Threatened & Endangered Species Protection in Michigan Lori Sargent Wildlife Division Department of Natural Resources
Michigan Endangered Species Law Part 365 of PA 451 of 1994 Prohibits harm to species listed as threatened or endangered on public or private land Includes species of every animal group and plants Permits may be issued to alleviate damage to property or to protect human health or scientific purposes
Comparison of Michigan Endangered Species law with Federal law Michigan Applies to public AND private land Harm not defined, may not apply to indirect impacts Plants and animals protected equally Any species native to MI that is federally listed is automatically state listed Federal Applies only to federally-owned land or where there is federal jurisdiction for plants Animals protected anywhere Harm used more broadly, applies to indirect impacts
Element Occurrences Observations are supplied by qualified observers Surveys done by MNFI Historical records
Endangered A species which is in danger of extinction throughout all or significant portion of its range.
Threatened A species which is likely to become an endangered species within the foreseeable future throughout all or a significant portion of its range.
Special Concern Declining or relict populations that, if continue to decline, may be listed as threatened or endangered - NOT legally protected - May be revised at any time
Endangered Species Permits A Michigan endangered species permit is required when: there is unavoidable, acceptable take of a protected species transplanting is necessary (plants) collecting specimens for any reason
Dune Ecosystems Planting of non-native plantings or sod Dune stabilization Trampling Shading/removing shade Increased traffic on beach, including pets Representative species: Pitcher s thistle, Houghton s goldenrod, Dwarf lake iris, Piping plover
Seawalls Natural vegetation disturbance Lake / river bottom disturbance Cumulative impacts Channelizing rivers, water fluctuations Representative species: wild rice, common loons, Michigan monkey-flower
Marinas / Multiple Docks Direct impacts to natural vegetation / mussels and lake / river bottom Increased activity on water body Representative species: mussels, piping plover, common loon, bald eagle, wild rice
New Construction Direct destruction of species and/or habitat Alteration of habitat quality Increased activity in area leading to abandonment of habitat
Communication towers and guy wires present collision hazards in the paths of birds during spring and fall migration periods.
Projects Effecting Raptors / Loons Increased activity on and around water body Disturbance of loon nests / nurseries Harassment of loons Fragmentation of habitat / removal of large nest trees Timing can minimize or eliminate impacts
Environmental Review Process used by the MDNR Wildlife Division, Natural Heritage Program to ensure protection of endangered and threatened species and other unique natural features.
30 Year-Old Program Eliminated This important program was funded with general funds Funding for this program was not included in the state budget for the fiscal year that began October 1, 2011
The Process DEQ screens permit applications with CIWPIS DEQ field staff make best determination of potential impacts DNR Wildlife field staff available for consultation DNR Wildlife Lansing staff available for consultation on specific impacts to specific species US Fish & Wildlife Service still doing reviews on federally listed species
Environmental Review Process Project managers need to seek consultant to evaluate impacts to T&E species Michigan Natural Features Inventory (MNFI) holds data and can supply information for a fee No regulatory authority cannot restrict projects, only provide reccomendations Lori Sargent administers endangered species permits