The bill amends the Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act by updating Section 30321 to enhance the process for assessing wetlands in Michigan. It mandates the Department of Environmental Quality to create a preliminary inventory of wetlands on a county-by-county basis and file it with relevant local offices. Property owners or lessees can request an assessment of their land to determine if it contains wetlands, provided they submit a signed form with specific details about the property and grant permission for the department to enter the land. The department is required to complete the assessment within 60 days and provide a detailed report outlining the findings, including any necessary permits for activities in wetland areas.

Additionally, the bill specifies that the department shall not charge a fee for these assessments, ensuring that property owners can access this service without financial burden. It also clarifies that if an area is determined not to be a wetland, this determination is binding for three years. The bill includes provisions for reassessment requests if new evidence is presented, and it outlines the criteria for determining whether a wetland is contiguous to significant bodies of water. Overall, the amendments aim to streamline the assessment process while protecting the rights of property owners.

Statutes affected:
House Introduced Bill: 324.30321