Bill Text: MI SR0072 | 2021-2022 | 101st Legislature | Introduced
Bill Title: A resolution to urge the Governor to establish a statewide goal of conserving at least 30 percent of land and 30 percent of water in the state by the year 2030, as part of the nationwide 30x30 effort to accelerate conservation efforts, and to update the state land management plan accordingly.
Spectrum: Moderate Partisan Bill (Democrat 8-1)
Status: (Introduced - Dead) 2021-06-30 - Referred To Committee On Natural Resources [SR0072 Detail]
Download: Michigan-2021-SR0072-Introduced.html
senate resolution no.72
Senators Schmidt, Hollier and Chang offered the following resolution:
Whereas, Human activity has severely altered 75 percent of the planet's lands and 66 percent of its marine environments. Over 57,000 square feet (the size of a football field) of natural lands is lost to development every 30 seconds in the United States, totaling more than 1,500,000 acres per year. The United States Fish and Wildlife Service has reported that half of all freshwater and saltwater wetlands in the contiguous 48 states have been lost since the time of European settlement, with most of the loss coming in recent decades; and
Whereas, The loss of preserved land and water has had detrimental impacts on hunting and fishing, a proud part of Michigan's heritage with traditions passed down by generations and a critical economic component of many Michigan communities; and
Whereas, Habitat alteration and loss is a leading cause of plants and animals becoming endangered. At least 26 species in Michigan are currently on the federal threatened or endangered species list, including the Canada Lynx, the Eastern Massasauga rattlesnake, and the Northern Long-Eared Bat, among many others; and
Whereas, The Great Lakes are one of the world's largest surface freshwater ecosystems, accounting for 84 percent of North America's and nearly 21 percent of the world's supply of surface freshwater, but are faced with the growing threat of invasive species, chemical pollution, plastic pollution, and nutrient pollution resulting from human activities; and
Whereas, State law has banned the use of over 3,000 groundwater sites in Michigan due to severe contamination. Thirty-eight percent of Americans rely on groundwater for drinking water, and Michigan has the highest percentage of public groundwater-based drinking water supply systems of any state; and
Whereas, Nature is nearing a breaking point as the destruction and contamination of our land, lakes, rivers, and streams hinder the long-term health, economic prosperity, and quality of life for all Michiganders; and
Whereas, Access to public lands and nature is also essential for the health, well-being, identity, cultures, and economic prosperity of the state; and
Whereas, Every level of government must act quickly to protect more of America's lands and waters. The state of Michigan, working with local governments, tribes, and private landowners, can safeguard access to public lands and nature and address ecosystem degradation, creating a healthy environment for all residents; and
Whereas, In November 2020, Michigan voters showed their desire to maintain state parks and recreation areas and preserve public land by overwhelmingly supporting Proposal 1 to protect the Natural Resources Trust Fund for generations to come. The bipartisan nature of Proposal 1 shows that Michigan's outdoor spaces are cherished by people of all walks of life, whether used for hunting, camping, recreating, or simply for the goal of preservation; and
Whereas, 30x30 is a U.S.-led effort, being driven by local communities, to accelerate conservation and protect our outdoor and natural heritage. Conserving at least 30 percent of the land and water by 2030 is the minimum action needed to ensure access to public lands and effectively address ecosystem degradation and wildlife welfare before an ecological tipping point is reached; now, therefore, be it
Resolved by the Senate, That we urge the Governor to establish a statewide goal of conserving at least 30 percent of land and 30 percent of water in the state by the year 2030, as part of the nationwide 30x30 effort to accelerate conservation efforts; and be it further
Resolved, That we urge the Department of Natural Resources to update its land management plan to be reflective of this 30x30 initiative; and be it further
Resolved, That copies of this resolution be transmitted to the Governor, the Director of the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, the Director of the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy, the Director of the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, and the members of the Michigan congressional delegation.
