Senators Barcia, Olshove, Switalski, Birkholz, Patterson, Garcia and Van Woerkom offered the following concurrent resolution:

            Senate Concurrent Resolution No. 26.

            A concurrent resolution to memorialize the Congress of the United States to enact legislation to permit beach grooming on private property and to encourage the United States Army Corps of Engineers to work with property owners on the stewardship of beaches.

            Whereas, The most effective stewardship of our environment includes both public and private participation.  Michigan has recently taken an important step in the direction of caring for our shorelines and beaches with the enactment of legislation permitting shoreline property owners to take certain actions to maintain beaches within specific guidelines; and

            Whereas, With the reduction in lake levels, shoreline property has changed dramatically in many areas.  In many instances, beaches have been transformed by weeds, which has led property owners to seek authority to groom the beaches.  However, the potential for conflict with the long-term integrity of shore lands and habitat required extensive discussions to develop an effective and responsible strategy; and

            Whereas, As a result of the input of individual property owners, local landowner and environmental groups, state officials, and lawmakers, Michigan has enacted legislation, 2003 PA 14 (Enrolled House Bill No. 4257), that will allow property owners to remove vegetation and debris from beaches.  These actions are limited in scope and strike a workable balance between legitimate recreational concerns and environmental considerations; and

            Whereas, The effective compromise established with regard to maintenance on Michigan beaches will be far more productive than contentiousness between property owners and governmental regulators.  This legislation capitalizes on the shared commitment private and public interests have in the quality and the appearances of our beaches; now, therefore, be it

            Resolved by the Senate (the House of Representatives concurring), That we memorialize the Congress of the United States to enact legislation similar to 2003 PA 14 (Enrolled House Bill No. 4257) to permit beach grooming on private property.  We also encourage the United States Army Corps of Engineers to work cooperatively with property owners on the stewardship of beaches; and be it further

            Resolved, That copies of this resolution be transmitted to the Office of the President of the United States, the Environmental Protection Agency, the United States Army Corps of Engineers, the Office of the Governor, the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality, the President of the United States Senate, the Speaker of the United States House of Representatives, and the members of the Michigan congressional delegation.