SR-74, As Adopted by Senate, June 18, 2015

            Senators Zorn, Horn, Marleau, Colbeck, Rocca, Hansen, Proos and Bieda offered the following resolution:

            Senate Resolution No. 74.

A resolution commemorating June 28 - July 4, 2015, as Aquatic Invasive Species Awareness Week.

            Whereas, Michigan and its economy are defined by the Great Lakes and depend on its great abundance of fresh water for manufacturing, tourism, fishing, public water supplies, agriculture, and numerous other uses; and

            Whereas, Preventing the introduction of aquatic invasive species ultimately benefits Michigan. Stopping the introduction of these species would eliminate the need of the state, business, industry, and citizens from employing costly methods to control and manage them; and

            Whereas, Michigan has taken the lead in protecting the Great Lakes from aquatic invasive species from a number of pathways, including ballast water, canals and waterways, organisms in trade, and recreational activities; and

            Whereas, Over 180 nonindigenous aquatic species are established in the Great Lakes Basin, many of which are displacing native species, disrupting habitats, and degrading natural, managed, and agricultural landscapes, resulting in millions of dollars for control efforts each year; and

            Whereas, Michigan has over 900,000 registered boaters and many other recreational, commercial, and industrial users of over 11,000 inland lakes and over 36,000 miles of rivers and streams, many of which are impacted by aquatic invasive species; and

            Whereas, Aquatic invasive species awareness is an important first step toward behavior change which prevents the introduction and spread of aquatic invasive species; and

            Whereas, Spring marks the beginning of water-related recreational activities in Michigan; and

            Whereas, Aquatic Invasive Species Awareness Week is an opportunity for government to join forces with business, industry, environmental groups, community organizations, and citizens to take action against the introduction and spread of aquatic invasive species; now, therefore, be it

Resolved by the Senate, That we hereby commemorate June 28 - July 4, 2015, as Aquatic Invasive Species Awareness Week in the state of Michigan; and be it further

Resolved, That all citizens are encouraged to increase their understanding and awareness of aquatic invasive species and their environmental and economic impacts, and take preventative measures to stop the introduction and spread of aquatic invasive species; and be it further

Resolved, That copies of this resolution be transmitted to the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality, Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, Michigan Department of Natural Resources, Michigan Department of Transportation, Great Lakes Fishery Commission, Council of Great Lakes Governors, Michigan congressional delegation, and Great Lakes Commission.