Rep. LaFontaine offered the following concurrent resolution:

            House Concurrent Resolution No. 56. 

            A concurrent resolution to declare June 9-17, 2012, as Aquatic Invasive Species Awareness Week in the state of Michigan. 

Whereas, Michigan and its economy are defined by the Great Lakes and depend on its great abundance of freshwater for manufacturing, tourism, fishing, public water supplies, agriculture, and numerous other uses; and

            Whereas, Preventing the introduction of aquatic invasive species ultimately benefits the state of Michigan and stopping the introduction of these species would eliminate the need of the State of Michigan, business, industry, and citizens from employing costly methods to control and manage them; and  

            Whereas, Michigan has taken the lead in protecting the Great Lakes from aquatic invasive species from a number of pathways including ballast water, canals and waterways, organisms in trade, and recreational activities; and  

            Whereas, More than 180 non-indigenous aquatic invasive species have been introduced to the Great Lakes, many of which are displacing native species, disrupting habitats, and degrading natural, managed, and agricultural landscapes, requiring millions of dollars for control efforts each year; and

            Whereas, Michigan has more than 1 million registered boaters and many other recreational, commercial, and industrial users of more than 11,000 lakes and ponds and over 36,000 miles of streams in the state, many of which are impacted by aquatic invasive species; and

            Whereas, Aquatic invasive species awareness is an important first step toward behavior change, which prevents the introduction and spread of aquatic invasive species; and  

            Whereas, Spring marks the beginning of water-related recreational activities in Michigan; and

            Whereas, Aquatic Invasive Species Awareness Week is an opportunity for government to join forces with business, industry, environmental groups, community organizations, and citizens to take action against the introduction and spread of aquatic invasive species; now, therefore, be it

            Resolved by the House of Representatives (the Senate concurring), That the members of this legislative body declare June 9-17, 2012, as Aquatic Invasive Species Awareness Week in the state of Michigan; and be it further

            Resolved, All citizens must increase their understanding and awareness of aquatic invasive species and their ecological and economic impacts and take preventative measures to stop the spread and introduction of aquatic invasive species; and be it further

            Resolved, That a copy of this concurrent resolution be transmitted to the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality, Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, Michigan Department of Natural Resources, Michigan Department of Transportation, Great Lakes Fishery Commission, Council of Great Lakes Governors, Michigan congressional delegation, and the Great Lakes Commission.