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July 2024: Lakes Appreciation Month
July 01, 2024
WHEREAS, lakes are among Michigan’s most valuable natural resources; and,
WHEREAS, Michigan is home to more than 11,000 inland lakes and its 3,000 miles of shorelines are shaped by four of the five Great Lakes; and,
WHEREAS, Michigan’s Great Lakes include approximately 1,700 islands, which are ecologically, culturally, and historically rich places, some of which contain their own lakes; and,
WHEREAS, these lakes, shorelines, and islands 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, natural shoreland loss, and nutrient and chemical 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 (EGLE) and the Michigan Department of Natural Resources administer programs to monitor lakes, manage fisheries, permit aquatic invasive species control activities, and promote the best land management practices at the shoreline and shorelands; and,
WHEREAS, the EGLE, Water Resources Division’s Coastal Program inspired “Fresh Coast, Best Coast”; and,
WHEREAS, the Michigan Chapter of the North American Lakes Management Society engages state and local agencies, Native American Nations, outreach institutions like universities and other educational institutions, non-governmental organizations, businesses, industries, and residents in a collaborative effort to ensure the quality, sustainability and ecological diversity of lakes with considerations of society’s needs; and,
WHEREAS, maintaining the health of our lakes and shorelines is the responsibility of every resident, and through the Michigan Clean Water Corps, community volunteers have been organized and trained as lake monitors to bring 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, I, Gretchen Whitmer, governor of Michigan, do hereby proclaim July 2024 as Lakes Appreciation Month in Michigan.