Thumb Wetland Assistance

Pilot Program

Are you planning a project that could impact wetland in Saint Clair, Sanilac, Huron, Tuscola, Lapeer, or Macomb County? Do you want to avoid wetland impact? Do you need to apply for a permit and need help?

The Thumb Land Conservancy is one of only three organizations in Michigan to administer the Wetland Assistance Pilot Program with the Department of Natural Resources and Environment. TLC advises landowners on how to avoid wetland impacts, and assists applicants seeking permits.

TLC currently works with the Saint Clair County Drain Commissioner to provide assistance and may expand coordination with other Thumb agencies in the future.

TLC provides the following general assistance upon request:

• Wetland education and regulatory information, including referrals to various web sites.

• Limited assistance to complete wetland permit applications.

• Advice to avoid, minimize, and mitigate project impacts.

• Advice for Best Management Practices.

TLC assistance is primarily e-mail or phone discussion, web site information, and general review of application materials upon request. Applicants are referred to private consultants and engineers for more specific help. General in-office assistance is free-of-charge. Site inspections, application data, production of drawings, and other specific work is charged at the rate of $60 per hour.

TLC is not responsible for any fees or costs that an applicant may incur. TLC does not submit applications and does not guarantee permit approval as we ultimately have no control over an applicant¡¯s decisions, requested impacts, agency opinions, or information provided by outside consultants.

If you think you need help, please call, e-mail, or mail us materials with specific instructions. Contact TLC at 810-346-2584 or mail@ThumbLand.org.

For more information visit the MDNRE Wetlands Protection web site at: www.Michigan.gov/deqwetlands.