Committee members:

  • Amber Sample – Chair
  • Richard Bowser
  • Ilze Antons
  • Carolyn Krull
  • Rachel Kopka
  • Lois Weed
  • Bill Rivard

P.O. Box 455 Three Rivers, MI 49093

Fabius Township’s Environmental and Wetland Protection Advisory Committee (EWPAC) was established to provide a layer of protection for our natural resources, and to advise the Planning & Zoning boards, Drain Commissioner’s office and other local government institutions on questions regarding environmental management. Fabius Township is blessed with wonderful natural resources, including our many scenic lakes and valuable wetland areas. We are committed to protecting these wetlands and encourage all of our residents to join us in this effort.

Wetlands are characterized by the presence of water at a frequency and duration sufficient to support, and that under normal circumstances does support, wetland vegetation and/or aquatic life, and are commonly referred to as bogs, swamps or marshes.

Healthy wetlands provide fish and wildlife habitat, protect water quality, regulate water levels, help prevent erosion, and add recreational and scenic value.

Filling, dredging, draining and construction are prohibited in or within 25 feet of a wetland.

For property owners adjacent to or including a lake, pond, stream or marsh:

  • If you are planning on doing any type of construction or landscaping within 25 feet of the water or wetland, your building / zoning / soil erosion permit will get flagged, and you might need an additional wetland permit (there is no additional fee or application).
  • If you are planning to build a seawall, create a beach, or do anything at or below water’s edge, you will need to apply for an EGLE permit (https://www.michigan.gov/egle/about/organization/water-resources/wetlands/permits).

Simple things you can do to enhance the value of your waterfront / wetland property:

  • If you must have a seawall, install stone or riprap along the water’s edge to prevent erosion; if possible, use natural landscaping materials instead of steel or concrete.
  • Consider leaving a 10 ft buffer strip along the water’s edge – don’t maintain a lawn and allow natural vegetation to grow. This will improve the fish habitat near the water’s edge, and may help to keep geese out of your yard.
  • Don’t use any fertilizers or pesticides within 25 ft of the water.
  • Make sure your septic system is functioning properly.

Wetlands Protection Ordinance

Ord. No. 70, art. I, § 100, 4-21-1999

Michigan EGLE Wetlands Permit Application

Wetlands Permit Application Information

Links