Michigan, being a peninsula with three sides surrounded by the Great lakes, with its beautiful beaches, sand dunes, lakes and vast stretches of forest land, is much admired as a desirable place to live by its citizens and visitors alike. Regional councils in Michigan, reflective of their communities and people they serve, have a strong bond with the protection of the environment. Environmental planning is a strong and important component of the mission of most regional councils. A few of the programs operated by regional councils in Michigan are highlighted below:

• All regional councils in Michigan are designated areawide water quality management planning agencies by the state under the Clean Water Act.

• Many regional councils either lead or participate in watershed management planning groups.

• A few regional councils are designated air quality planning agencies under the Clean Air Act.

• Many regional councils are designated solid waste management planning agencies under Michigan’s solid waste management planning legislation.

• A number of regional councils are involved in coastal zone management planning.

• Other activities in response to the needs of local communities.