March 20, 2006

The Department of Environmental Quality today released an independent, scientific report evaluating the recently piloted vegetation removal and beach maintenance activities around the Great Lakes. The report, developed by a team of scientists from Michigan State University and Grand Valley State University, compared groomed beaches with similar, nearby natural beaches, allowing the researchers to measure how fish populations, other animals, and marsh plants are affected.

"Michigan's coastal wetlands provide for a unique and vibrant ecology," said DEQ Director Steven E. Chester. "It is critical that we understand the scientific impact of beach maintenance and vegetation removal on the Great Lakes."

During low water periods, the bottomlands of the Great Lakes are exposed and covered with vegetation. In June of 2003, the Michigan Legislature exempted mowing and other beach maintenance activities from wetland protection requirements, and established two pilot areas where vegetation removal in Great Lakes coastal wetlands would be given expedited approval. The new law also required the DEQ to evaluate these activities, report the findings, and make recommendations based on the study's results.

The study showed that clearing vegetation through a coastal marsh alters the chemical and physical conditions of nearshore waters, reducing or eliminating habitat for Michigan's important game fish including yellow perch, smallmouth bass, and largemouth bass.

The researchers found fewer species and significantly lower numbers of adult fish adjacent to groomed beaches. The numbers of invertebrate animals upon which these fish feed were also greatly reduced.

“There are 200 fish species in the Great Lakes, and approximately 90 percent of them rely upon coastal wetlands during some part of their life cycle," said Department of Natural Resources Director Rebecca Humphries. "This research helps us better understand the ecology of Great Lakes coastal marshes and will help our efforts to wisely manage Michigan's fish and wildlife resources."

In light of this research, Director Chester has recommended to the Legislature that the provisions created through the 2003 legislation be allowed to expire according to the sunset dates in the law. The Director did indicate that the DEQ plans to work with landowners in the affected areas to minimize the impact of the sunset on property owners.

"The DEQ staff will work with property owners through our permit program to ensure Michigan's citizens can enjoy access to our waters," said Director Chester. "At the same time we will protect the bottomland vegetation that provides habitat for the vast populations of fish and wildlife that rely upon them."

The DEQ will be holding public meetings in the pilot areas to discuss the report and surrounding issues with area residents. Copies of the DEQ report as well as the research reports are available on the DEQ wetland web site at www.michigan.gov/deqwetlands.

Editor’s note: DEQ news releases are available on the department’s Internet home page at www.michigan.gov/deq.

 “Protecting Michigan’s Environment, Ensuring Michigan’s Future”

Revised March 20, 2006 by Linda Crawford for Pat Watson