Implementing PolicyPolicy should not be set and then placed in a “Policy Book” never to be seen by those that establish policy at the local, state or federal governmental level. There should be some action to implement or make known the policy position of McNALMS.If the issue initially had an internal or external advocate, the Board must decide how the advocate will use McNALMS input to promote the policy. If the issue initially had no advocate the Board must establish a priority for the issue.Low Priority – Executive Director will send notification letters to the appropriate policy makers regarding McNALMS position.
Example Issue Briefing StatementExample Issue StatementProposed General Permit: Bioengineering Practices for Stabilization of Inland Lake ShorelinesAugust 2019Prepared by: Howard WandellType of Action: Send letter (email) of support to the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy (EGLE) regarding the proposed general permit for bioengineering practices for stabilization of inland lake shorelines.Issue: EGLE is recommending a general permit for projects that use bioengineering practices on lake shorelines to prevent or stabilization shoreline erosion. This will allow EGLE to issue a permit without public notice.
Background
At this time there is a general permit to allow shoreline homeowners to install small seawalls and hard armoring to prevent shoreline erosion. However, there is no general permit to allow shoreline homeowners to install bioengineering practices to prevent shoreline erosion. Without a general permit category all permit applications must be public noticed, which can significantly increase the cost and time to get a permit. Consequently, it is easier to get a permit to put in a seawall, than it is to install bioengineering practices. This policy discourages the installation of bioengineering practices and encourages the installation of seawalls. To eliminate this policy bias EGLE’s proposal will create a general permit for bioengineering practices and give homeowners an equal advantage to use bioengineering practices with seawalls.Ms Jane Smith (alias McNALMS member) has been involved with the development of the general permit. Her only suggestion regarding the general permit is that the Floristic Quality Assessment identified in the third bullet under Limitations and Conditions is not user friendly.A copy of the Public Notice for the Proposed General Permit Category is attached.Option 1: Do nothing and hope the new general permit is approved.Option 2: Send letter of support to EGLE with any suggestions or comments if any.Decision: (this would be voted upon by the Board).