Bill Text: MI SR0126 | 2013-2014 | 97th Legislature | Introduced
Bill Title: A resolution to recognize the multifaceted importance of trails in Michigan and to celebrate the individuals and organizations who develop, maintain, advocate for, and promote this important resource within our state.
Spectrum: Strong Partisan Bill (Republican 11-1)
Status: (Passed) 2014-04-23 - Adopted As Amended [SR0126 Detail]
Download: Michigan-2013-SR0126-Introduced.html
Senators Moolenaar, Hansen, Casperson, Meekhof, Green and Booher offered the following resolution:
Senate Resolution No. 126.
A resolution to recognize the multifaceted importance of trails in Michigan and to celebrate the individuals and organizations who develop, maintain, advocate for, and promote this important resource within our state.
Whereas, Michigan's wealth of trails provides an abundance of benefits and opportunities for citizens and visitors to enjoy Michigan's pure natural resources; and
Whereas, Michigan is a leader in the nation in number, diversity, and quality of designated trails, including:
· 6,407 miles of snowmobile trails;
· 2,712 miles of multiuse rail trails – the most in the nation;
· 3,627 miles of ORV trails;
· 590 miles of designated equestrian trails;
· 1,150 miles of the North Country National Scenic Trail;
· 905 miles of volunteer-supported mountain biking trails, including one internationally-designated epic ride center in the Keweenaw area;
· More than 1,400 miles of state park and forest looped trails for hiking and other trail uses; and
· An extensive and growing network of water trails on our rivers and lakes, including the National Water Trail on Lake Michigan; and
Whereas, These trails excite the spirit of exploration, promote outdoor recreation, provide exercise opportunities for a healthier Michigan, allow for safe routes to school, foster economic development, and favorably impact property values; and
Whereas, Three of the top ten outdoor recreation activities in Michigan involve the use of trails; and
Whereas, There are 17 regional trail initiatives working throughout Michigan to connect individual trail ways to each other and to important destinations, creating more desirable trail opportunities for visitors and enhanced economic opportunities for small towns; and
Whereas, The backbone of trail development, funding, advocacy, maintenance, and promotion rests with dedicated groups of volunteers and the rich partnerships they have forged, without which, Michigan would not enjoy the quantity nor the quality of trails it enjoys; and
Whereas, These groups include more than 25 friends groups for multiuse Michigan rail trails that work tirelessly to build and maintain trails; develop trail programs for students, history buffs, birders, photographers, seniors, and many diverse groups; promote use of trails to their communities and statewide audiences for fitness, commuting, and family time; and fundraise for their trail’s improvement; and
Whereas, Michigan snowmobilers have been in the forefront of trail acquisition and development to create a national destination that brings visitors and dollars to northern towns and businesses while promoting safety and responsibility; and
Whereas, Michigan mountain bikers have collectively volunteered more than 50,000 hours per year to build and maintain trails that provide a venue for fitness, events, and a destination for tourists across the state; and
Whereas, These are just a few of the many examples of how Michigan's ability to lay claim to the title of the Great Trails State rests on the broad and generous shoulders of citizens and organizations who have stepped forward to make Michigan trails a reality; now, therefore, be it
Resolved by the Senate, That we recognize, respect, and celebrate the people and partnerships that make Michigan trails a Pure Michigan wonder; and be it further
Resolved, That copies of this resolution be transmitted to the Office of the Governor, Rails- to-Trails Conservancy, National Park Service, National Recreational Trail Association, Department of Natural Resources, and Michigan Trails and Greenway Alliance.
