The bill amends the Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act by updating the language regarding permits required for certain activities related to waterways. Specifically, it changes the requirement from a permit "has been granted" to a permit "is issued" by the department, and clarifies that authorization must be granted in accordance with part 13. The bill outlines prohibited activities, such as constructing or dredging artificial waterways connected to the Great Lakes or Lake St. Clair, unless a permit is obtained.

Additionally, the bill specifies activities that are exempt from regulation and do not require a permit, including leveling sand, removing vegetation, and mowing between the ordinary high-water mark and the water's edge. It introduces a new provision allowing for the removal of free-floating debris or vegetation by mechanical or manual means without impacting the lakebed. The previous exclusion for lands in the St. Clair River delta is removed, indicating that the new regulations apply more broadly.

Statutes affected:
House Introduced Bill: 324.32512