BOATING | FISHING | PROTECTING OUR ENVIRONMENT
Dear Friend,
I am proud to serve the people of Kalamazoo County every day in the Michigan Senate. One of my top priorities is to protect our water and natural resources to ensure healthy drinking water and sustainable enjoyment of our great outdoor recreational traditions.
Michigan is home to the Great Lakes and thousands of inland lakes and streams. Millions of Michigan citizens enjoy boating, fishing, and other recreational activities that our waterways have to offer. In recent years, our waters have been threatened by pollution such as PFAS (perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances) or harmful sediment discharged by dam operators in the Kalamazoo River. This newsletter contains updates on efforts to protect our natural resources, including recent legislation I’ve introduced to strengthen cleanup efforts, enhance recycling, and more. You will also fi nd information on boater safety and how to access fishing licenses.
If I can be of assistance to you at any time, you can always reach me by email at SenSMcCann@senate.michigan.gov or by phone at (517) 373-5100.
Working for you,
Sean McCann
State Senator
District 20
Website: SenSeanMcCann.com
Phone: (517) 373-5100
Equipping State Environmental Officials with Tools to PROTECT OUR KALAMAZOO RIVER
In October 2019, the operators of Morrow Dam, situated on the Kalamazoo River, lowered water levels around their dam in order to make repairs deemed necessary by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission. As they did so, 400,000 cubic yards of sediment was released downstream into the river, where it remains and is causing ongoing damage to the river’s ecosystem of fish, wildlife, and vegetation.
For more than two years now, state environmental officials from the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) have attempted to negotiate with the responsible party to get their cooperation on essential cleanup activities, but they lack the necessary statutory power to require immediate action on the most helpful activities, such as dredging to remove sediment without the company’s active agreement to participate.
That is why Rep. Julie Rogers and I introduced bills to strengthen EGLE’s authority to protect Michigan’s water and natural resources from damage by dam operators. Senate Bill 813 and House Bill 5661 would amend the Michigan Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act to give EGLE the authority to issue written emergency orders when inland lakes and streams are threatened with harm to “public health, safety, welfare, property, or the natural resources or the public trust in those natural resources.”
These bills would allow state environmental officials to order responsible parties to conduct the immediate cleanup of sediment in the Kalamazoo River and similar situations, without the need for long periods of negotiation.
On March 1st, the Attorney General filed suit on behalf of EGLE and the Michigan Department of Natural Resources against the operators of Morrow Dam.The lawsuit, which is now available on the Department of Attorney General’s website, asks for relief under the Michigan Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act (NREPA) and under common law to hold the companies accountable for the injuries they have caused the public and natural resources, and to vindicate the public’s ability to safely recreate.
As of the publication of this newsletter, Senate Bill 813 and House Bill 5661 had received initial hearings in their relevant Senate and House legislative committees, with no votes yet taken. I will continue to advocate for their passage and for our river. To follow along, join my e-newsletter list at SenSeanMcCann.com or follow my social media pages.
State Budget Reccomendation
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer presented her Fiscal Year 2023 budget recommendations in February and legislators are currently in the process of hearing testimony in committees and formulating appropriation bill proposals. This year’s budget represents an unprecedented opportunity for Michigan to make one-time, transformational investments in our state, including water infrastructure and site cleanup. I was pleased to see that the governor’s proposal included investments in lead line replacement, high water preparedness infrastructure, and contaminated site cleanup:
Infrastructure Act Funding for Water State Revolving Funds
$214 million in Federal Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) funding for the Water State Revolving Funds. Funding would provide loans, grants, and direct funding to local communities for eligible water infrastructure.
Community, Technical, Managerial
Financial Support for Lead Line Replacement $48 million as a one-time appropriation to provide grants to local communities to assist with lead line replacements and performing water treatment upgrades.
Safe Drinking Water Enforcement and Monitoring
$9.2 million for drinking water and environmental health programs. The funding would assist in providing safe drinking water through improved oversight, enforcement, accelerated issuance of permits, and support to local health departments that perform water monitoring and testing.
High Water Infrastructure Grants
$34.3 million a one-time appropriation for high water infrastructure grants to provide grants to local communities to support their needs related to high water levels, resiliency planning, and infrastructure needs.
While the governor’s budget recommendations are subject to the debate and scrutiny of the state legislature, these investments have been, and will continue to be, a top priority for me as a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, including as Minority Vice Chair of the Senate Subcommittees of Agriculture and Rural Development, Natural Resources, and Environmental Quality.
At the time of publication of this newsletter, work on the upcoming fiscal year’s state budget is ongoing. For the latest information, please visit my website, SenSeanMcCann.com, where you can also sign up for my e-newsletter or follow me on Facebook and Twitter.
Get your 2022 Fishing License
Fishing is one of Michigan’s premier outdoor activities and it is fun for kids and adults alike. Whether you have been fishing your whole life or it’s your child’s first time out, there is lots of fun to be had with a rod in your hand.
As of March 1, you can purchase a 2022 fishing license, which will allow you to fish through March 31, 2023. Fishing licenses can be purchased at many stores or online at Michigan.gov/Fishing or Michigan.gov/DNRLicenses. Licenses can be purchased for the entire year for residents, nonresidents, seniors, and even for daily fishing. The licenses can even be combined with a hunting license to save money.
When out on the water, it’s important that you carry your license and the state ID that you used to purchase the license in case it’s requested by a Michigan Conservation Officer, a Tribal Conservation Officer, or any law enforcement officer. If you have an electronic license, make sure you have access to it via a smartphone, tablet, or other device. Young anglers under the age of 17 are not required to have a license, but they are required to observe all fishing rules and regulations.
There are several rules and regulations from the Michigan DNR (Department of Natural Resources) to keep you, the animals, and our beautiful environment safe. They are available in the yearly fishing guide, which you can pick up at many stores around Michigan, or you can find the guide online at Michigan.gov/Fishing. The fishing guide includes all the types of fi sh you can catch in Michigan, their seasonal schedule, how to spot some diseases in fish, how to fight back against invasive species, unlawful activities, dozens of definitions and terminology, and so much more.
FISH for FREE!
For two days, twice a year, the State of Michigan allows families and friends to enjoy one of Michigan’s premier outdoor activities for free. Mark your calendars for June 11 and 12, 2022, then grab your rods and enjoy some time with friends and loved ones at either an inland lake or one of our state’s Great Lakes. This is a great time for young anglers to spend time and learn about Michigan’s beautiful natural resources. If you are taking your first trip out with your tackle box, make sure to check out Michigan.gov/HowToFish to learn more.
This summer’s free fishing weekend will be held in conjunction with multiple other state activities, creating the “Three Free” weekend. Residents and nonresidents can fi sh, ride off-road trails, visit state parks, and access boating sites all weekend for free. During this time, you will not need a fishing license, Recreation Passport, or an ORV (Off Road Vehicles) license or trail permit.
While the weekend is free for friends and family alike, there are still state laws, rules, and regulations that must be followed. The Michigan Department of Natural Resources has hunting, fishing, snowmobiling, ORV, and camping regulations and safety guides available at Michigan.gov/DNR to help guide you through the weekend.
FREE FISHING WEEKEND: June 11 and 12, 2022!
The free fishing dates for 2023 will be on Feb. 18 and 19, 2023 and June 10 and 11, 2023.
Stay safe WHILE BOATING
Living in Michigan, you’re never far from a lake. If you are going out on a boat or personal watercraft to enjoy the Michigan summer or go fishing, then you are likely going to need a Boating Safety Certificate. Fortunately, they are widely available and easy to get.
Boaters born after June 30, 1996 will need a boater education card or boating safety certificate. While it’s not required that all residents obtain the certificate, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources encourages it for all boaters. There are a few ways to earn your boating safety certificate:
Online: Take a boating safety class at boat-ed.com/michigan. After you finish the class, you must pay the course fee and pass the final exam to print off your permanent Michigan boating safety certificate.
Classroom/In-Person: The DNR’s Recreational Safety Education Class Database has in-person classes available throughout the year and across the state. The Boater Safety Education classes are a few hours long and you will get your boating safety certificate upon successful completion of the final exam.
Other Options: The U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary and U.S. Power Squadron (also known as America’s Boating Club) provide fundamental and advanced boating safety classes for residents. Some of the classes will provide the knowledge required to obtain a boating safety certificate. The DNR and the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary hosts these classes. Visit cgaux.org/boatinged for more information and to enroll.
CLEANING UP ‘FOREVER CHEMICALS’
Michigan is facing an emerging contaminant crisis from PFAS, also known as “forever chemicals.” PFAS is a broad term for a family of chemicals that includes chemicals such as PFOA, PFOS, and much more. These manufactured chemicals were mainly used last century to fight fires and make products waterproof, among thousands of other household and consumer product uses.
While we didn’t realize it at the time, these forever chemicals are incredibly persistent and ubiquitous in our environment and in the human body, and they can cause health issues such as increased chance of cancer (especially kidney and testicular cancers), cholesterol levels, thyroid disease, and more.
There are already multiple contaminated sites in our district and nearly 200 around the state, with hundreds of other positive PFAS tests in surface water samples and drinking water supply samples. If you are concerned about PFAS in our community, I would urge you to check out Michigan.gov/PFASResponse to learn about the Michigan PFAS Action Response Team (MPART) and what they are doing to clean up PFAS in our state.
I am working closely with local government leaders, state agencies, and responsible corporate parties involved in ongoing cleanup efforts of known contaminated sites in our community and look forward continued work with my legislative colleagues on stronger environmental regulations and protections.
MI HEALTHY CLIMATE PLAN
Earlier this year, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer released her draft of the MI Healthy Climate Plan, which would make the state carbon neutral by 2050. The robust plan provides several benchmarks for how the state will complete this goal, including:
• Switching to 50% clean, renewable energy by 2030
• Creating infrastructure to accommodate 2 million electric vehicles by 2030
• Phasing out coal-fi red power by 2035
• Directing at least 40% of all investments toward vulnerable communities
The Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) has been hosting listening sessions throughout the state so the public can participate in the climate plan. Michigan residents can also send email comments or suggested changes to EGLE-ClimateSolutions@Michigan.gov. Recordings of the public forums can be found through the EGLE website.
Share your thoughts with THE DNR AT UPCOMING MEETINGS
The Department of Natural Resources is committed to providing Michigan residents with the opportunity to share input and ideas on policy decisions, programs, and other aspects of natural resource management and outdoor recreational opportunities.
One important avenue for this input is at meetings of the public bodies that advise the DNR and, in some cases, also set policies for natural resource management. Frequently check Michigan.gov/DNR for events and meeting updates.