BLUE HERON ROOKERY MAY BE LOST By Mary Bogush

In a northeast corner of Troy, near the intersection of Square Lake and John R. road is a beautiful Heron Rookery (a group of Great Blue Heron nests) high in the tall trees towering over a wetland area. The Great Blue Herons rely on the wetlands for food and shelter.  These valuable wetlands are connected to the Fetterly Drain, which historically was an agricultural stream.  This former stream doesn’t have environmental protection because it is currently designated a county drain.

Unfortunately, a proposal for a local wetland ordinance in Troy which would have protected the wetlands and natural features was shot down in 2001 by developers who led a misinformation campaign. The misinformation stated that a local wetland ordinance would result in duplication of state wetland regulations, would compromise property rights and decrease property values. The developer planning to develop a 3 phase subdivision project is strongly determined to develop the area despite the presence of wetlands, natural features, wildlife habitat and the potential for flooding current homeowners. In fact, some wetland filling has already occurred prior to obtaining a wetlands permit from the Michigan Dept. of Environmental Quality. The important functions of wetlands such as drainage, filtration and wildlife habitat improve our quality of life. Concerned Troy residents spoke out at a DEQ public hearing in strong support of leaving these wetlands intact and protecting this unique natural area. Sierra Club members that are Troy residents wrote letters to the DEQ representative about their concerns regarding the potential for increased flooding episodes which most likely will result from further filling of the natural wetlands because of impervious surfaces such as roads, driveways and houses. We expect the DEQ to enforce Michigan wetland laws and the Clean Water Act rather than just being a permit issuing agency. The DEQ currently is not protecting Michigan’s wetlands due to insufficient budgeting, staffing and legal support. If you’d like to join a group who takes action to protect the wetlands, home to the Great Blue Herons and a variety of wildlife, please e-mail: mike.broughton@metroparks.com or call Mary Bogush at (248) 250-4277 or call Lon Ullmann Phone (248) 828-7625.</p>

[Please note:The views and articles appearing on this blog are not necessarily the views or opinions of the Highland Conservancy.]

Comments

[cityoftroymichigan]

BEEN trying 2 find someone who cares about this rookery,,I have the funds,,no takers

[Janet]

Hi.

Is the rookery still active?

From where is the best view?

Thank you.

[Beezy Mack]

The rookery, or what's left of it, is near the southwest corner of Square Lake & John R, not the northeast corner.

The Holland Ponds rookery is very active. It's on Ryan Rd. & 22 Mile in Shelby Twp.

[Jeff G.]

I've spent lots of time in that beautiful section of Michigan's natural heritage. It's really a crying shame that we can't leave at least a few acres of undeveloped land in Southeast Michigan. Do we really need more huge houses, more traffic in a struggling economy where people are fleeing the state in droves? Typical mind-set...typical DEQ response...and one more area of wildlife habitat destroyed.

[Jeffrey Ganley]

Just another example of the complete failure of the DEQ and big business bullying!

[Ed]

How sad. I wonder if local papers picked up the news about this if it might help? County drain or not, those herons need protection.