Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder expressed his desire Nov. 28 to get the environment and natural resources in good shape for future generations so Michigan will be “a place our kids will want to live, work and play.”
Snyder is calling for adaptable, long-term policies in Michigan.
Michigan.gov said, “Snyder said Michiganders should be reminded ecosystems are all interconnected, and the best environmental solutions can solve more than one problem.”
The Great Lakes are one of Michigan’s most acknowledged resources and they are one of the many things mentioned in Snyder’s message. The lakes account for one-fifth of the world’s fresh water supply, and the state has more coastline than any other besides Alaska.
According to michigan.gov, “The Great Lakes are Michigan’s greatest natural asset, yet aquatic invasive species are increasingly threatening the ecosystem.”
The Counsel of Great Lakes Governors will be holding a Mackinac Island summit to come up with some strategies to reduce the risks of these invasions.
“It is important to protect out natural resources, especially the Great Lakes. They are one of the most highlighted landmarks of this state,” Eastern Michigan University freshman Maria Bomia said.
Another topic in the message involved growth in the timber industry. The timber industry is an asset to Michigan economically, and Snyder announced they would hold a Timber Industry Summit next April to discuss the business plan and opportunity for growth in that industry.
The governor also discussed the state parks. Although Michigan has many parks, forests, beaches and recreational areas, they do not always correlate in regards to being both ecologically and economically successful.
“It is unclear if this collection of state owned lands is providing for the many collective values that Michiganders hope to receive,” Snyder said.
Bomia said it is extremely important to take care of our
environment for future generations.
“I want my son in a healthy living environment,” she said. “Also, if we improve Michigan ecologically, maybe that will lead to a better economy for our state as well.”
Snyder is planning on having an initial description of process and outline of opportunities for public comment by January. By the end of next year, final reports and versions of a revised plan should be available in order to get Michigan on track for a pure future.
You can find Snyder’s complete message concerning energy and the environment available at www.michigan.gov/snyder.
