February 10, 2006

The State of Michigan’s Environment 2005: Third Biennial Report, a comprehensive review charting Michigan’s environmental trends, is now available. The report was prepared by the Department of Environmental Quality and the Department of Natural Resources, and is required under Public Act 195 of 1999 (the Environmental Indicators Act).

“We have made significant strides in protecting and enhancing our environment, and are committed to continuing our efforts to ensure Michigan has a proud environmental legacy,” said DEQ Director Steven E. Chester.

Director Chester pointed to significant successes that have better protected Michigan’s environment by fighting to keep invasive species out of our waters, partnering with communities to eliminate sewer overflows, and cleaning up historically contaminated sites so that they can be returned to productive use.

“Our greatest success, however, is breaking down the barrier between having a healthy environment and a healthy economy,” he added. “Clearly, we are proving that Michigan can, and should, have both.”

The 2005 Biennial Report follows important trends including the impact of the many exotic species that have invaded Michigan’s waters and land, along with the progress the state has made to help control them. It also gives an overview of Michigan’s endangered and threatened plants and animals, urban sprawl, numerous environmental programmatic measures, and several emerging contaminants of concern and their increasing prevalence and potential impact on Michigan’s environment.

"The invaluable information in this report helps the DNR better manage and protect the state's natural resources," said DNR Director Rebecca Humphries. "Environmental indicators are often the first measure of a threat to wildlife, forestland, or water resources, so this report serves as an important tool for our managers."

Directors Chester and Humphries both pointed out that care must be taken in terms of how the report is interpreted. Observed changes that may occur in a given indicator from one reporting period to the next do not necessarily tell why those changes are occurring. It may take several years worth of monitoring data to properly identify and assess the emergence of positive or negative trends.

Copies of the report may be obtained by contacting the DEQ either by email at kinneydm@michigan.gov or by telephone at (517) 373-6626. Copies of the report also may be obtained directly from the Internet at www.michigan.gov/deq and click on Key Topics, Environmental Reports, and click on the 2005 State of Michigan's Environment Second Biennial Report under Information.

Editor’s note: DEQ news releases are available on the department’s Internet home page at www.michigan.gov/deq.

“Protecting Michigan’s Environment, Ensuring Michigan’s Future”

Revised February 10, 2006 by Pat Watson