Reps. Milosch, Garfield, Brandenburg, Acciavatti, Tabor, Taub, Van Regenmorter, Hummel, Huizenga, Newell, Stahl, Nitz, Drolet, Vander Veen, Sheen, Palsrok, Ward, DeRoche, Palmer, Shaffer, Wenke, Caul, Farhat, Pastor and Hager offered the following resolution:

            House Resolution No. 262.

            A resolution to urge the Governor to ban the import into Michigan of any products that could be hosts for the fungus-like pathogen that causes Sudden Oak Death.

            Whereas, Several states, most notably California, are presently dealing with a serious threat to plant life known as Sudden Oak Death (SOD).  This forest disease, which is caused by a fungus-like pathogen called Phyophthora ramorum, represents a potentially devastating situation for many species of plants important to Michigan and much of the country.  In addition to California, Sudden Oak Death has been found in other states, such as Oregon, Florida, and Georgia and possibly Maryland.  This condition is also a notable concern in Europe; and

            Whereas, The SOD fungus-like pathogen prefers cool, wet climates, and its spores apparently can be spread through the air or through water.  With these characteristics, Michigan and its forestlands would seem to be quite vulnerable to SOD.  This is an issue with ramifications that extend far beyond nurseries in our state; and

            Whereas, Almost 60 plant species are known to be hosts for the fungus-like pathogen that causes Sudden Oak Death.  Several states and Canada have already put quarantines in place to try to prevent the spread of this disease.  The federal government has also initiated efforts to deal with this problem.  With the diversity of Michigan's plant life, the seemingly favorable conditions of our climate, and the devastation that could result if this disease were to become established here, Michigan clearly would be well served by establishing a quarantine of any plants being imported into our state that could be host plants for the fungus-like pathogen that causes Sudden Oak Death; now, therefore, be it

            Resolved by the House of Representatives, That we urge the Governor to ban the import into Michigan from any infected state of any products that may act as a host for the fungus-like pathogen that causes Sudden Oak Death; and be it further

            Resolved, That copies of this resolution be transmitted to the Office of the Governor.