May 8, 2023

Director Shannon Lott

Michigan Department of Natural Resources
P.O. Box 30028
Lansing MI 48909
RE: MCL 324.30101-30106

Dear Director Lott,

As elected representatives, the undersigned are rightfully held accountable by their constituents for
activities undertaken by the state and its agencies. Such accountability is particularly demanded and
warranted when actions proposed to be undertaken by the government are essentially the same as those
proposed to be undertaken by a private citizen. In these instances, adherence to legislatively adopted
limitations and safeguards should be required regardless of the private or public character of the actor.

The proposed removal of the Cornwall Dam in Cheboygan County is a case in point. Absent a permit,
Michigan’s Inland Lakes and Streams Act, MCL 324.30101 et seq., prohibits the diminishment of an
inland lake which, by definition, includes an impoundment such as the Cornwall Flooding. But such a
permit cannot be granted absent prior consideration of the possible effects of a draw down on the
impoundment’s uses for recreation, fish and wildlife, aesthetics, local government, agriculture, commerce,
and industry purposes. Indeed, there is a flat prohibition against authorizing the unlawful impairment or
destruction of any of the waters or other natural resources of our state. MCL 324.30106.

The Cornwall Dam impoundment is an integral part of an ecosystem that has been in existence for more
than half a century. Removing the Cornwall Dam has the potential to cause significant damage to that
established ecosystem including, but not limited to, the potential displacement of mussel populations and
impacts on wetland habitats. Yet, it does not appear any mussel or wetland studies have been conducted
at the Cornwall Flooding.

Mussels are a critical component of the aquatic ecosystem, providing numerous benefits such as filtering
water and providing food for fish and other aquatic animals. Removing the Cornwall Dam may adversely
affect endangered species such as the Eastern Pondmussel, Slippershell or the Wavyrayed Lampmussel.
Therefore, it is essential that a comprehensive mussel study be conducted before any actions are taken to
remove the Dam.
In addition to the mussel study, we also urge you to conduct a wetland impact study to evaluate the
potential impacts dam removal may have on local wetland systems. Wetlands are critical ecosystems that
provide numerous benefits, including flood control, water filtration, and habitat for a wide variety of plants
and animals. Removal of the Cornwall Dam can be expected to change water levels, result in
sedimentation, and diminish wetland habitat availability. It could also have a significant impact on
endangered wetland species such as the Michigan Monkey Flower. Therefore, it is crucial that a
comprehensive wetland impact study be conducted to identify potential impacts and develop appropriate
mitigation measures.

The studies called for above are not intended to be exclusive of other considerations and data essential to
informed decision making. Among those other considerations are the public health, safety, and welfare
benefits provided by the Cornwall Flooding for fire control. You will recall that the waters of that
impoundment were utilized to help extinguish last year's 2000-acre Blue Lakes fire.

As elected leaders we are committed to protecting local ecosystems. Like you and your department, we
are also charged with responsible environmental stewardship on a statewide basis. In light of this shared
responsibility, we anticipate your cooperation in developing a plan addressing the issues presented by the
Cornwall Dam that is both scientifically supported and compliant with Michigan law. We look forward to
the formulation and receipt of that plan before any action to remove the dam is initiated.

Sincerely,

Cam Cavitt Ken Borton John Damoose

State Representative State Representative State Senator
District 106 District 105 District 37

Neil Friske Jay DeBoyer Timmy Beson

State Representative State Representative State Representative
District 107 District 63 District 96

Jaime Greene Rachelle Smit Gina Johnsen

State Representative State Representative State Representative
District 65 District 43 District 78
Curt VanderWall Greg Alexander Steve Carra
State Representative State Representative State Representative
District 102 District 98 District 36

Greg Markkanen James DeSana Tom Kunse

State Representative State Representative State Representative
District 110 District 29 District 100

John Roth Matt Maddock

State Representative State Representative
District 104 District 51