senate resolution no.75

Senators McCann, Wojno, Brinks, Moss, Santana, Bullock, Chang, Geiss, Polehanki and Hollier offered the following resolution:

A resolution to recognize September 22-29, 2019, as Michigan Trails Week.

Whereas, Michigan’s wealth of trails provides an abundance of opportunities for residents and visitors to enjoy our state’s spectacular natural resources. Michigan is known as The Trails State because of the more than 12,500 miles of designated land trails and 4,280 miles of locally-designated water trails; and

Whereas, The state’s trail system is the result of a successful partnership between state agencies, local trails groups, local units of government, and non-profit organizations and businesses all over the state coming together to connect communities and people; and

Whereas, Our trail systems are designed to accommodate both motorized and nonmotorized in appropriate areas to allow for a variety of uses and, through a carefully-designed master plan, will continue to reflect emerging trail needs in the state while also striving to meet the number one recreational need of citizens for more miles of trails at the local level; and

Whereas, Destination trails continue to be an emerging need to attract both residents and out-of-state visitors; and

Whereas, Route 1 of the Great Lake to Lake Trails will be the state’s first fully-marked destination trail stretching from South Haven to Port Huron. When ultimately completed, The Iron Belle Trail, stretching from Belle Isle in Detroit to Ironwood in the western Upper Peninsula, will also be a destination trail and one of the longest such trails in the nation; and

Whereas, The state’s trails and trail towns are prominently featured in the new Pure Michigan Trail Designation program that will be helpful in promoting the state’s specially-designated trails. Our state’s trail system plays a significant role in strengthening Michigan’s economy and supporting thousands of jobs, primarily through small-business owners; and

Whereas, The state’s trail system provides residents with broad access to a low-cost, accessible, and enjoyable way to improve health and reduce obesity; and

Whereas, Trail-related activities, including hiking, walking, snowmobiling, running, biking, horseback riding, cross-country skiing, paddling and using off-road vehicles, are among the most popular and growing means of outdoor enjoyment; and

Whereas, The state of Michigan hosts more than 5,000 miles of hiking trails designed for walkers, hikers, trails runners, and other outdoor enthusiasts to explore the state's natural areas, including 1,200 miles of the nation's longest National Scenic Trail, the North Country National Scenic Trail; and

Whereas, Michigan is also known as one of the top states for mountain biking, with an unmatched diversity of trail systems and over 1,600 miles of natural surface trails. Many people already refer to Michigan as the mountain biking capital of the Midwest; and

Whereas, The Department of Natural Resources, working in conjunction with the Michigan Trails and Greenways Alliance, has established a new water trail designation process that resulted in eight new water trail designations this past year, will continue to designate new inland water trails in the future; and

Whereas, The existence of quality trails helps to strengthen the appeal of communities by boosting quality-of-life amenities that attract businesses and increase property values. Trails

provide alternative, scenic transportation routes that help to decrease road congestion and pollution and serve to connect communities to each other; now, therefore, be it

Resolved by the Senate, That the members of this legislative body recognize September 22-29, 2019, as Michigan Trails Week; and be it further

Resolved, That Michigan’s rich network of trails throughout the Upper and Lower peninsulas continue to provide residents and visitors with scenic spaces to explore nature, appreciate wildlife, experience solitude, or enjoy time with family and friends.