Michigan’s
National Forests are “Worth More Wild”
Ann
Arbor, Mich. - Wildlife-related recreation, including fishing and hunting,
contributes $4.1 billion per year to Michigan’s economy, but a new report
released today by Environment Michigan Research and Policy Center reveals that
this industry is under imminent threat from logging, oil and gas drilling, and
mining.
The
Environment Michigan Research and Policy Center report on the value of recreation,
water and wildlife, “Worth More Wild: The Value of Michigan’s Roadless National
Forests,” analyzes data from a national survey done by the United States Fish
& Wildlife Service.
Key
findings of the report include:
- In 2006, 3.7
million Michigan residents participated in fishing, hunting, and wildlife
watching, and these outdoor enthusiasts spent $4.1 billion in Michigan on
transportation, lodging, equipment, licenses, and other related items. The economic strength of this outdoor
recreation relies on pristine and intact forestland.
- Annually, more
than $250 million worth of freshwater comes from the Eastern Forest
Service region, which encompasses Michigan.
- Undeveloped national
forests provide critical habitat to Michigan’s native wildlife, and at
least 10 of the state’s endangered species would be even more threatened
without the protection of roadless areas.
“For
hikers and hunters alike, the unique and ecologically significant
characteristics are what draw people into Michigan’s national forests and
furthermore, exemplify why they deserve the highest level of protection”
explains Danielle Korpalski, Environmental Associate for Environment Michigan
Research and Policy Center.
Michigan
is home to the most extensive national forest system east of the Mississippi,
but these impressive forests are threatened by road building and resource
extraction from the logging, oil/gas drilling, and mining. Since those who choose to recreate in
national forests tend to look for untouched lands, spoiling those lands will
send outdoor enthusiasts and their $4.1 billion elsewhere.
Since
2000, Michigan residents have submitted 65,966 comments to the Forest Service,
with the majority supporting complete protection of these wild
forestlands.
Environment
Michigan calls on the Michigan Congressional Delegation to join Congressmen Conyers,
Dingell, Kildee, and Levin in protecting these untouched forests by supporting the
Roadless Area Conservation Act (H.R. 2516).
The bill will protect 16,000 acres of roadless forests in Michigan and
58.5 million acres of untouched forests nationally.
“It
is the responsibility of our elected officials to use their authority and
protect Michigan’s already vulnerable national forests from powerful corporate
interests,” concludes Korpalski.
Read the full report.
