Whereas, Michigan and its economy are defined by the Great Lakes and depend on its great abundance of freshwater for manufacturing, tourism, fishing, public water supplies, agriculture and numerous other uses; and,

Whereas, Preventing the introduction of aquatic invasive species ultimately benefits the state of Michigan, and stopping the introduction of these species would eliminate the need of the State of Michigan, business, industry and citizens from employing costly methods to control and manage them; and,

Whereas, Over 160 non-indigenous aquatic invasive species have been introduced to the Great Lakes; many of which are displacing native species, disrupting habitats and degrading natural, managed and agricultural landscapes, resulting in millions of dollars for control efforts each year; and,

Whereas, Michigan has over 1 million registered boaters and many other recreational, commercial and industrial users of over 11,000 lakes and ponds and over 36,000 miles of streams in the state, many of which are impacted by aquatic invasive species; and,

Whereas, Aquatic invasive species awareness is an important first step towards behavior change, which prevents the introduction and spread of aquatic invasive species; and,

Whereas, Spring marks the beginning of water related recreational activities in Michigan; and,

Whereas, Aquatic Invasive Species Awareness Week is an opportunity for government to join forces with business, industry, environmental groups, community organizations and citizens to take action against the introduction and spread of aquatic invasive species; and now therefore be it,

Resolved, That I, Jennifer M. Granholm, Governor of the State of Michigan, do hereby proclaim the week of June 4-12, 2005, as Aquatic Invasive Species Awareness Week in Michigan and I encourage all citizens to increase their understanding and awareness of aquatic invasive species and their environmental and ecological impact on the natural resources of the state of Michigan.