Senators Van Woerkom, Jelinek, Richardville, Kuipers, Patterson, McManus, Garcia, Basham, Jansen, Kahn and Prusi offered the following resolution:

            Senate Resolution No. 47.

            A resolution commemorating the Michigan Department of Natural Resources for their efforts to promote hunting and fishing and to protect and conserve Michigan’s natural resources.

            Whereas, Michigan ranks third in the nation in licensed hunters who contribute $1.3 billion annually to our economy and eighth in the nation in the number of licensed anglers who contribute $2 billion annually to our economy. In addition, Michigan ranks first in the nation in the number of registered snowmobiles and third in the number of registered boats; and

            Whereas, The Michigan Department of Natural Resources is committed to the conservation, protection, management, use, and enjoyment of the state's natural resources for current and future generations; and

            Whereas, The Michigan Department of Natural Resources had its beginnings in the early 1800s, when it was discovered that there was not an endless supply of natural resources. The Legislature created the first fledgling agency in 1921, called the Michigan Department of Conservation and renamed the Department of Natural Resources in 1968 to shoulder broader responsibilities; and

            Whereas, The Department continues its evolution in response to changing resource needs and priorities. Today the Department of Natural Resources has approximately 1,600 permanent employees and more than 1,200 seasonal employees and implements over 70 programs under the supervision of DNR Director Rebecca A. Humphries and her management team; and

            Whereas, The Department oversees Michigan's 97 state parks and recreation areas which welcome more than 22 million visitors each year, and they maintain 16 Great Lakes public harbors and 829 public boating access sites and manages the largest dedicated state forest system in the nation which contribute $12 billion annually to our economy; and

            Whereas, The DNR manages six fish hatcheries, which produce more than 750,000 pounds of fish every year, and manages and protects 400 species of animals, including the birds and mammals that sustain our rich hunting heritage and non-game wildlife, including threatened and endangered species; now, therefore, be it

            Resolved by the Senate, That we hereby commend the Michigan Department of Natural Resources for their conservation efforts, promotion of hunting and fishing, and protection of Michigan’s natural resources, as well as express our support for their proactive leadership; and be it further

            Resolved, That a copy of this resolution be transmitted to the Michigan Department of Natural Resources.