Gov. to get bill ending beach permits

LANSING, Mich. (AP) - Michigan lawmakers have put the finishing touches on a bill that allows property owners on the Great Lakes to remove vegetation without a state permit.

Supporters say it's time to ease up, although few permit applications have been rejected. In some cases, property owners still might need approval from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

The bill cleared the Republican-controlled House and Senate by wide margins Thursday and now goes to GOP Gov. Rick Snyder.

Lakefront vegetation has been an issue since water levels receded in the 1990s, exposing more lake bottom and allowing plants to grow. Many property owners don't like it, but environmentalists say it's natural and shouldn't always be eliminated.

The Michigan Environmental Council opposes the bill, while the state agency in charge of permits is neutral.