Public Lands Program Reports
Search
•
RSS Feed
Executive Summary
Michigan’s natural and wild areas are what make this state a great place to live and visit. From the sandy shores of Lake Michigan to the rocky bluffs of Lake Superior, Michigan’s open spaces provide valuable habitat for wildlife, unlimited recreational and economic opportunities, and - most importantly - memories to last a lifetime.
The idea for the enclosed book of stories began when Environment Michigan Research & Policy Center asked our supporters to tell us about their favorite wild places that are in need of permanent protection from harmful activities. The response was overwhelming and passionate, so we wanted to share with you some of our favorites out of the over 140 stories. These stories and requests come from ordinary citizens who are concerned because large portions of Michigan’s 4.5 million acres of majestic and valuable state land and waterways are being harmed by activities like sprawling development, excessive logging and pollution from mining and drilling.
Some of the favorite places mentioned in this book are already permanently protected from the most harmful activities, but most are not. For example, an overwhelming number of our supporters want Tahquamenon Falls permanently protected. A portion of this park is nominated but has yet to obtain protection under the Wilderness and Natural Areas Act.
fter talking with over 42,000 citizens this summer, collecting 5,570 postcards and generating over 15,000 comments, and compiling stories from over 140 citizens, it is clear that Michiganders want you to use your authority to begin to preserve Michigan’s special places before it is too late. Please use the Wilderness and Natural Areas Act to its full potential by dedicating up to 10% of our state lands as natural or wild areas, beginning with some of the areas that citizens highlight in this book and all the areas that are awaiting protection decisions. No wild or natural areas have been dedicated in over 18 years. Clearly, the citizens of Michigan are passionate about natural heritage and want it protected.
|
