The bill amends the Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act by updating the definition of the "Department" to the Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy, replacing the previous term "environmental quality." It introduces new definitions, including "exceptional wetland," which refers to wetlands that provide essential natural resource functions and require preservation through approved management plans. The bill also clarifies terms related to wetland assessment, such as "landscape level wetland assessment" and "rapid wetland assessment," and expands the list of "rare and imperiled wetlands" to include various specific types of wetlands, such as Great Lakes marsh and coastal fen.

Additionally, the bill outlines criteria for altered or degraded wetlands and defines "voluntary wetland restoration project," emphasizing that such projects should not be undertaken to meet existing permit mitigation requirements. It mandates that the Department and local governments apply the technical wetland delineation standards established by the United States Army Corps of Engineers for identifying wetland boundaries. Overall, the bill aims to enhance the protection and management of wetlands in Michigan by updating definitions and establishing clearer guidelines for assessment and restoration efforts.

Statutes affected:
House Introduced Bill: 324.30301