June 5-13, 2021: Great Lakes and Fresh Water Week

WHEREAS, Michigan is home to more than 11,000 inland lakes, tens of thousands of miles of rivers and streams, 6.5 million acres of wetlands, 3,200 miles of shoreline along the Great Lakes, 230,000 acres of coastal dunes, and vast groundwater resources; and,

 

WHEREAS, fresh water is our state's most significant resource, supplying critical drinking water and supporting state industries such as recreation, tourism, fishing, manufacturing, transportation, and agriculture; and,

 

WHEREAS, Michigan waterways serve as the great connectors, linking the wetlands, dunes, and coastal and aquatic ecosystems of the Great Lakes and beyond; and,

 

WHEREAS, Michigan's water serves as a way to connect Michiganders to the world through commerce, industry, and recreation; and,

 

WHEREAS, water links our communities to places and environments beyond our borders, and Michigan must be a leader in protecting this complex and unique ecosystem and resource; and,

 

WHEREAS, creating resilient Michigan communities is essential to address issues such as climate change, extreme weather events, and economic challenges; and,

 

WHEREAS, equitable access to affordable, clean water is critical to the health of all Michiganders, and the Office of the Clean Water Public Advocate serves as a conduit to connect resources at the state and local level; and,

 

WHEREAS, the infrastructure to effectively manage our water resources is key to a healthy community and strong economy, and we recognize the need to maintain and invest in our water infrastructure, including municipal upgrades to drinking water and wastewater infrastructure under the MI Clean Water Plan; and,

 

WHEREAS, Michigan seeks to manage our surface water, groundwater, and the Great Lakes in a collaborative and environmentally just manner with local, state, regional, federal, tribal, and provincial partners; and,

 

WHEREAS, the Great Lakes system is the largest freshwater system in the world and requires stewardship, education on water literacy, and community awareness of the value of our water resources, each of which aid in the wise use and management of this resource; and,

 

WHEREAS, during this week, we encourage Michiganders to learn more about the unique wonders of our Great Lakes and freshwater resources vital for Michigan's future;

 

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Gretchen Whitmer, governor of Michigan, do hereby proclaim June 5-13, 2021 as Great Lakes and Fresh Water Week in Michigan.