Reps. Richardville, Tabor, Accavitti, Acciavatti, Adamini, Anderson, Bradstreet, Brandenburg, Brown, Caswell, Dennis, DeRossett, Ehardt, Farhat, Gieleghem, Gillard, Gleason, Hager, Hoogendyk, Hummel, Hune, Jamnick, Ruth Johnson, Koetje, Kooiman, LaSata, Lipsey, Meyer, Middaugh, Minore, Murphy, Newell, Paletko, Pappageorge, Pastor, Rivet, Rocca, Sak, Shackleton, Shaffer, Sheltrown, Shulman, Spade, Stahl, Stakoe, Stallworth, Stewart, Taub, Voorhees, Waters, Wojno, Woronchak and Zelenko offered the following resolution:

            House Resolution No. 75.

            A resolution to recognize June 1-8, 2003, as National Fishing and Boating Week in the state of Michigan.

            Whereas, Michigan, the Great Lakes state, values fishing and boating as a recreational activity, and recognizes them as essential to our economy and as indispensable to the understanding of our family and state heritage; and

            Whereas, Our great state is blessed with 11,000 inland lakes, 36,000 miles of rivers and streams, and more freshwater shoreline than any other state in the Union at over 3,000 miles; and

            Whereas, The people of Michigan appreciate the role of fishing and boating in the formation of our state’s identity. Michiganders have a close relationship with water. While in this state, one is never more than six miles from a lake or stream. And while fishing or boating, families are brought together as one generation tells its stories to the next. On the shores of our water or floating on top of its waves, family relationships are strengthened and invaluable memories created; and

            Whereas, Forty percent of Michigan residents are boaters and Michigan ranks first in the nation with over one million registered watercraft. Equally impressive are the 1.8 million Michigan anglers; and

            Whereas, Many in this state find employment in the fishing and boating industry – from marinas and boat dealerships to tourism and tackle shops.  Fishing and boating both play a vital role in Michigan’s overall economy.  When taking into account direct and indirect spending, boaters in Michigan contribute $2.5 billion per year to our economy and Michigan’s anglers contribute another $2.9 billion; and

            Whereas, Michigan recognizes the importance of fishing and boating and we are thankful for those who appreciate the outdoors and the natural beauty of the state of Michigan; now, therefore, be it

            Resolved by the Michigan House of Representatives, That the members of this legislative body hereby declare June 1-8, 2003, as National Fishing and Boating Week in the state of Michigan; and be it further

            Resolved, That the state of Michigan urge all residents to celebrate our state’s natural water resources by participating in fishing and boating events.