They’re at it again! More Misinformation and Misdirection!

If you read this week’s Leelanau Enterprise you’ll see that the Timber Shores opponents are stepping up their game of misinformation and misdirection.  One more reason to Vote NO on the amended zoning ordinance!

Here’s what you’ll see in this week’s ad entitled Voting Yes is a Win Win (which it’s not). The spurious claims begin right at the start with this statement:

“EGLE regulates dredging or filling within wetlands and EGLE encourages and recommends (italics theirs) township ordinances regarding the perimeters of wetlands.”

As usual, opponents seem to have a loose and fast relationship with the truth.

EGLE has no official policy that encourages and recommends townships adopt wetland ordinances, a fact that is easily found on the State of Michigan website.

The website states:

In accordance with Part 303, Wetlands Protection, of the Natural Resources and Environmental Protection, 1994 PA 451, as amended, a local unit of government can regulate wetlands by ordinance, in addition to state regulation, if certain criteria are met. These criteria include:

  • A wetland ordinance cannot require a permit for activities exempted from regulation under Part 303.

  • A wetland ordinance must use the same wetland definition as in Part 303.

  • Local units of government must publish a wetland inventory before adopting a wetland ordinance.

  • Local units of government that adopt wetland ordinances must notify EGLE.

 Bottom line – what EGLE does state is that townships are permitted to adopt wetlands ordinances so long as the township is in compliance with the EGLE’s standards and regulations.  Leelanau Township is not.  They have not published a wetland inventory, a basic requirement.

Unfortunately, it’s typical of the opponents of Timber Shores that they stretch the truth to fit their own needs and desires regardless of the effect on the township and the taxpayers.

These ad signers who claim to want to “Build our Community Better and Stronger” are supporting an illegal ordinance passed by the planning commission and the township board. They’re doing it through a public misinformation campaign designed to confuse voters. Shame on them!  Don’t buy into it! Vote NO!

Ruth Walker