Bill Text: MI HR0137 | 2019-2020 | 100th Legislature | Enrolled
Bill Title: A resolution to declare July 2019 as Wildlife Conservation Month in the state of Michigan.
Spectrum: Bipartisan Bill
Status: (Passed) 2019-06-20 - Adopted [HR0137 Detail]
Download: Michigan-2019-HR0137-Enrolled.html
Reps. Cole, Love, Cherry, Leutheuser, Howell, Ellison, Slagh, O'Malley, Bellino, VanSingel, Meerman, Lightner, Alexander, Chirkun, Crawford, Garza, Gay-Dagnogo, Haadsma, Jones, Kahle, Kuppa, Lasinski, Sabo, Shannon, Sneller and Sowerby offered the following resolution:
House Resolution No. 137.
A resolution to declare July 2019 as Wildlife Conservation Month in the state of Michigan.
Whereas, Michigan’s natural beauty, abundant wildlife, and plentiful waters are enjoyed from Belle Isle to Baraga by millions of residents and visitors and should be preserved and protected for future generations; and
Whereas, Hunters and fishermen were among the first conservationists, pushing for active wildlife management and conservation to ensure wildlife would flourish forever; and
Whereas, Science-based wildlife management and conservation decisions such as actively enhancing habitat, monitoring wildlife populations, preventing the spread of disease, and regulating hunting and fishing seasons help balance our use of natural resources with the needs of Michigan’s wildlife; and
Whereas, As a result of these protections, regulations and extensive conservation efforts, Michigan populations of elk, wild turkey, white-tailed deer, lake sturgeon and many other species have rebounded from near extinction. Approximately 11,000 inland lakes and 36,000 miles of rivers and streams are safeguarded from invasive species and abundant wildlife habitat and wildfire risk are improved by forest management; and
Whereas, July 1 marks the 81st anniversary of the effective date for the Pittman-Robertson Federal Aid in Wildlife Restoration Act, which provides funding for wildlife management projects across the nation through the purchase of hunting equipment; and
Whereas, Hunting and fishing licenses, not state taxes, provide tens of millions of dollars each year for wildlife conservation; and
Whereas, Hunters and anglers annually contribute $11.2 billion to Michigan’s economy and create 171,000 jobs, making the combined activities one of the state’s top 10 job-creating industries, according to a recent Michigan United Conservation Clubs study; and
Whereas, This year is the fifth anniversary of the creation of the Michigan Wildlife Council, a bipartisan-approved panel entrusted with educating the public about the importance of wildlife management in preserving Michigan’s outdoor heritage for future generations; and
Whereas, In large part because of the council’s activities, more Michiganders than ever are aware of the essential role hunting and fishing play in conserving, managing, and protecting Michigan’s wildlife; now, therefore, be it
Resolved by the House of Representatives, That the members of this legislative body declare July 2019 as Wildlife Conservation Month in the state of Michigan; and be it further
Resolved, That a copy of this resolution be transmitted to the Michigan Wildlife Council.
