Critical Dune Vegetation Removal Assurance
Vegetation Removal Assurance Application (Fill out page 5 only)
In Designated Areas
The Critical Dune Areas (CDA) program is administered under the authority of Part 353, Sand Dune Protection and Management, of the Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act, 1994 PA 451, as amended. The CDA program protects the extremely fragile areas of Michigan’s dunes by promoting the use of design and construction techniques to minimize impacts of uses on the dunes. As defined in part 353, “use” means “a developmental, silvicultural, or recreational activity done or caused to be done by a person that significantly alters the physical characteristic of a critical dune area or a contour change done or caused to be done by a person.”A Michigan Department of Natural Resources and Environment permit is required for any use within a CDA. Regulated activities include construction of buildings, septic systems, water wells, driveways, all excavation and filling, and vegetation removal within the CDAs. These areas are identified in the “Atlas of Critical Dune Areas” dated February 1989, and adopted by the Michigan Legislature under Part 353. Section 35313(c) requires that all applications for permits for the use of a CDA include in writing: “assurances that the cutting and removing of trees and other vegetation will be performed according to the instructions or plans of the local soil conservation district. These instructions or plans may include all applicable silvicultural practices as described in the “voluntary forestry management guidelines for Michigan” prepared by the Society of American Foresters in 1987. The instructions or plans may include a program to provide mitigation for the removal of trees or vegetation by providing assurances that the applicant will plant on the site more trees and other vegetation than were removed by the proposed use.”
Department of Natural Resources and Environment Sand Dune Protection: http://www.michigan.gov/dnr
Before submitting your Critical Dune Areas permit to the DNRE, you must have completed the following:
| 1 | Contact the local Conservation District for a Vegetation Removal Assurance. Ottawa Conservation District 16731 Ferris St Grand Haven MI 49417 616-846-8770 x5 Contact: Kelly Goward |
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| 2 | Contact the local county enforcing agent for a Part 91 Permit (Soil Erosion and Sedimentation Control). |
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| 3 | Contact the County Health Department for a permit for work on a septic system (if applicable). Ottawa County Health Department 12251 James St, Suite 400 Holland MI 49424 616-396-5645 |
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Critical Dunes Vegetation Removal Assurance Process
| 1 | Applicant/landowner fills out page 5 of form and submits with full payment | |
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| 2 | We will call within 5 business days (after payment is received) to schedule site review | |
| 3 | District completes site review including photographs | |
| 4 | District fills out the vegetation removal assurance recommendations including the preparation of supplemental handouts | |
| 5 | District signs original copy of assurance and makes additional copies (for applicant/agent, landowner and contractor/landscaper) | |
| 6 | Mail assurance report to the applicant/agent within 5 business days of the site review | |
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Original with District signature for DNRE | |
| b | Copy for landowner with handouts (stamped "copy") | |
| c | Copy for applicant/agent (if different from landowner) with handouts | |
| d | Copy for contractor/landscaper with handouts | |
| 7 | If requested, a signed and scanned PDF copy can be emailed. This needs to be printed and signed by the applicant/agent and submitted to the DNRE with the permit application. | |
| 8 | A cover letter will be included explaining how to distribute the 3 copies | |
| a | Original (with District signature) MUST be signed by the landowner or their agent and submitted to the DNRE with their critical dune permit application – the DNRE will NOT accept the assurance unless it has BOTH signatures | |
| b | Photocopies to applicant/agent, landowner and contractor/landscaper | |
| 9 | Landowner or applicant/agent will send (mail, fax or scan and email) the District a copy of the original assurance with their signature (just the page with the signatures) | |
| 10 | Landowner or applicant/agent will notify the District when the project is completed for a follow-up site visit (no additional fee) | |
Michigan DNRE Endangered Species Assessment Instructions
To be submitted
with your application for a Vegetation Removal Assurance:
This is only required for projects that break new ground or disturb natural vegetation.
Do NOT request this review for sites that have a recent history of disturbance or only
ornamental vegetation is present.
| 1 | Go to : www.mcgi.state.mi.us/esa/ | |
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| 2 | Click “Find a Location” on the left. | |
| 3 | Select a method to search, preferably by address or intersection. | |
| 4 | Enter search criteria and click “Map It!” | |
| 5 | Once your site is located on the map, select the identify tool and click on the property location on the map. | |
| 6 | You can print, save or email the map. Please submit a copy of the map to the Conservation District. | |
| 7 | Search results will appear beneath the map. Click “Request Review” for a formal review. | |
| 8 | Fill out the required information and click “Submit.” Select “Dune” as the habitat. | |
| 9 | You will receive a tracking ID for you request and receive a confirmation email within one business day. Please submit a copy of the letter you receive in this email to the Conservation District. | |
| 10 | If it was determined that endangered species are not know to occur at your location, no further action is needed and you will not receive additional reports from the DNRE. Submit a copy of the letter from your confirmation email with your DNRE permit application. If it was determined that endangered species are known to occur at your location, then you will receive a follow up report later from the DNRE. A copy of the final DNRE report should be submitted to the DNRE with your permit application. | |