Bill Text: MI HR0312 | 2015-2016 | 98th Legislature | Enrolled
Bill Title: A resolution to declare July 3-9, 2016, as Aquatic Invasive Species Awareness Week in the state of Michigan.
Spectrum: Slight Partisan Bill (Republican 15-9)
Status: (Passed) 2016-06-08 - Adopted [HR0312 Detail]
Download: Michigan-2015-HR0312-Enrolled.html
Reps. Whiteford, Theis, Victory, LaFontaine, Canfield, Chirkun, Cochran, Crawford, Faris, Greig, Heise, Hooker, Hughes, Kelly, Lauwers, LaVoy, Leutheuser, Maturen, Phelps, Plawecki, Poleski, Price, Singh and Wittenberg offered the following resolution:
House Resolution No. 312.
A resolution to declare July 3-9, 2016, as Aquatic Invasive Species Awareness Week in the state of Michigan.
Whereas, Michigan and its economy are defined by the Great Lakes and depend on its great abundance of fresh water for manufacturing, tourism, fishing, public water supplies, agriculture, and numerous other uses; and
Whereas, Preventing the introduction of aquatic invasive species ultimately benefits Michigan, and stopping the introduction of these species would eliminate the need for the state of Michigan, businesses, industries, and citizens from employing costly methods to control and manage them; and
Whereas, Michigan has taken the lead in protecting the Great Lakes from aquatic invasive species from a number of pathways, including ballast water, canals and waterways, organisms in trade, and recreational activities; and
Whereas, Over 180 nonindigenous aquatic species are established in the Great Lakes basin, many of which are displacing native species, disrupting habitats, and degrading natural, managed, and agricultural landscapes, resulting in millions of dollars for control efforts each year; and
Whereas, Michigan has over 900,000 registered boaters and many other recreational, commercial, and industrial users of over 11,000 inland lakes and over 36,000 miles of rivers and streams in the state, many of which are impacted by aquatic invasive species; and
Whereas, Aquatic invasive species awareness is an important first step toward behavior change, which prevents the introduction and spread of aquatic invasive species; and
Whereas, Spring marks the beginning of water-related recreational activities in Michigan; and
Whereas, Aquatic Invasive Species Awareness Week is an opportunity for government to join forces with businesses, industries, environmental groups, community organizations, and citizens to take action against the introduction and spread of aquatic invasive species; now, therefore, be it
Resolved by the House of Representatives, That the members of this legislative body declare July 3-9, 2016, as Aquatic Invasive Species Awareness Week in the state of Michigan; and be it further
Resolved, That all citizens must increase their understanding and awareness of aquatic invasive species and their environmental and economic impacts and take preventative measures to stop the spread and introduction of aquatic invasive species; and be it further
Resolved, That copies of this resolution be transmitted to the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality, Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, Michigan Department of Natural Resources, Michigan Department of Transportation, Great Lakes Fishery Commission, Council of Great Lakes Governors, Michigan Congressional Delegation, and the Great Lakes Commission.
