Bill Text: MI SR0182 | 2017-2018 | 99th Legislature | Enrolled
Bill Title: A resolution to recognize September 22-29, 2018, as Michigan Trails Week.
Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Republican 1-0)
Status: (Passed) 2018-09-26 - Adopted [SR0182 Detail]
Download: Michigan-2017-SR0182-Enrolled.html
SR182, As Adopted by Senate, September 26, 2018
Senator Zorn offered the following resolution:
Senate Resolution No. 182.
A resolution to recognize September 22-29, 2018, as Michigan Trails Week.
Whereas, Our state’s wealth of trails provides an abundance of opportunities for residents and visitors to enjoy our state’s spectacular natural resources; and
Whereas, 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 also been recognized by the Michigan Senate in Senate Resolution No. 93; and
Whereas, 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, Our 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; and
Whereas, Michigan’s trail system plays a significant role in strengthening our economy and supporting thousands of jobs, primarily through small-business owners; and
Whereas, Our 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 enjoyment of the outdoors; and
Whereas, Michigan hosts more than 5,000 miles of hiking trails designed for walkers, hikers, trail runners, and other outdoor enthusiasts to explore the state's natural areas, including 1,200 miles of the nation's longest National Scenic Trail, known as the North Country National Scenic Trail; and
Whereas, Our state is known as one of the top states for mountain biking, with an unmatched diversity of trail systems and over 1,600 miles of natural surface trails, including an International Mountain Biking Association Ride Center designation in Copper Harbor, in which many people refer to as the Mountain biking capital of the Midwest; and
Whereas, Michigan is also known for its vast water resources leading to significant opportunities for water trails throughout the state; and
Whereas, 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; and
Whereas, Trails provide alternative, scenic transportation routes that help to decrease road congestion and pollution and also serve to connect communities to each other; and
Whereas, 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 Senate, That the members of this legislative body hereby recognize September 22-29, 2018, as Michigan Trails Week.
