E. Grand River Ave. Williamston, MI 48895 (517) 655-5655 (517) 655-5506 fax [email protected] www.michigannature.org

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Michigan Organic Food and Farm Alliance Taylor Reid P.O. Box 36880 Grosse Pointe Farms, MI 48236 (810) 659-8414 [email protected] www.moffa.org Michigan Recycling Coalition Nancy Hawkins 3225 W. St. Joseph Lansing, MI 48917 (517) 327-9207 (517) 321-0495 fax [email protected] www.michiganrecycles.org Michigan Resource Stewards Dave Borgeson c/o Tom Jenkins Traverse City, MI 49686 [email protected]

Appendix B— Find an Environmental Group Near You Michigan Trails and Greenways Alliance Nancy Krupiarz 410 S. Cedar St., Suite A Lansing, MI 48912 (517) 485-6022 (517) 485-9181 fax [email protected] www.michigantrails.org Michigan United Conservation Clubs (MUCC) Erin McDonough P.O. Box 30235 Lansing, MI 48909-7735 517/371-1505 fax 517/371-1041 2101 Wood Street Lansing, MI 48912-3785

National Environmental Trust/MI Vicki Levengood, Michigan Representative 1606 Melrose East Lansing, MI 48823 (517) 333-5786 [email protected] www.environet.org National Wildlife Federation/ Great Lakes Natural Resource Council Andy Buchsbaum 213 W. Liberty St., Suite 200 Ann Arbor, MI 48104 (734) 769-3351 [email protected] www.nwf.org

Mid-Michigan Environmental Action Council Gene Townsend Jessica Yorko P.O. Box 17164 Lansing, MI 48901 (517) 485-9001 [email protected] www.midmeac.org

Northern Michigan Environmental Action Council Ken Smith 3055 Cass Rd., Suite 102-B Traverse City, MI 49684 (231) 946-6931 (231) 947-5734 fax [email protected] www.nmeac.org

Milan Area Concerned Citizens Jim Hokenson P.O. Box 22 Milan, MI 48160 (734) 439-8414 [email protected] www.stopgmrailyard.com

Oakland Land Conservancy Donna Folland P.O. Box 80902 Rochester, MI 48308 (248) 601-2816 [email protected] www.oaklandlandconservancy.org

Public Interest Research Group in Michigan (PIRGIM) David Pettit 103 E. Liberty, Suite 202 Ann Arbor, MI 48104 (734) 662-6597 www.pirgim.org Republicans for Environmental Protection, Michigan Chapter Rob Sission 606 Cherry St. Sturgis, MI 49091 (269) 651-9397 [email protected] www.repamerica.org/mi/mi_ index.html Romulus Environmentalists Care About People (RECAP) R.P. Lilly 17220 Hannan New Boston, MI 48164 (734) 753-4320 (734) 753-4320 fax Scenic Michigan Abby Dart 445 E. Mitchell Petoskey, MI 49770 (231) 347-1171 (231) 347-1185 fax [email protected] www.scenicmichigan.org

Sierra Club, Michigan Chapter Anne Woiwode 109 E. Grand River Lansing, MI 48906 (517) 484-2372 (517) 484-3108 fax [email protected] www.sierraclub.org/chapters/mi Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary Sister Janet Ryan 610 West Elm Avenue Monroe, MI 48162 (734) 240-9700 (734) 240-9784 fax [email protected] www.ihmsisters.org Southeast Michigan Land Conservancy Jack Smiley 8383 Vreeland Rd. Superior Twp., MI 48198 (734) 484-6565 [email protected] www.landconservancy.com Southwest Detroit Environmental Vision Lisa Goldstein P.O. Box 9400 Detroit, MI 48209 (313) 842-1961 lisa_swdev@flash.net www.comnet.org/sdev

Mott Community College Environmental Club Suzanne Lossing 1401 E. Court St. Flint, MI 48502 (810) 762-0520 [email protected]

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Acknowledgments Appendix B— Find an Environmental Group Near You Tip of the Mitt Watershed Council Grenetta Thommassy 426 Bay St. Petoskey, MI 49770 (231) 347-1181 (231) 347-5928 fax [email protected] www.watershedcouncil.org

Urban Options Aileen Gow 405 Grove St. East Lansing, MI 48823 (517) 337-0422 (517) 337-0437 fax [email protected] www.urbanoptions.org

Washtenaw Land Trust Susan Lackey 1100 N. Main St., #203 Ann Arbor, MI 48104 (734) 302-5263 (734) 302-1804 fax [email protected] www.washtenawlandtrust.org

Transportation Riders United Megan Owens 500 Griswold, Suite 1650 Detroit, MI 48226 (313) 963-8872 (313) 963-8876 fax [email protected] www.detroittransit.org

Voices for Earth Justice Patricia Gillis 26672 Elm St. Roseville, MI 48066 (586) 779-8015 [email protected] www.voices4earth.org

West Michigan Environmental Action Council Lisa Locke 1007 Lake Dr. SE Grand Rapids, MI 49506 (616) 451-3051 (616) 451-3054 fax [email protected] www.wmeac.org

Upper Peninsula Environmental Coalition Jon Saari P.O. Box 673 Houghton, MI 49931 (906) 534-7899 [email protected] www.upenvironment.org

Page 7 Wind turbine generators, Mackinaw Power Page 11 Flowers, Louise K. Broman Moth, David Jude Page 13 Angler, Harrison, Michigan, Michigan Travel Bureau Ducks, National Park Service Page 16 Family, Frankfort, Michigan, Michigan Travel Bureau Canoeing, Grand Traverse, Michigan Travel Bureau 22

The 2007-08 Michigan Environmental Briefing Book was made possible by the generous support of the Joyce Foundation. Special thanks go to Dave Dempsey and the many other professionals who shared their expertise to make this book a reality. Brian Beauchamp, Michigan League of Conservation Voters Education Fund

Cheryl Mendoza, Great Lakes Aquatic Habitat and Network Fund

Becky Beauregard

Gayle Miller, Sierra Club

Pam Bierzynski, Michigan League of Conservation Voters Education Fund

Megan Owens, Transportation Riders United

James Clift, Michigan Environmental Council Andy Draheim, Michigan Environmental Council Tracey Easthope, Ecology Center

Photo credits Page 3 Lake Superior, Carol Y. Swinehart Farm scene, Randall McCune Detroit, Michigan Travel Bureau

With Great Respect and Many Thanks

Page 18 Grand Marais, Jeffery Foltice Page 21 Port Austin, Michigan (left), Michigan Travel Bureau Lake Michigan (right), Robert De Jonge Page 24 Lake Superior, Kelly Millenbah Back Cover Grand Marais, B. Fisher Lake Michigan, David Riecks Lake Michigan lighthouse, Tom Eckels

Lana Pollack, Michigan Environmental Council Cyndi Roper, Clean Water Action Abbey Rubley, Environment Michigan

Jeremy Emmi, Michigan Nature Association

Kathryn Savoie, Arab American Community Center for Social Services

Molly Flanagan, National Wildlife Federation

Todd Scott, Michigan Mountain Biking Association

David Gard, Michigan Environmental Council

Diana Seales, East Michigan Environmental Action Council

Mike Garfield, Ecology Center Brad Garmon, Michigan Environmental Council David Holtz, Clean Water Action Genevieve Howe, Ecology Center

Mike Shriberg, Environment Michigan Donna Stine, Michigan United Conservation Clubs Wendi Tilden, Sierra Club

Vicky Levengood, National Environmental Trust

Grennetta Thommassy, Tip of the Mitt Watershed Council

Zoe Lipman, National Wildlife Federation

Brad van Guilder, Ecology Center

Evan Major

Anne Woiwode, Sierra Club

Erin McDonough, Michigan United Conservation Clubs

Lisa Wozniak, Michigan League of Conservation Voters Education Fund

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Learn More About Us This Briefing Book was produced by the Michigan League of Conservation Voters Education Fund and the Michigan Environmental Council. The Michigan League of Conservation Voters Education Fund is a non-partisan organization that works to promote a healthy and vital Michigan by preserving and protecting our air, land and water through public education and civic engagement. The Michigan Environmental Council provides a collective voice for the environment at the local, state and federal levels. Working with our member groups and their collective membership of nearly 200,000 residents, MEC is addressing the primary assaults on Michigan’s environment; promoting alternatives to urban blight and suburban sprawl; advocating for a sustainable environment and economy; protecting Michigan’s water legacy; promoting cleaner energy; and working to diminish environmental impacts on children’s health.

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Your voice, your vote, your power We are at a critical period in Michigan’s environmental history. The decisions made today in our communities and in the State Capitol not only impact us, but future generations of Michiganders. Today, we ask all of you to take a stand with us. Use your voices and your votes to insist on poison-free communities, wise investments, and protection of our heritage. Together, we can build a better future and stronger Michigan.

“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.” —MARGARET MEAD

The 2007-08 Michigan Environmental Briefing Book is a project of the Michigan League of Conservation Voters Education Fund and the Michigan Environmental Council. This publication was made possible by the generous support of the Joyce Foundation