The Sunday Lansing State Journal thoroughly explores the utter inadequacy of the money and staff devoted to the DEQ wetlands program. Citizen complaints about wetland violations aren't pursued, and few of the "mitigated" wetlands supposed to be created by developers actually are created, or meet state standards.
What the story doesn't do is ask Michigan legislators why they are trying to cut funding for wetlands protection even more, or even eliminate the program and "let counties do it." Or why Michigan voters elect such people -- oblivious that we all suffer when the water quality, flood protection and wildlife habitat benefits of wetlands are lost to the bulldozer.
This link is to a story sidebar on wetlands restoration:
http://www.lsj.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20040822/NEWS01/408220342/1001/news