Whereas, Water is Michigan‘s most significant resource, providing our state with economic and social benefits such as tourism, fishing, manufacturing, agriculture, and other imperative needs; and,

Whereas, Michigan is known for its Great Lakes which together contain one-fifth of the world’s surface fresh water and is home to some 11,000 lakes and ponds with over 36,000 miles of streams statewide; and,

Whereas, Water quality is crucial to our human health, as well as the health of Michigan’s ecosystem; and,

Whereas, Community awareness and education about our most valuable resource will aid in its conservation and thus provide the opportunity for unity among government, environmental groups, business and citizens in environmental protection; and,

Whereas, The spring season initiates recreational water activities in Michigan and Michigan has over 7,000 miles of canoeable streams, 13,000 miles of trout waters, and over 700 access sites; and,

Whereas, It is in the interest of all who enjoy the use of  Michigan’s waterways to increase public awareness of current water related issues, including the presence of invasive species in the Great Lakes; and,

Whereas, In coming together for a unified event in celebration of Michigan’s water, individual communities will have the opportunity to express and share unique approaches to water-related activities; and,

Whereas, There are numerous organizations sponsoring educational and recreational activities to celebrate our water resources; and now therefore be it,

Resolved, That I, Jennifer M. Granholm, Governor of the State of Michigan, do hereby proclaim the week of June 3, 2006, as Water Week in Michigan.   I support the tremendous outreach efforts of so many organizations and support our working together in partnership to protect our water resources for the citizens of Michigan and I encourage all citizens to celebrate Water Week and take action to protect our water resources.  It’s our water, our future – ours to protect.