Rep. Elsenheimer offered the following resolution:

            House Resolution No. 453.

            A resolution to urge the Department of Natural Resources and Travel Michigan to increase efforts to encourage participation in outdoors activities.

            Whereas, Michigan is home to a wealth of high-quality natural resources that offer a wide range of recreational opportunities for all of our residents. The state’s water resources include over 35,000 inland lakes and ponds, more than 49,000 miles of rivers and streams, and over 3,000 miles of coastline on the Great Lakes. Our land resources are also impressive, with expansive forest and timberlands, and numerous public areas to hunt, fish, trap, kayak and canoe, ski, hike, camp, boat, and snowmobile. However, Michigan has experienced a decline in the number of individuals participating in outdoor recreational opportunities. People spend far less time outdoors than ever before; and

            Whereas, Concerns exist that the younger generation has become disconnected from nature and the need for clean air and water. Youths are shunning the great outdoors in favor of sedentary activities such as video games, Internet surfing and movies; and

            Whereas, In our economically strapped times, Michigan offers many outdoor recreational opportunities close to home. Every resident lives within a two-hour drive of one of the Great Lakes-- less than a tank of gas to travel there and back. Michigan has 96 state parks and 6 state forests located in both the Upper and Lower Peninsulas, five linear trail state parks, and miles of off-road vehicle and snowmobile trails. This network of facilities represents a significant public investment. In addition to being economically feasible for state residents, taking advantage of recreational opportunities in Michigan keeps needed dollars in-state to help our local economies; and

            Whereas, Outdoor activities, such as rowing, walking, swimming, and hiking, provide opportunities to enhance our health. Physical, outdoor activity produces mentally and physically fit citizens better able to contribute to the well-being of our state as a whole; now, therefore, be it

            Resolved by the House of Representatives, That we urge the Department of Natural Resources and Travel Michigan to increase efforts to encourage participation in outdoors activities; and be it further

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