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Greetings!
Just some brief updates this month. Each links to more extensive coverage on other sites.
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PTD needs your financial support. We are approaching the time for a renewal of the sand dune mining permit at the Nadeau Site. This may well require significant expenses on our part.
Donations can be sent to PTD, P.O. Box 164, Riverside, MI 49084 or made with credit card or PayPal by selecting the Donate button below.
Remember we are a 501(c)3 organization and all donations are tax deductible.
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Activities Not Requiring DEQ Permits Defined
New Guidance Document Issued
The DEQ has posted a " policy guidance document" that specifies activities within the critical dunes that are not "uses" under the Sand Dune Protection and Management Act, and thus do not require permits.
Examples include: - replacement of an existing deck, in-place and in-kind, by using hand held tools
- planting a native tree or other native vegetation using hand held tools without changing existing grades or contours.
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Van Buren County Bans Phosphorous Fertilizers
Action Taken to Protect Water Resources
Van Buren County has recently joined the Lake Michigan shore counties of Allegan, Muskegon and Ottawa, in adopting an ordinance that requires the use of phosphorous-free fertilizers on all residential, commercial, and golf course lawns beginning January 1, 2010. The ordinance exempts agriculture, gardens, flowers, trees, shrubs, new lawns, and lawns with soil tests indicating phosphorous is required. This new ordinance will be enforced by the County Drain Commissioner's Office.
For further information see the Southwest Michigan Planning Commission (SWMPC) current newsletter.
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CEDS Update - Draft Issued for Comment
The SWMPC has issued for review an update of the Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) for Berrien, Van Buren and Cass Counties.
Goals, objectives, and performance measures address the following topics: - Collaboration within Southwest Michigan
- Land Use: The Natural and Built Environments
- Social, Physical and Cultural Health
- Education and Workforce Development
- The Regional Economy: Industrial Retention
- Sustainability, Development, and Diversification
The document is available on-line by clicking here. The comment period extends to January 18.
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Jean Klock Park Update
Controversy and legal actions continue
The battle over Jean Klock Park in Benton Harbor continues. Most recently, after a presentation by local opponents, the Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund Board expressed concern regarding unfulfilled promises by the developers and considered remedial follow-up action. Read more ...
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DEQ Pre-application Services
Last month we reported the DEQ's new pre-application procedures for critical dune permits. In case you missed it, forms and description of procedures, submittals and deliverables are available on the DEQ website.
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"These dunes are to the Midwest what the Grand Canyon is to Arizona . . .
once lost, the loss would be irrevocable." Carl Sandburg
Sincerely,
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