A new report was released today that will help the state chart changes in Michigan's environmental trends in important areas such as land use and cover; mammal, bird, and fish populations; ambient air pollutant levels; inland lake water quality; and inland lake sediment contamination, among many others.

The State of Michigan's Environment 2008: First Triennial Report (2008 Triennial Report) was prepared by the Department of Environmental Quality and Department of Natural Resources to report on a series of scientifically based environmental indicators that reflect biological, chemical, and physical attributes of the environment. The direction of environmental trends in Michigan can be determined by tracking changes that occur over time and allows for the development of corrective measures to ensure optimal resource conservation and protection.

DNR Director Rebecca A. Humphries said: "The report is a valuable tool in our management process. By monitoring key environmental indicators and adjusting our resource management strategies accordingly, we can measure the overall health and well being of Michigan's ecosystems."

"The report helps us to identify environmental issues that need to be addressed," said DEQ Director Steven E. Chester. "This study will guide our efforts to stimulate the development of new and innovative environmental stewardship policies."

The 2008 Triennial Report continues to follow important trends in previously reported environmental indicators such as land use and cover, animal populations, ambient air pollutant levels, and surface and ground water quality, and looks at some new indicators and measures such as annual Great Lakes ice cover, greenhouse gases, and the prevalence of arsenic, lead, and volatile organic chemicals in drinking water.

The report also addresses several other issues of importance including the impact of the many exotic species that have invaded Michigan's waters and land and the progress the state has made to help control the invasions. In addition, the Triennial Report discusses the status 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.

Director Chester and Director Humphries pointed out that care must be taken in terms of how the report is interpreted as it generally takes 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 deq-ead-env-assist@michigan.gov or by telephone at (517) 373-9400. The report may also be obtained directly from the Internet at www.michigan.gov/deq (click on ‘Key Topics', then click on ‘Environmental Reports').

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 March 12, 2009 by Pat Watson