The Michigan Department of Environmental Quality’s Office of the Great Lakes today published the first part of Michigan’s Water Strategy, a 30-year plan to protect, manage and enhance Michigan’s globally unique water resources.
The Strategy is focused on wise use of Michigan’s waters to ensure healthy citizens, vibrant communities, sustainable economies and stewardship of the state’s water heritage. Part I of the Strategy released today is centered on promoting stewardship through improving water literacy and community engagement, and on protecting and preserving Michigan’s water resources.
“Through the combined efforts of government and the people it serves, we can provide an unparalleled quality of life for everyone in Michigan,” Gov. Rick Snyder said. “We owe this to all Michiganders now and well into the future.”
Snyder charged the Office of the Great Lakes with spearheading the creation of a comprehensive, ecosystem-based water resource strategy. From the final Strategy, he defined five top priorities on which he and his administration will focus:
•Ensure safe drinking water for all Michiganders;
•Achieve a 40 percent phosphorous reduction in the Western Lake Erie basin;
•Prevent the introduction of new invasive species;
•Support investments in commercial and recreational harbors; and,
•Develop and implement Michigan’s water trails system.
These priorities will emphasize the protection of public health and the sustainable use of our natural resources to enrich quality of life and economic vitality in Michigan communities.
The Strategy was developed based on a collaborative process to obtain broad and diverse input and highlights key actions for government, tribal governments, nongovernmental organizations, industry, academia, local communities and individuals to protect and enhance one of Michigan’s most precious assets.
“Protecting and enhancing our water resources – our lakes, rivers, wetlands and groundwater – is vital to a healthy, vibrant Michigan,” said Jon Allan, Director of the Office of the Great Lakes.
A statewide water strategy that takes an ecosystem approach is vital for the protection, restoration, and wise management of Michigan’s globally-signifcant fresh water resources.
Key components of the Strategy will be released over the course of the next few months at events around the state highlighting recommendations to address each of its nine focus areas.
The Strategy is being released during Great Lakes and Freshwater Week, June 4-12, an annual event celebrating Michigan’s abundant water resources that promotes water education, stewardship and water recreation.
Read Part 1 of the Strategy and follow its implementation and progress at www.michigan.gov/waterstrategy. Information about Great Lakes and Freshwater Week events can be found at http://semcog.org/What-You-Can-Do/To-Protect-Our-Waterways/Water-Week.
Source: DEQ
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