News

Water reclassification decision on hold

The director of the Michigan Natural Resources Commission has agreed to delay a decision on a river reclassification after hearing from farmers about its impact.

A request by the Department of Natural Resources to reclassify the Prairie River in Branch County is the first attempt to change a temperature classification under the state’s Water Use Program.

Ag groups, including the Potato Growers of Michigan and Michigan Farm Bureau, are concerned the change would set precedent and drastically reduce the amount of water withdrawn in the watershed.

The Commission plans to collect more data to better follow EPA protocols before making a final decision.  

In the meantime, Midwest Water Stewards, who provided a technical review of the proposal, is hosting an event on January 31 to help farmers navigate Michigan’s water regulations and policies.