Reps. Sak, McDowell, Accavitti, Anderson, Brandenburg, Clack, Condino, Espinoza, Gleason, Gonzales, Kathleen Law, Leland, Miller, Mortimer, Pearce, Polidori, Alma Smith, Spade, Vander Veen, Wojno and Zelenko offered the following resolution:

            House Resolution No. 196.

            A resolution to urge the Department of Natural Resources and the Natural Resources Commission not to sell any state park lands without legislative approval.

            Whereas, The people of Michigan have a long history of enjoying our state's bounty and beauty through outdoor activities. Our heritage as a haven for hiking, hunting, fishing, camping, and boating has led our citizens to make a major investment in our network of state parks. These facilities offer a variety of attractions, all of which provide an opportunity for our citizens to enjoy our waters and woods; and

            Whereas, A proposal has been made to sell some of the Michigan's state park lands. This suggestion has been made to alleviate some of the state's budget difficulties and as a way to reduce potential conflicts with private sector enterprises, especially private campgrounds; and

            Whereas, Michigan's state parks represent a long-term investment that generations of our citizens have made. To sell some of these parks, especially for the short-term benefit of an infusion of cash, would do little to help our state. In essence, selling park lands would leave our state poorer. Doing so would certainly not be prudent in view of the fact that tourism continues to play an important role in our state economy. For certain areas of the state, of course, state parks are major elements of community life; and

            Whereas, Michigan's citizens strongly support our state park system. In fact, they have approved ballot measures to secure our park system and recreational resources far into the future. To replace this public commitment with a policy that promotes the sale of parks for possible short-term benefits would be wrong; now, therefore, be it

            Resolved by the House of Representatives, That we urge the Department of Natural Resources and the Natural Resources Commission not to sell any state park lands without legislative approval; and be it further

            Resolved, That copies of this resolution be transmitted to the Department of Natural Resources and the Natural Resources Commission.