Wetlands are sanctuaries for birds and other animals. Unfortunately, Ottawa County is a leading county in Michigan in destroying wetlands. The following map shows that between the years 1800-2005, Ottawa County lost 60%—80% of its wetlands.
Since 1978, Ottawa County has lost between 4%-6% of its wetlands.
According to the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy, Grand Haven Township has lost 62% of its wetlands.
Grand Haven Area Public Schools contributed to Michigan Wetland destruction when the access road was built parallel to US 31 on the east side of the high school. In fact, the district paid $177,920 for the privilege of destroying wetlands to complete this project.
This is an overhead view of the property where GHAPS is proposing to build a new middle school at the intersection of Lincoln St and 152nd Ave. The areas marked in grey are wetlands.
How much will this project cost taxpayers to offset the cost of destroying wetlands? Given the track record of wetlands destruction in Ottawa County, are we OK with losing more?