By Laura Weber
http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/wkar/local-wkar-847814.mp3
Lansing, MI – A report from the National Wildlife Federation says Michigan needs to maintain control of its wetlands program, or it will put 100,000 acres of inland wetlands at risk of being destroyed.
Governor Granholm proposed saving the state money by returning Michigan's wetlands protection responsibilities to the federal government. The Army Corps of Engineers can look after wetlands connected to the Great Lakes, but it does not look after inland wetlands.
Jennifer McKay of the Tip of the Mitt Watershed Council says those wetlands will be at risk, and it will be almost impossible to reverse the decision.
If the state relinquishes control, New Jersey will be the only state running its own wetlands program. The National Wildlife Federation says there are ways to fund Michigan's program until the state's budget crisis has passed.