Bill Text: MI HR0383 | 2017-2018 | 99th Legislature | Enrolled
Bill Title: A resolution to declare September 22-29, 2018, as Trails Week in the state of Michigan.
Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Republican 1-0)
Status: (Passed) 2018-09-25 - Adopted [HR0383 Detail]
Download: Michigan-2017-HR0383-Enrolled.html
Reps. Wentworth, Allor, Calley, Canfield, Clemente, Cochran, Cox, Crawford, Faris, Geiss, Greig, Hughes, Kahle, Leutheuser, Sneller and Wittenberg offered the following resolution:
House Resolution No. 383.
A resolution to declare September 22-29, 2018, as Trails Week in the state of Michigan.
Whereas, Michigan’s wealth of trails provides an abundance of opportunities for residents and visitors to enjoy our state’s spectacular natural resources. Michigan is known as The Trails State because of the more than 12,500 miles of designated land trails; and 4,280 miles of locally-designated water trails; and
Whereas, The Great Lake to Lake Route One will be the state’s first destination trail stretching from South Haven to Port Huron and has been recognized by the Michigan Senate in SR 9. When ultimately completed, The Iron Belle Trail, stretching from Belle Isle in Detroit to Ironwood in the western Upper Peninsula, will also be a destination trail and one of the longest such trails in the nation; and
Whereas, The state’s trails and trail towns will be prominently featured in the new Pure Michigan Trail Designation program that will be helpful in promoting the state’s specially-designated trails. Our state’s trail system plays a significant role in strengthening Michigan’s economy and supporting thousands of jobs, primarily through small-business owners. The state’s trail system provides residents with broad access to a low-cost, accessible and enjoyable way to improve health and reduce obesity, thereby decreasing health care costs; and
Whereas, Trail-related activities, including hiking, walking, snowmobiling, running, biking, horseback riding, cross-country skiing, paddling and using off-road vehicles, are among the most popular and growing means of enjoying the outdoors; and
Whereas, The state of Michigan hosts more than 5,000 miles of hiking trails designed for walkers, hikers, trails runners and other outdoor enthusiasts to explore the state's natural areas, including 1,200 miles of the nation's longest National Scenic Trail, the North Country National Scenic Trail; and
Whereas, Michigan is known as one of the top states for mountain biking, with an unmatched diversity of trail systems and over 1600 miles of natural surface trails; including an International Mountain Biking Association Ride Center designation in Copper Harbor. Many people already refer to Michigan as the mountain biking capital of the Midwest; and
Whereas, Michigan is known for its vast water resources leading to significant opportunities for water trails throughout the state as local units of government and water trail organizations have formed to implement hundreds of miles of water trails that can be enjoyed by many. Statistics demonstrate that paddle-sports are one of the fastest-growing outdoor activities in the United States, attracting people of all ages and abilities, as well as water trail-tourists that contribute millions of dollars to Michigan’s economy; and
Whereas, The existence of quality trails helps to strengthen the appeal of communities by boosting quality-of-life amenities that attract businesses and increase property values. Trails provide alternative, scenic transportation routes that help to decrease road congestion and pollution and serve to connect communities to each other. Michigan’s rich network of trails throughout the Upper and Lower peninsulas provide residents and visitors with scenic spaces in which to explore nature, appreciate wildlife, experience solitude or enjoy time with family and friends; now, therefore, be it
Resolved by the House of Representatives, That the members of this legislative body declare September 22-29, 2018, as Trails Week in the state of Michigan.
