Debate persists over the issue of whether private parties can own water, particularly groundwater, under current law -- or whether all water is a common heritage of mankind. In Michigan the debate is particularly keen, and pending legislation could either divest significant portions of lakes and streams from public control to private, or put Michigan in the region's lead in reaffirming Great Lakes water belongs to us all.
Environmental law expert Jim Olson has written to State Senator Patty Birkholz to protect the public's paramount interests. A lot is riding on how she and the legislature and governor respond.
Download 5099.00 03-13-08 ltr to Sen Birkholz & Committee re Hall memo on Publ Trust.PDF
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