Michigan Environmental Restriction Easement, also known as MERE, is a legal tool used in the state of Michigan to preserve and protect natural resources and important ecological areas. It is a voluntary agreement between a property owner and a conservation agency, such as a land trust or government entity, aimed at conserving land, water, and wildlife habitats for future generations. The purpose of a Michigan Environmental Restriction Easement is to restrict certain activities on a property to maintain or enhance its ecological value. It serves to prevent or limit development, extractive practices, and other actions that might harm the environment. These easements typically focus on conserving important ecological features, such as wetlands, forests, and critical wildlife habitats. There are several types of Michigan Environmental Restriction Easements that can be established depending on the specific conservation goals and characteristics of the property: 1. Habitat Conservation Easement: This type of easement focuses on protecting and enhancing wildlife habitats, including breeding areas, nesting sites, and migration corridors. It aims to safeguard the biodiversity and ecological balance of the region. 2. Water Quality Easement: These easements aim to protect water bodies such as rivers, lakes, streams, and wetlands from pollution, runoff, and other activities that can degrade water quality. They often include provisions to prevent erosion, manage stormwater, and limit harmful agricultural practices. 3. Farmland Preservation Easement: This type of easement is designed to preserve agricultural lands and their associated natural resources. It helps prevent the conversion of productive farmland to non-agricultural uses, ensuring the long-term viability of the agricultural economy and the preservation of open spaces. 4. Historic Preservation Easement: While not strictly focused on environmental conservation, historic preservation easements can also play a role in protecting significant cultural and historical resources that are often closely linked to the natural environment. These easements restrict alterations and demolitions that could compromise the historic character of a property. In conclusion, Michigan Environmental Restriction Easements are legal agreements that help conserve and protect natural resources, wildlife habitats, water bodies, and agricultural lands. By restricting certain activities, these easements ensure the preservation of Michigan's ecological heritage and contribute to a sustainable future for the state.