July 2021: Lakes Appreciation Month

WHEREAS, lakes are among Michigan's most valuable natural resources; and,

 

WHEREAS, Michigan's landscape is home to more than 11,000 inland lakes, and Michigan's boundaries are shaped by four of the five Great Lakes with over 3,000 miles of shoreline; and,

 

WHEREAS, these lakes and shorelines are critical resources to Michigan's environment and quality of life, providing sources of drinking water, irrigation, energy, commerce, recreation, scenic beauty, and habitat for fish and wildlife; and,

 

WHEREAS, these beneficial uses have been of vital importance to Michigan's history, growth, and financial health; and,

 

WHEREAS, these lakes are ranked among the best in the nation in regards to water quality, biological diversity, and integrity of healthy native plant and animal communities; and,

 

WHEREAS, invasive species and nutrient stressors continue to threaten the health of our lakes and shorelines, which will intensify as a result of climate change; and,

 

WHEREAS, the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy and Department of Natural Resources administer programs to monitor lakes, manage the fisheries, permit aquatic invasive species control activities, and promote best land management practices at the shorelines and shore lands; and,

 

WHEREAS, the Michigan Chapter of the North American Lakes Management Society engages state and local agencies, Native American Nations, outreach institutions (universities and other educational institutions), non-governmental organizations (NGOs), businesses, industries, and citizens in a collaborative effort to ensure the quality, sustainability, and ecological diversity of lakes, while considering society's needs; and,

 

WHEREAS, maintaining the health of our lakes and shorelines is the responsibility of every citizen, and, through the Michigan Clean Water Corps, community volunteers have been organized and trained as lake monitors, bringing education, resources, and assistance to lake properties and their owners across the state; and,

 

WHEREAS, the State of Michigan recognizes the need to protect these lakes and shorelines for future generations;

 

NOW, THEREFORE, in special recognition of the vital role lakes and shorelines play in Michigan's environment and the well-being of our state, I, Gretchen Whitmer, governor of Michigan, do hereby proclaim July 2021 as Lakes Appreciation Month in Michigan and encourage all citizens and communities to actively participate in the protection and preservation of our lakes and shorelines.