By: Paul J Sniadecki, MLSA Board Director
Agency Shake-up:
Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced a cabinet shake-up in December 2022, choosing new interim leadership for the state’s two conservation departments — the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and the Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE).
Former DNR Director Dan Eichinger was tapped to lead EGLE as the interim director. Former DNR Natural Resources Deputy Shannon Lott was named the interim director of the DNR. The prior EGLE leader was Director Liesl Clark.
MiEnviro Portal:
Changes have been made to MiWaters. It is now named “MiEnviro Portal”, and has new web address: https://mienviro.michigan.gov/ncore/external/home.
All the prior features of MiWaters are functional and it appears there might be some improvements planned.
Permit Decisions:
For over 16 months we have reported that contested permit decisions have been pending in the Eagle Lake Boating Access Site matter (no AIS protections in the plans) and the 2020 CAFO Permit requirements. Those decisions remain undecided and unreleased.