Michigan State University Extension
Ag Experiment Station Special Reports - 03239567
07/28/98
January 1995 Special Report 67
Status and Potential of Michigan Natural Resources
Michigan Agricultural Experiment Station, Michigan State University
SPECIAL REPORT
Reports on the Status and Potential of Michigan Natural Resources
This special report is one of a series (listed below) prepared for a project of the Michigan Agricultural Experiment Station (MAES) called the "Status and Potential of Michigan Natural Resources" (SAPMINR).
The project was designed to take an inventory of the current status of Michigan natural resources, identify emerging trends, and appraise future opportunities. The purpose was to assist MAES in establishing priorities and planning programs.
Both overview and focused topic assessments have been made. The overview reports provide background information on the political, economic, and social environments influencing Michigan natural resources. The focus reports examine specific resources, including timberland resources, fisheries and wildlife resources, parks and recreational resources, and land and water resources.
The SAPMINR project began in early 1993. At that time, interdisciplinary teams of MSU faculty members, graduate students, federal and state government officials, and others collaborated to develop preliminary reports. In March 1994, a SAPMINR conference took place during MSU's Agriculture and Natural Resources Week. The objective of the conference was to provide a public forum for discussion of the preliminary reports. Based on interaction with conference participants, the authors prepared the final drafts of the special reports (SR).
This report should not be considered final. Efforts to analyze the past and forecast the future are ongoing. Even so, this report is a base for dialogue on both the status and potential of Michigan natural resources.
To receive any of the reports listed below, contact: MSU Bulletin Office, Room 103 Agriculture Hall, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824-1039.
Status and Potential of Michigan Natural Resources List of Reports
Overview Reports
SR 67 --SAPMINR Highlights SR 68 --Michigan Natural Resources Policy SR 69 --Demographic, Social and Economic Trends SR 70 --Integrated Natural Resource Systems
Focus Reports
SR 71 --Timber and Timberland Resources SR 72 --Lumber, Furniture, Composition Panels and Other Solidwood Products SR 73 --Pulp, Paper, Allied Products and Wood Energy SR 74 --Fisheries SR 75 --Wildlife SR 76 --Tourism SR 77 --Boating and Underwater Recreation SR 78 --Camping, Trails and Dispersed Recreation SR 79 --Water Resources SR 80 --Land Resources SR 81 --Nonrenewable Resources SR 82 --Natural Resources and Communities
Acknowledgements
The authors of this report would like to thank the lead authors for their contributions to the SAPMINR project and the final reports. Their efforts to producethe reports on a timely basis contributed significantly to the success of the process. In addition, we would like to thank the SAPMINR Steering Committee for their invaluable guidance and commitment to this endeavor. Finally, we would like to thank the staff of the MAES for their support and assistance throughout the SAPMINR process and Outreach Communications for helping complete the reports in a timely fashion.
SAPMINR Highlights
Jill D. Keisling, SAPMINR Research Associate Vincent F. Bralts, SAPMINR Coordinator
Introduction
The state of Michigan has many unique and valuable natural resources. As the self-proclaimed "Great Lakes State," it is renowned for its abundant water resources. It also has a wealth of forest, land and mineral resources. This resource base provides habitat for a remarkable diversity of species. Human health and welfare also depend on these resources to sustain the quality of life. Furthermore, Michigan residents and 1`ommunities are economically dependent on the state's natural resources. Agriculture, forestry, mining, recreation and tourism all rely, either directly or indirectly, on quality natural resources.
This report highlights a significant project undertaken by the Michigan Agricultural Experiment Station (MAES) to examine the present status and project the future condition of the state's natural resources_the "Status and Potential of Michigan Natural Resources" (SAPMINR) project. First, this report provides an overview of the SAPMINR process and the organizational efforts of the SAPMINR Steering Committee. Second, it discusses the purpose of the SAPMINR project. Third, it gives highlights of each of the overview and focus reports. Finally, this report highlights some of the key issues which have emerged from the SAPMINR reports.
The SAPMINR Process
The SAPMINR project began in the spring of 1993 with the establishment of a Steering Committee consisting of MSU faculty appointed by the director of the MAES, Dr. Robert G. Gast. The following individuals served as members of this committee:
Vincent Bralts, SAPMINR Coordinator Dan Bronstein, Resource Development Frank D'Itri, Institute of Water Research Jake Ferris, Agricultural Economics Niles Kevern, Fisheries and Wildlife Delbert Mokma, Crop and Soil Sciences Charles Nelson, Park and Recreation Resources Karen Potter-Witter, Forestry
The first action of the Steering Committee was to establish the SAPMINR process. The committee designed the process to include a retreat for developing a list of report topics, an open forum for hearing public comments and a final publication schedule. The Steering Committee also developed a preliminary list of topics for discussion at the retreat. This retreat was held in June 1993. All College of Agriculture and Natural Resources faculty members, as well as those outside the college with MAES appointments, were invited to attend. In addition, numerous individuals from various agriculture-and natural resources-related governmental and private organizations were invited. Over 100 people participated in the retreat and, as a result, some topics were either eliminated or consolidated and several new report topics were added to the list.
The next step in the SAPMINR process was to identify lead authors. Initial drafts of the overview and focus reports were prepared for presentation during theAgriculture and Natural Resources Conference. At that conference, held in March 1994, an open forum was utilized for public discussion of the SAPMINR reports. Over 150 people from many different backgrounds attended the program, and a summary of the discussions of each report was recorded. The lead authors were given copies of the relevant comments and the final reports were modified to include additional information. These final drafts were edited in the fall of 1994 and published in January 1995.
The Purpose of SAPMINR Given the vast number of natural resource issue areas and problems to which MAES research attention could be directed, the SAPMINR reports are intended to establish a baseline and identify a problem set that will enhance utilization and effectively protect natural resources for present and future generations. These reports should be used as a priority setting tool.
The project involved the coming together of individuals from a multitude of organizations that address natural resources_the federal government, state government, universities, and others. Though most of the reports address single issue areas (i.e., land, water, wildlife, etc.), readers will note that many of the reports discuss the ties between these resources. For example, Michigan's water resources are affected by land use decisions_the water report makes this linkage. Thusmany SAPMINR authors made strides toward developing an integrative approach to these issues. The Michigan Agricultural Experiment Station will follow this effort by supporting collaborative research endeavors that involve experts in many different issue areas. This effort is enhanced by the university setting, which provides an opportunity for researchers in different areas to work together_to expand their efforts across the lines of traditional disciplines. Only by taking such an integrative approach can Michigan's natural resources be effectively protected and enhanced.
Natural Resources and Agriculture
In addition to ties between different natural resources, there are also significant ties between natural resources and agriculture. For example, both agricultural and urban run-off water can pollute water supplies and contaminate drinking water. In addition, land resources in intensively cultivated regions often lose soil to erosion. Animal waste and agricultural wastes also impact our land and water resources.Expanding human poplations are sprawling into prime agricultural land while the Conservation Reserve Program has removed land from food production.
Because of the strong ties between agriculture and natural resources, researchers should examine these relationships more closely. The MAES has recognized that both agriculture and natural resources deserve research attention and, consequently, conducted both the "Status and Potential of Michigan Agriculture" (SAPMA) and the"Status and Potential of Michigan Natural Resources" (SAPMINR) projects. Attention should now be directed to exploring relationships between these two areas of research and to conceptualizing agriculture and natural resources as an integrated system. The continuing separation of agricultural and natural resource research efforts, partly as evidenced by having both SAPMA and SAPMINR reports, is but another example of the problems of integrating efforts to truly manage the natural resource systems of the state (Vanderpool, 1995, SAPMINR Special Report 70).
SAPMINR Overview Reports
The SAPMINR overview reports paint a political, economic, social and demographic backdrop for the discussion of Michigan's natural resources. This is paramount given the links between our natural and social systems. Natural resources can not be shielded from the impacts of politics and the economy, changes in our population and social structure, and even the influences of our values and culture. Likewise, natural resources influence society by providing the raw material necessary for economically vital industries. Furthermore, our very survival depends on natural resources.
In short, human health and welfare ultimately rely upon the life support systems and natural resources provided by healthy ecosystems. Moreover, human beings are part of an interconnected and interdependent global ecosystem, and past experience has shown that change in one part of the system often affects other parts in inexpected ways (EPA, 1990, p.9).
It is important that society recognize the connections between environmental, economic, social and cultural systems. Just as these systems are integrated, problems in these systems are interrelated. We must take an integrative approach to solve these problems.
Michigan Natural Resources Policy SAPMINR Report #68 Lead Author: Cynthia Fridgen
The Michigan Natural Resources Policy report opens with a discussion of Michigan's unique natural resources. These resources have been very important in attracting development and business interests, and the resource base has been frequently exploited and mishandled in attempts to meet societal needs and wants. Maintaining andenhancing Michigan's valuable resource base requires innovative and effective natural resource policy, planning and investments.
The purpose of this overview report is to discuss efforts to maintain the quality of natural resources through effectual policies, how such efforts have failed in the past and how to improve the effectiveness of natural resource policy. Natural resource policy development and implementation is a response to concerns about the present and future condition of the natural resource base, the use of those resources and, consequently, the quality of life in Michigan. While progress has been made, there are significant obstacles to effective natural resources policy development. In large part, this is due to the fragmented laws, programs and tools used to confront environmental and natural resource problems.
No U.S. government plan exists to treat social, economic, and environmental problems in the cyclical, interconnected fashion in which they work. Rather, the agencies directed toward these goals exist separately. Those that make decisions over the processes that affect the environment act independently from those setting policy for industry, transportation, trade, energy, urban planning, and social welfare. Policies are not cycled among the agencies but rather divided among them (Kane, 1992, p.4).
Multiple government agencies impact natural resources in Michigan_the departments of Natural Resources, Agriculture, Public Health, Transportation and theMichigan Public Service Commission. However, these agencies operate independently, each having its own database and often very different missions. To develop effective natural resources policy, Michigan governmental and nongovernmental organizations must work together. Natural resources issues are integrated with one another as well as with other social and economic issues; consequently, natural resources policy must beintegrative.
The overview report proceeds to discuss an important tool for achieving integrated natural resources policy-risk assessment. A risk-based approach drives policy development more as a response to the resource and lessas a response to political pressure. Scientific assessment of risks to the natural resource base establishes a problem set that can be addressed comprehensively, allowing policy to be developed more consistently and systematically. In late 1991, Michigan became one of the first states to conduct its own risk assessment_the Michigan Relative Risk Analysis Project (RRAP). It identified and ranked 24 issues of concern in Michigan. The RRAP is intended to influence Michigan's natural resource policies and thus is utilized in this overview report as a guide for setting policy research priorities for the MAES. The MAES has the opportunity to aid the transition from risk assessment to risk management in Michigan through research that contributes to more appropriate natural resources policy.
Demographic, Social and Economic Trends SAPMINR Report #69 Lead Author: Jake Ferris
The purpose of the Demographic, Social and Economic Trends report is to provide background information on some of the salient demographic, social and economic trends and projections that have implications for natural resources in Michigan. The report begins by examining Michigan's natural resources from a global and national perspective. Demands for natural resources emanate from population growth and economic development. Though the world population growth in percent is diminishing, the absolute annual increase in world population is currently the greatest in history. Even under the most optimistic assumptions about the ability of the world to reduce fertility rates, the World Bank projects that the world population will double by the end of the next century, with nearly all of the growth occurring in less developed countries.
U.S. and world economic growth has slowed over the past 25 years, with relatively slow economic expansion projected for the coming decade. Some boost to the economy is expected from increased international trade. This overview report projects that such trade will be accompanied by efforts to build more consistency in national environmental policies.
The population of the U.S. is projected to increase 20 percent between 1990 and 2010, with 85 percent of the increase posted by persons 45 years of age and older. This could boost natural resources-based tourism, as these individuals will have relatively high discretionary income and greater leisure time. Expenditures on travel, outdoor recreation and vacation homes are strongly related to income and age.
In addition to discussing demographic and economic trends for the nation and world, this overview report also provides a profile of Michigan. The trends, status and prospects for growth in population, income and employment are presented for the state. Michigan population growth from 1990 to 2010 is projected at 10 percent and real personal income per capita is expected to increase 22 percent_employment is projected to increase 20 percent. Wayne County will continue to lose population while surrounding counties will outpace the state growth rate. Kent, Muskegon and neighboring counties will also see populations expanding more rapidly than the state growth rate. However, in percent, the most rapid population growth will be in the northern Lower Peninsula_this has significant implications for that area's natural resources.
This overview report also examines linkages between agriculture and natural resources. Because 30 percent of Michigan's total land base is in farms, the cultural practices of farmers will continue to impact the state's natural resource base. Furthermore, new technology will be needed after the turn of the century to ensure adequate food supplies from the current farmland base and to meet growing world demands. To meet these demands, the report projects that much of the land in the set-aside program and Conservation Reserve Program will be returned to agricultural production.
Integrated Natural Resource Systems
SAPMINR Report #70 Lead Author: Chris Vanderpool
The Integrated Natural Resource Systems report takes an innovative approach to describing the complex interaction of Michigan's natural resources with each other and with Michigan's social system. The author states that the primacy of economic activities in the use of natural resources has resulted in natural resources being defined as commodities. This, in turn, has led to the conceptualization of natural resources in terms of particular industries. Thus organizations have traditionally fragmented issues in an effort to respond to particular commodity groups. This diffuse vision of Michigan's natural resource system only maintains the fragmentation of broad scale resource management within Michigan.
This overview report describes natural resources and society as an integrated system. It begins by providing a history of changes to the natural resource base as it has interacted with human society over the last 1,000 years. This history is found to be fluid and in constant interaction with society. The history of Michigan's natural resources has four key themes: 1. The relationship between current ideology (e.g., property rights) and the use of natural resources. 2. A continuous growth of institutions and regulations to monitor and protect the environment. 3. The impact of changing technologies on the environment, particularly transportation-related technologies. 4. The complexity of interactions between social forces and the environment as well as interactions among environmental impacts.
The history of Michigan's natural resources is revealed to be a history of complex interactions between demographic, economic, ideological and legal changes, and the environment.
The overview report proceeds to provide theoretical perspectives which can aid in understanding the complexity revealed by this history of Michigan's natural resources. It introduces system-based theoretical approaches drawn from the 7disciplines of ecology and human ecology. These approaches provide multiple points of interface to examine social/environmental interactions-institutions, technologies, values, community structures, social movements, and the implications of scale. The issue of scale is particularly critical to dealing with natural resource issues. Decision makers often reduce the scale with which they have to deal-short-term, short-sighted decisions result.
An examination of these system-based theoretical approaches suggests that an appropriate MAES research agenda would include: 1) identifying key points of integration within the various natural ecosystems of Michigan; 2) studying key points of integration between the natural resource system and the human social system; and 3) exploring how to integrate the information gathered by researching both the natural and human systems. Michigan and the Michigan Agricultural Experiment Station must be leaders in developing and sustaining integrated approaches to natural resources. This report recommends that the MAES broaden its vision and have as its central focus the state of Michigan as a functional, interactive ecosystem. This vision requires the development of an integrative, cooperative, and collaborative research agenda, and in doing so the MAES should support multi-disciplinary, problem-focused task forces. The report challenges the MAES to become a leader among agricultural experiment stations in addressing integrated natural resource problems and reducing the influence of commodities and the "hot button" issues of social movements on its agenda.
SAPMINR Focus Reports
The SAPMINR focus reports examine specific Michigan natural resources in greater detail. The overview reports provide the background information necessary for this examination. The focus reports take an inventory of the current status of Michigan's natural resources. They proceed to identify emerging trends and project the future potential of these resources. Reports address Michigan's timberland, fisheries, wildlife, water, land and nonrenewable resources. Several of the reports focus specifically on points of interaction between society and natural resources-forest products industries, tourism, boating and underwater recreation, camping and other forms of dispersed recreation, and ties between natural resources and communities.
Timber and Timberland Resources
SAPMINR Report #71 Lead Author: Karen Potter-Witter
The Timber and Timberland Resources report begins by describing the wealth of Michigan's forest resources. More than half of Michigan is forest. The state has 19.2 million acres of forestland and 18.6 million acres of this is commercial forest, i.e., timberland. There are 3 million acres of timberland in the southern Lower Peninsula, 7.2 million acres in the northern Lower Peninsula, and 8.4 million acres in the Upper Peninsula. Of the 21 northern states, Michigan is richest in timberland and holds more than 10 percent of the region's timber. During the past decade, the trend of decline in timberland acreage which took place from 1955 to 1980 was reversed-timberland acreage increased 6.6 percent. Timber volumes and growth rates also increased substantially. Michigan's 1993 timber volume was 26.9 billion cubic feet-a 40 percent increase from 1980 and a 79 percent increase from 1966. Current (1993) growth of timber is 830 million cubic feet per year.
This focus report also describes Michigan forest types and the ownership of these forests. Seventy-five percent of Michigan forest types are hardwoods. The maple-birch type comprises 38 percent of Michigan's timberland. Michigan's forests continue to be held primarily by private non-industrial landowners, with farmers, private individual owners and non-forest products industrial owners holding 57 percent of the state's timberland. The state is also a major public timberland owner_20 percent of timberland statewide_and the Forest Management and Wildlife Divisions of the Michigan Department of Natural Resources administer this land jointly. Federal lands, primarily managed by the U.S. Forest Service, comprise 14 percent of Michigan timberland, with the National Forest System encompassing the majority of this ownership. Two National Forests, the Ottawa and the Hiawatha, are in the Upper Peninsula; a third, the Huron-Manistee National Forest, spans the northern Lower Peninsula.
Since 1980, the forest products industry of Michigan has been targeted for development by state and regional government; growth in the industry over the past decade is well documented. Approximately 1.5 percent of Michigan's timberland resource is accessed each year for timber commercial harvesting (assuming an average yield of 15 cords per acre with industrial demand at 4 million cords annually). The forest industry primarily owns timberland to furnish wood-using mills. Michigan's public timberland ownerships have objectives ranging from low intensity vegetative management on U.S. Forest Service semi-primitive areas to the planned high intensity management associated with Forest Development Fund investments on state-owned timberland.
In 1992, Michigan produced 348.3 million cubic feet of roundwood-more than twice that of 1975. The total value of Michigan's 1992 timber production is estimated at $310.6 million. Hardwood production constitutes 79 percent of the total value. The wood products industry, therefore, is very significant to Michigan's economy and employs over 60,000 people. A large number of other jobs in trade and transportation sectors (e.g., brokers and truckers) are also dependent on the wood products industry. In addition, there are well over 1,000 public sector employees involved in forestry and forest management-related activities. Wages from direct employment in the forest products industry alone totalled $373.8 million in the first quarter of 1994.
The focus report concludes by discussing key issues regarding timberland resources. These include: the impacts of the Commercial Forest Act and potential forest practices legislation; forest fire losses; losses due to insects and disease; the impact of nonpoint source pollution; the consequences of land fragmentation and the importance of ecosystem and landscape management; and sustainable development and natural resource dependent communities.
Lumber, Furniture, Composition Panels and Other Solidwood Products SAPMINR Report #72 Lead Author: Jim Stevens
The Lumber, Furniture, Composition Panels and Other Solidwood Products report focuses on forest products such as lumber, furniture and panels. Michigan's forest products industries are well situated, with extensive timber resources, a well-developed infrastructure, proximity to major markets, and a highly skilled work force that produces quality wood products. The state's forest products industries include the full range of production from stump to final product. This focus report examines the status and potential of Michigan's solidwood industries. It concentrates on three (primarily hardwood) inputs into the production process-veneer logs, sawlogsand pulpwood bolts; two intermediate products-veneer products-panels, pallets, dimension products, and furniture.
Employment from forest resources is very important in Michigan. The relative importance of wood products industries is greatest in the Upper Peninsula. Taken together, lumber and wood products and paper and allied products account for about half of that region's manufacturing employment. It has been estimated that for every job directly accounted for by Michigan forest products industries, an estimated 1.31 additional jobs are created. Statewide, the solidwood industries are as important in value of shipments as any of the state's processed food industries. The forest products industry contributes significantly to the state economy. The top three contract office furniture producers in the nation-Stee headquartered in Michigan and use significant quantities of wood in their products.
This focus report identifies the most important issues facing Michigan's forest products industry. These center on four interrelated areas-changes in the supply of raw material, changes in both the demand for particular wood products and export markets, changes in technology, and changes in operating requirements brought about by new public policies. The status of the solidwood industries in Michigan is quite healthy. However, the potential for the industries to prosper and grow into the next century depends on how well they adapt in two critical areas: the sustainability of the resource and competitiveness. The report concludes with a number of research needs to enhance forest resource sustainability and the competitiveness of Michigan forest products industries. For example, foresters and the wood products industry must be more involved in research and applications that allow the compatible use of wood resources within the larger ecosystem setting. The development of more efficient utilization methods is also a prerequisite for resource sustainability. To enhance competitiveness, continuous training in state-of-the-art manufacturing techniques is needed. Small businesses also need assistance in the development of market analyses and strategies that allow them to compete in national and international markets.
Pulp, Paper, Allied Products and Wood Energy SAPMINR Report #73 Lead Author: Karen Potter-Witter
The Pulp, Paper, Allied Products and Wood Energy report focuses on additional Michigan forest products industries. The Michigan pulp, paper and allied products industry processes wood, wood fiber, wastepaper, cellulose and plastic film into products used by a broad and strong consumer base. Michigan's pulp, paper and allied products industry exported $133 million worth of goods to 73 countries worldwide in 1993. This is an increase from $127 million and 67 countries in 1989. This manufacturing sector includes both primary products industries, which produce pulp, paper and paperboard from wood or wood fiber, and secondary paper manufacturers, which produce a variety of consumer paper products. The majority of Michigan's 235 pulp, paper and allied manufacturing firms are secondary manufacturers and are located in the southern Lower Peninsula. Primary manufacturers-pulp and paper mills-are spread more evenly from the northern to southern regions of the state, but are concentrated along the Great Lakes.
In 1991, Michigan mills produced 1.3 million short tons of wood pulp, twice the 1975 level. This rate of growth equals the national growth rate and greatly exceeds that of the North Central region of the country. Michigan's share of regional production grew from 18.6 percent to 27.4 percent. Paper production in Michigan also grew from 1975 to 1991-from 0.8 million short tons to 1.6 million short tons. Michigan's share of regional paper production increased to 18 percent in 1991. Trends in specific paper products, including containerboard and boxboard, converted paper and board, and paperboard containers and boxes are also examined in this focus report.
This focus report identifies trade and environmental issues as two factors influencing the future of this industry. The total value of Michigan's exports of pulp and paper products has increased in the 1990s. The North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) and the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT) are likely to open additional markets to U.S. manufacturers. Trade barriers for pulp, paper and paperboard are scheduled to be phased out over the next five years under NAFTA. Exports of pulp and paper products are expected to grow faster than domestic consumption.
The rates of waste recovery and use of recycled fiber continue to increase in the pulp, paper and allied products industries. New U.S. government requirements for purchasing paper will continue to encourage the industries' use of recycled products. Revisions to the Clean Water Act and Clean Air Act standards also will impact the pulp and paper industries.
This focus report concludes by examining the use of wood energy in Michigan. At least 578,000 Michigan households burn fuelwood, and more than 150 commercial and industrial facilities produce wood energy for their own use or for sale. Total wood energy consumption nearly doubled from 1960 to 1983. Wood energy can compete well with oil, natural gas and coal. The prices paid by fuel users invariably do not reflect society's total cost of production and consumption. These additional costs, known as externalities, include the costs of air and water pollution and hazardous and non-hazardous waste disposal. When these externalities are counted in energy costs, wood fuel becomes even more inexpensive. Estimated environmental costs from wood were less than 1 cent per kilowatt hour, higher only than solar and wind energy. The focus report suggests that there are good prospects for wood energy use in Michigan's future. The use of wood for energy is expected to grow 19 percent in the Great Lakes states between 1985 and 1995. However, environmental regulations and permitting procedures will continue to challenge users of wood fuel.
Fisheries SAPMINR Report #74 Lead Authors: Don Garling and Shari Dann
Michigan's extensive aquatic resources provide sport fishing opportunities and support commercial fisheries. Michigan anglers are never more than a 30-minute drive from good fishing waters, and Great Lakes boat anglers are never farther than 15 shoreline miles from a harbor in Michigan waters. The state's waters are inhabited by more than 50 kinds of native game fish, including brook trout, lake trout, sunfish, bass, northern pike, muskie, walleye, yellow perch, lake sturgeon and lake whitefish. Exotic fishes such as the rainbow and brown trout and chinook and coho salmon were introduced to complement native species.
Both recreational angling and commercial fishing contribute substantially to the Michigan economy. Michigan ranks first in the Great Lakes region and third and fourth in the nation in number of angler days and expenditures for recreational fishing, respectively. In 1991, total recreational fishing expenditures in Michigan were estimated to have been nearly $1.3 billion. Commercial fishing in Michigan waters of the Great Lakes produced approximately 15.5 million pounds of lake whitefish, chubs, yellow perch, lake trout, catfish and other species, with a dockside value of about $8.8 million in 1993. Another $9 million in economic activity is generated by wholesaling, processing and retail sales.
The Fisheries report examines the status and projects the potential of this significant resource. The report begins with a discussion of the importance of fisheries to the Michigan economy. It proceeds by providing a historical perspective of the resource. Management of the state's fisheries is also addressed. Michigan's fishery resources are held in public trust by the state for the benefits of its citizens in perpetuity. The state's responsibilities as trustee of Michigan fisheries are largely discharged through the Michigan Department of Natural Resources -Fisher cooperatively with agencies such as the Great Lakes Fishery Commission, the International Joint Commission, the U.S. Department of Interior National Biological Survey, and the National Fisheries Research Center -Great Lakes.
This focus report provides an extensive review of recent trends in recreational, commercial and tribal fisheries, aquaculture, water quality and fish contaminants, habitat loss and degradation, and exotic species. Multiple stakeholders in Michigan's fisheries are also identified. Finally, the report concludes by identifying emerging issues in fisheries. Many research and educational needs are suggested, including devising strategies for financial management of agency functions and activities, incorporating innovative strategic planning and public involvement techniques into fisheries management planning, developing strategies that consider the diverse values and priorities among fisheries stakeholders, assessing the direct and indirect economic impacts of sport, commercial and tribal fisheries, and researching and monitoring fish populations, habitat quality, non-indigenous species, land use pressures on ecosystems supporting fisheries resources, and fisheries genetics.
Wildlife
SAPMINR Report #75 Lead Author: Scott Winterstein
Throughout Michigan's history, wildlife has been an important natural resource. Wildlife provided Native Americans with the food and raw materials necessary for clothing, shelter and tools The fur market was a significant economic incentive for early European settlement of Michigan. The state's wild game provided food for growing urban centers throughout the midwest. Farming in the southern regions of the state and extensive logging in the north, coupled with catastrophic forest fires in the latter part of the 19th century, dramatically altered wildlife habitat. Thus, society has had both intentional and unintentional impacts on Michigan's wildlife. Precedent-setting efforts to conserve and replenish depleted wildlife resources made Michigan an early leader in the field of wildlife conservation.
Michigan's wildlife contribute substantially to the state's economy and quality of life. The Wildlife report examines the history, current status and future potential of Michigan's wildlife. The primary focus is on mammalian and avian species. In addition to providing general information about species native to the state, the focus report provides a number of specific case studies involving wildlife in Michigan. These examples demonstrate the manner in which wildlife populations are directly and indirectly affected by human activities. Case studies are provided for white-tailed deer, beaver, elk, wild turkeys, piping plovers, ruffed grouse and passenger pigeons.
This focus report also discusses the economic and recreational value of Michigan's wildlife. In 1991, over 66 percent of the state's residents participated in some form of wildlife-related activity and spent almost $1.8 billion on wildlife-related recreation in Michigan. Michigan trailed only California and Texas in wildlife-related expenditures and easily outpaced other midwest states surrounding the Great Lakes (Ohio,Indiana, Illinois, Wisconsin and Minnesota). Wildlife recreation dollars are spent on both consumptive and nonconsumptive recreation. Consumptive recreation includes activities such as hunting and trapping wildlife. Nonconsumptive recreation includes activities such as observing, feeding, and photographing wildlife. This focus report examines both types of wildlife recreation. It also discusses methods of funding wildlife conservation and the role of state, federal, tribal and nongovernmental organizations in conservation efforts. The report concludes with a discussion of trends and emerging issues for Michigan's wildlife and wildlife-related recreation. These include the impacts of changing land use patterns, the shift from species-specific to ecosystem management, the increased emphasis on biodiversity in wildlife management, increased competition between nonconsumptive and consumptive user groups, reduced funding for wildlife conservation, the potential for cooperative programs between state, federal and nongovernmental organizations and private landowners, and other relevant issues.
Tourism
SAPMINR Report #76 Lead Author: Don Holecek
The Tourism report begins by providing information about current conditions and salient trends in international, national and Michigan tourism. In all three cases, tourism has experienced relatively rapid and consistent growth. The tourism industry employs approximately one out of every nine people employed worldwide. In 1992, foreign tourists spent an estimated $17 billion more in the United States than U.S. citizens spent abroad, making tourism one of this nation's leading exports.
However, this focus report suggests that assessing the status of Michigan's tourism industry and the role of the state's natural resources in the tourism industry is problematic, given the available data.
Creating and funding a comprehensive and reliable on-going research program to assess the characteristics of and trends in Michigan's travel market remains one of the most worthwhile objectives for government and the travel industry to achieve (Holecek, 1991).
Estimates of Michigan's tourism industry employment vary from a low of 114,000 to a high of more than 300,000. There are a number of reasons for limited data: the complexities involved in collecting tourism data, antiquated government data collection systems, and minimal public and private sector investments in tourism-related research. A significant obstacle to assessing the status and potential of Michigan's tourism is the lack of a consistent definition of tourism. Analysis must conform to the data available, and these are primarily aggregate measures of the overall economic impacts of travel activity rather than the specific values associated with natural resources-based tourism.
Regardless of these challenges, this focus report provides a general profile of Michigan's tourism industry. Tourism in Michigan is a multibillion dollar industry_worth at least $7 billion and possibly as much as $12 billion. The tourism industry is a major employer and contributor to state and local tax revenues. Though more tourism dollars flow into southern Michigan counties, many northern Michigan counties are more dependent on tourism to fuel their economies.
There are many distinguishing features of travel and tourism in the state. Michigan leads the nation in the number of public golf courses. It also ranks number one in the number of modern campsites in its state parks and number two in the number of overnight stays in its state parks. The backbone of Michigan's travel industry is natural resources-based tourism. Approximately 40 percent of Michigan's travel activity is linked to natural resources-based travel, 40 percent to visiting family and friends, and 20 percent is business-related.
Though available data indicate that tourism is a major contributor to Michigan's economy, evidence also suggests that Michigan's net balance of trade in tourism is negative-Michigan residents spend more money outside of the state than non-residents spend in Michigan. Michigan is not as effective in competing in the national and global travel markets as many other destinations_it is very much a regional travel destination. Geography and climate are the primary factors contributing to Michigan's net negative position in tourism. The state does not benefit from large volumes of travelers passing through on the way to other destinations. Michigan's long winters lead large numbers of Michigan residents to take winter vacations in warmer area-the summer tourism season is too short to offset the outflow of residents during the winter months.
The focus report makes projections to the year 2000 based on assumptions about supply and demand in the travel market, technological developments over the coming five to ten years, and changes in federal and state travel industry-related policies and regulations. The author projects that the Michigan travel industry will continue to grow but at a rate somewhat slower than global and national growth rates. Natural resources-based tourism will largely fuel this growth. However, Michigan's net negative balance of payments in tourism is likely to persist and increase slightly unless effective strategies can be developed to expand its market share beyond its current primary markets. Michigan will also need to develop effective strategies for managing its natural resources that balance economic growth and environmental protection goals, develop methods to deal with the industry's need for a larger and better trained labor force, and improve the industry's access to the investment capital needed to respond to growth in demand and changing traveler tastes. Finally, information about market trends and effective marketing responses to these trends is crucial to appropriately targeting investments in the tourism industry.
Boating and Underwater Recreation SAPMINR Report #77 Lead Author: Dan Talhelm
The Boating and Underwater Recreation report evaluates the status and potential of Michigan's boating and underwater recreation resources. It discusses the physical condition, economic and social importance, and direct and indirect uses of these resources. Successive sections of the report examine boating resources, underwater resources, swimming resources and the role of these resources in community development.
Michigan's abundant water resources have distinctively shaped the state's transportation system, economy, history, quality of life and life-style. The state has more coastal shoreline and surface water than any other state except Alaska. Accessible resources for boating, swimming, fishing, scuba diving and scenic enjoyment have created a life-style found only in Michigan and small portions of other states. Water-related recreation is responsible for approximately five percent of Michigan's economic activity.
Boating is one of the most common recreation activities in Michigan. The state's average resident boats in Michigan approximately eight days per year. Michigan leads all other states in number of registered boats, with approximately 844,000 in 1993. The state has 86 Great Lakes recreational harbors and 1,406 public access sites. Not only is Michigan a mecca for boaters, but boating contributes significantly to the state's economy. In 1986, owners of registered boats spent an estimated $1.83 to $2 billion for boating in Michigan.
Michigan is also a leading state for shipwreck diving andunderwater historic preservation. Nine underwater preserves comprise over 2,000 square miles of Michigan's Great Lakes bottomlands. Over 1,300 shipwrecks are held in public trust in Michigan_one of the largest and most pristine collections in the world. Recreational scuba diving on Great Lakes shipwrecks began in the 1950s and has increased dramatically. Michigan has become an important domestic travel destination for shipwreck-based recreational diving and for maritime heritage tourism.
This report cites major opportunities for these resources to play in the quality of life and economic development of Michigan. Michigan can take advantage of these opportunities through wise development and protection of coastal and underwater parks, waterfronts, and related scenic and cultural resources. However, there are major obstacles to the full utilization of Michigan's boating/swimming/underwater resources. These include regulatory red tape, taxes and fees, lack of necessary infrastructure, lack of a statewide coordinated strategy, lack of information and support services, particularly information needed for marketing and forecasting, and the need to balance public versus private and local versus state interests in managing these resources.
Camping, Trails and Dispersed Recreation
SAPMINR Report #78 Lead Author: Charles Nelson
Michigan's public and private lands provide an array of opportunities for camping, trail activities, and dispersed recreation. The Camping, Trails and Dispersed Recreation report evaluates the status of the resources supporting these activities and summarizes information about participants in these forms of recreation.
The report also makes the connection between natural resource-based recreation and the quality of Michigan's lands, waters, forests, and other resources. It is important to note that natural resource-based recreation is dependent upon and interrelated with the abundance, quality and availability of the natural resource base.
In 1992, Michigan had 1,274 campgrounds with 91,509 developed campsites. The majority of Michigan camping opportunities are provided by the private, commercial sector. Public camping opportunities are largely provided by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources and local units of government. In 1986, Michigan had almost twice as many public campgrounds and slightly more private campgrounds than any other Great Lakes state.
Michigan also has abundant resources for trail activities. The state has 5,115 miles of snowmobile trails and 3,198 miles of off-road vehicle trails for motorized trail users. Non-motorized trails are also prevalent_4,802 miles of non-motorized trails serve hikers, cross-country skiers, equestrians, and mountain bikers. In addition, 3,093 miles of Michigan streams and rivers are classified as canoe trails. These support a private sector canoe rental industry that exceeds 9,000 canoes. Michigan is also a leader in providing facilities for downhill skiing and golf. Michigan is second only to New York in number of downhill ski facilities, with 44 downhill ski areas having a total of 572 runs. In 1989, Michigan had 10,440 golf holes, sixth in the nation.
Public and private lands are both essential for dispersed recreation, which includes any natural resource-based activity performed without the benefit of facilities designed for that activity. The vast majority of Michigan public lands are open to hunting, fishing, mushroom and berry picking, and nature observation and photography. Many public lands have been set aside to maintain a wild, primeval character, including almost 250,000 acres of designated federal wilderness areas and over 50,000 acres of designated state wilderness. In addition, over 500 miles on 16 rivers are designated under the Federal Wild and Scenic Rivers Act. The state has a similar program in effect for 1,698 river miles on 14 rivers.
Following discussion of Michigan's recreation resources, this focus report discusses various measures used to track participation trends in natural resource-based recreation. These measures include license sales and registrations, equipment purchases and the results of various studies of participation in selected activities. The report concludes that while Michigan possesses many outstanding recreation resources, the state of knowledge about recreationists and recreational behavior is limited. While existing estimates of participation have some value, they cannot substitute for a longitudinal, primary data base concerning participation in natural resource-based recreation in Michigan. This would be especially beneficial for trail and dispersed activities for which no past studies on participation have been done. Other research issues raised in this report include exploring the biological impacts of recreation on the environment, developing methods to restore degraded recreational sites, conducting market research of public preferences for natural resource-based recreation, analyzing communications to recreationists concerning natural resources, and devising methods to effectively enforce rules and protect recreationists and natural resources.
Water Resources
SAPMINR Report #79 Lead Author: Frank D'Itri
Water is one of Michigan's distinguishing features. Approximately 40 percent of the state's 96,791 square miles of surface area is covered by the Great Lakes. Michigan also has at least 1,000 square miles of pondsand inland lakes, 36,350 miles of rivers, and more than 150 waterfalls. The state also boasts 3,288 miles of Great Lakes coastline, a length that rivals the entire U.S. Atlantic seaboard.
Michigan's water resources provide recreational opportunities, aesthetic qualities, aquatic habitat, and domestic, industrial and agricultural water supplies. Lakes, streams and wetlands are essential components of watershed ecosystems and serve many functions, including purification, buffering, nutrient recycling, groundwater recharge, and flood control . The Water Resources report evaluates the status and potential of Michigan's water resources. It begins with an overview of these resources, particularly with respect to availability, distribution and quality. The report proceeds to discuss multiple water uses and theimportance of properly managing the state's valuable water resources. Proper management of Michigan's water resources is essential to the state's continued prosperity and quality of life. To manage water resources efficiently, cooperation and communication among individual landowners, state, local and federal agencies, and many environmental and business organizations are necessary.
This report examines important issues affecting water resources. Issues that continue to impact these resources are point and nonpoint source pollution, groundwater contamination, atmospheric deposition of pollutants, soil erosion, and wetland destruction. The report also discusses emerging issues of importance to the quality of Michigan's water resources. These include the state's wastewater treatment needs, implementing irrigation districts, developing watershed management policies, the potential for future restriction of chlorine compounds, the global and regional effects of climate change, and adopting an ecosystem approach to environmental management.
All of these water resources issues demonstrate how many facets of resource management are interrelated. Water resources are ubiquitous within the global environment, within all biological processes and within industrial and agricultural processes. Continuous use and reuse of water by all systems reduces its suitability for certain functions and demonstrates that water must be managed properly for all biological, industrial, recreational, and other entities. A key to effective resource management is integrating and coordinating all these aspects into a comprehensive system.
The report concludes that this challenge is both immense and critical. However, both past failures and successes demonstrate that the wise use of natural resources requires a comprehensive, holistic approach. The early successes in water quality improvements centered around placing the full cost, including cleanup, on each user. While the quality of Michigan's water improved, the success of these programs was limited by their scope_changes were only made in the practices of a few, specific water users. Nonetheless, progress in water quality improvements continues to be made. The next steps toward comprehensive water resource management are being taken, particularly in the areas of nonpoint source pollution control plans and watershed management plans. These processes are teaching important lessons that will encourage progress toward more comprehensive, holistic, natural resource management. This report concludes that while none of the changes necessary to implement such a management approach will be easy, these changes are crucial to our survival.
Land Resources
SAPMINR Report #80 Lead Author: Delbert Mokma
Land is an important natural resource_it indirectly or directly supports many other natural resources. Land resources must be used in ways that are sustainable through time. This focus report evaluates the status and potential of Michigan's land resources.
The Land Resources report begins with an examination of the state's soil resources. This includes discussion of the factors influencing soil characteristics and the processes involved in the formation of Michigan soils. Successive sections also address variations in topography and climate throughout the state.
This focus report makes an important linkage between water and land resources. The use of land impacts Michigan's abundant water resources. Michigan has over 36 million acres of land with more than 10,000 inland lakes that have a surface area of at least five acres. The Great Lakes contain 95 percent of the surface freshwater in the United States and nearly 20 percent of the world's freshwater supply. The quality of water in these lakes is dependent on how we use our land resources. Current land uses in Michigan are summarized for the Upper Peninsula, the northern Lower Peninsula, the East Central subregion of the northern Lower Peninsula, and the southern Lower Peninsula. Land resources vary widely across the state, as well as the capacity of these resources to support different land uses.
More than half of Michigan is forestland, primarily located in the Upper Peninsula and the northern Lower Peninsula. More than one quarter of the state is used for crop production, with most of this in the East Central subregion and the southern Lower Peninsula. Urban and built-up land covers about 5.5 percent of the state, but two-thirds of this is in the southern Lower Peninsula. Since 1944, land in farms has decreased throughout the state. Some farmlands have been converted to urban and built-up uses or forestland, but more than two thirds have been converted to uses that are not well defined.
This report also examines irrigated land, soil erosion, and fertilizer use. Irrigation has increased dramatically since 1964, particularly in the southern Lower Peninsula. This increase in irrigation has helped offset the reduction in cropland acreage. The acreage of land eroded by water and wind has decreased statewide but has increased in the East Central subregion and the southern Lower Peninsula, where most cropland is located. Nutrient use per acre decreased in the mid-1970s when energy costs were high. However, they have increased since then_the rate of fertilizer application increased to 393 pounds per acre in 1990.
The focus report continues with discussion of the use of land resources as a waste receptacle. Managing the large amounts of municipal solid wastes produced in Michigan isan important challenge for the state. In the future, large amounts of organic materials may be returned to cropland. By returning nutrients to the soil, these materials may reduce the application of commercial fertilizer.
Successive sections of the report also discuss the state's wetlands, the use of Michigan's land resources for golf courses, and mineral industries on Michigan's land. Legislation impacting land resources is also examined.
The report concludes by presenting issues affecting the use of Michigan's land resources. Soil erosion, urbanization, fragmentation of land uses, use of fertilizers and pesticides, and waste management must be considered in making land use decisions. Emerging issues that need to be addressed include incorporating ecological relationships in land use decisions, improving the land resource data base and geographic information system, providing this information to the Michigan governmental units responsible for land use decisions, integrating economic and environmental decisions, and examining Michigan's wetlands and upland habitats. These issues will determine whether or not Michigan can provide and sustain the many land uses its citizens and visitors have come to expect and even demand.
Nonrenewable Resources
SAPMINR Report #81 Lead Author: Peter Kakela
There is much confusion surrounding Michigan's mineral resources. Many residents are unaware of the status of mineral production in Michigan. The negative image of mineral production also contributes to confusion about the state's nonrenewable resources. Finally, because minerals are at the bottom of the production and manufacturing processes, their importance is often overlooked. The Nonrenewable Resources report is intended to clear up some of the mystery surrounding these resources by shedding light on the current status and future potential of the state's mineral industries.
Michigan's mineral industries have two outstanding characteristics_their strength in the state's economy and their diversity in terms of the wide variety of minerals produced. Michigan's nonrenewable resources are very valuable. In 1991, the mineral and fuel resource industries contributed approximately $2.4 billion to the Michigan economy. These resources also contribute raw materials that support the state's automotive and agricultural industries.
The diversity of Michigan's nonrenewable resources is the key to Michigan's strong mineral industries. Michigan companies produce a wide range of metallic and non-metallic minerals, as well as construction minerals and oil and gas. In 1991, Michigan ranked first, second or third nationally in the production of 11 non-fuel minerals. Michigan led the nation in the production of peat, calcium chloride, iron oxide pigments and magnesium compounds. Over a dozen major minerals are produced in the state every year and production occurs in all 83 Michigan counties.
The economic strength of Michigan's mineral industries enabled the state to rank 4th in the nation in total value of non-fuel materials produced in 1991, 13th in natural gas revenues and 16th in crude oil revenues. Overall, Michigan ranked 11th in the nation in fuel and non-fuel mineral production. In 1991, over 12,000 people were directly employed in mineral and fuel production in Michigan, with three-quarters of these jobs located in the Lower Peninsula.
This report discusses both current polices affecting the mineral industries of Michigan, and potential policies that could enhance these industries. It concludes that much research is necessary to improve Michigan's mineral policies. Research needs include the following: developing state-level polices that aid the mineral industry while protecting the environment; improving th enegative public image of mining companies and mineral producers; analyzing trends in mining safety; examining the industries' adoption rate of new products and technologies; assessing the benefits and costs of various lease options to landowners; and determining what is done with Michigan waste oil and exploring the possibilities for more organized collection and reuse.
Natural Resources and Communities
SAPMINR Report #82 Lead Author: Maureen McDonough
The Natural Resources and Communities report discusses the ways that Michigan communities are directly and indirectly linked to natural resources. The existence of an abundant resource base in the state-including Great Lakes, forestland, mineral deposits and natural amenities-creates a significant level of resource dependency. The purpose of this focus report is to examine what is known about the relationships between Michigan communities and natural resources and to highlight what needs to be known to help communities make transitions as the natural resource base changes. All Michigan communi-ties are dependent on natural resources. The needs and priorities of communities must be accounted for if Michigan's natural resources are to meet their potential. However, the relationship between natural resources and communities is complex. Traditionally, discussions of community dependence on natural resources have focused on employment in industries such as timber or mining. This report, however, suggests that resource dependence actually occurs along a spectrum ranging from direct to indirect dependence. Many Michigan communities are directly dependent on natural resources to sustain forest products or timber produc-tion, fisheries, mining industries, and recreation and tourism industries.
Michigan communities are also indirectly dependent on natural resources to provide important health and environmental benefits. These benefits have economic implications for property values and health care costs.Indirect dependence can also result from psychological and social ties to natural resources in and around communities. Finally, people in urban areas often depend on natural resources products produced in other parts of the state. This focus report uses four Michigan communities-Ironwood, Traverse City, Roscommon and Jackson-as examples along the resource dependency continuum. It also provides more general discussion of direct and indirect dependency in Michigan communities.
The report concludes by discussing several issues that emerge from this examination of the relationship between natural resources and Michigan communities. These issues include the following: obtaining better information on the distribution of resource dependence across the state, particularly on communities in transition from one type of dependency to another; examining the impact of changing resource availability on communities; and maintaining and expanding urban natural resources.
Partial Summary of Emerging Issues
The following is a partial summary of the emerging issues identified in the SAPMINR reports. For additional information and conclusions, readers are directed to the specific reports, listed on page 2 of this report.
1. A means of integrating economic and natural
resource considerations must be developed.
2. Environmental indicators which monitor the impact
of demographic, social and economic changes on natural
resources need to be defined.
3. An integrative research agenda should be
established and multi-disciplinary teams should address
natural resources issues.
4. The consequences of fragmentation of Michigan's
timberland should be researched.
5. Compatible use of wood resources within the
larger ecosystem setting should be developed.
6. The land use pressures on ecosystems supporting
fisheries resources should be monitored.
7. There should be an increased emphasis on
assessing and managing wildlife to enhance biodiversity.
8. The Michigan tourism industry lacks fundamental
information about its markets.
9. The lack of information necessary for marketing
and forecasting is a major obstacle to the full
utilization of Michigan's boating, swimming and
underwater recreation resources.
10. Longitudinal, primary data concerning
participation in natural resource-based recreation in
Michigan should be gathered.
11. A comprehensive, holistic approach should be
utilized to manage Michigan's water resources.
12. A better understanding of ecological
relationships and their implications for land use
planning should be developed.
13. State policies that aid the mineral industry
while protecting the environment should be developed.
14. Methods of improving the quality of urban
natural resources should be explored.
An important theme that emerged from the SAPMINR project is the need for an integrative data base and for collaboration among the many organizations impacting Michigan's natural resources. A cooperative approach to researching natural resources issues and an integrative database that includes comprehensive indicators of the status and potential of these resources would enhance their utilization, sustain economic growth, protect the environment, and improve the quality of life for all Michigan residents.
"It is not easy for us moderns to realize our dependence on the earth.... What do you eat, morning, noon and night? Natural resources.... What do you work with, no matter what your work might be? Natural resources.... What do you live in and work in? Wood, iron, rock, clay, sand, in a thousand different shapes but always natural resources." Gifford Pinchot, Breaking New Ground, 1907. (SAPMINR Special Report 82)
Michigan has many unique and valuable natural resources.
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To develop effective natural resources policy, Michigan governmental and nongovernmental organizations must work together. Natural resources issues are integrated with one another as well as with other social and economic issues; consequently, natural resources policy must be integrative.
In percent, the most rapid population growth will be in the northern Lower Peninsula_this has significant implications for that area's natural resources.
Given the vast number of natural resource issue areas and problems to which MAES research attention could be directed, the SAPMINR reports are intended to establish a baseline and identify a problem set that will enhance utilization and effectively protect natural resources for present and future generations.
Michigan and the Michigan Agricultural Experiment Station must be leaders in developing and sustaining integrated approaches to natural resources.
Of the 21 northern states, Michigan is richest in timberland and holds more than 10 percent of the region's timber.
Michigan has 18.6 million acres of timberland.
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The status of the solidwood industries in Michigan is quite healthy. However, the potential for the industries to prosper and grow into the next century depends on how well they adapt in two critical areas: the sustainability of the resource and competiveness.
Michigan's pulp, paper and allied products industry exported $133 million worth of goods to 73 countries worldwide in 1993. This is an increase from $127 million and 67 countries in 1989.
The forest products industry is a significant contributor to the state economy.
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Michigan anglers are never more than a 30-minute drive from good fishing waters, and Great Lakes boat anglers are never farther than 15 shoreline miles from a harbor in Michigan waters.
Total recreational fishing expenditures in Michigan were estimated to have been nearly $1.3 billion in 1991.
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In 1991, over 66 percent of the state's residents participated in some form of wildlife-related activity and spent almost $1.8 billion on wildlife-related recreation in Michigan.
Michigan's wildlife contribute substantially to the state's economy and quality of life.
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Tourism in Michigan is a multibillion dollar industry.
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Distinguishing features of travel and tourism in Michigan: Michigan ranks #1 in the nation in the number of public golf courses.
Michigan ranks #1 in the nation in number of modern campsites in its state parks.
Michigan ranks #2 in the nation in number of overnight stays in its state parks.
Michigan ranks #2 in the nation in number of downhill ski areas.
Michigan ranks #5 in the nation in number of state parks.
Accessible resources for boating, swimming, fishing, scuba diving and scenic enjoyment have created a lifestyle found only in Michigan and small portions of other states.
The average Michigan resident boats in Michigan about eight days per year.
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In 1992, Michigan had 1,274 campgrounds with 91,509 developed campsites.
It is important to note that natural resource-based recreation is dependent upon and interrelated with the abundance, quality and availability of the natural resource base.
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Proper managment of Michigan's water resources is essential to the state's continued prosperity and quality of life. To manage water resources efficiently, cooperation and communication among individual landowners, state, local and federal agencies, and many environmental and business organizations are necessary.
Approximately 36,000 miles of rivers wind through Michigan.
The Great Lakes contain 95 percent of the surface freshwater in the United States and 18 percent of the world's freshwater supply. The quality of water in these lakes is dependent on how we use our land resources.
Conservation treatment to reduce soil erosion is needed on about 15.2 million acres of Michigan crop-, pasture- and forestland.
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Michigan's mineral industries have two outstanding characteristics-their strength in the state's economy and their diversity, in terms of the wide variety of minerals produced.
In 1991, Michigan's mineral and fuel resource industries contributed some $2.4 billion to the state's economy.
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All Michigan communities are dependent on natural resources. The needs and priorities of communities must be accounted for if Michigan's natural resources are to meet their potential.
References
D'Itri, F.M., J.M. Besser, E.D. Evans, R. Kline-Robach, J.A. Kubitz, L.G. Wolfson, and T.E. Zahniser. 1995. Water Resources. Special Report 79. East Lansing, Mich.: Michigan Agricultural Experiment Station, Michigan State University.
Ferris, J.N., and P. McVeigh. 1995. Demographic, Social and Economic Trends. Special Report 69. East Lansing, Mich.: Michigan Agricultural Experiment Station, Michigan State University.
Fridgen, C., and J. Keisling. 1995. Michigan Natural Resources Policy. Special Report 68. East Lansing, Mich.: Michigan Agricultural Experiment Station, Michigan State University.
Garling, D., S. Dann, T. Edsall, T. Grischke, S. Miller, and L. Ramseyer. 1995. Fisheries. Special Report 74. East Lansing, Mich.: Michigan Agricultural Experiment Station, Michigan State University.
Holecek, D.F. 1991. "Characteristics of Michigan's Travel Market." In: Travel and Tourism in Michigan: A Statistical Profile (second edition), D.M. Spotts (ed.). East Lansing, Mich.: Travel, Tourism and Recreation Resource Center of Michigan State University.
Holecek, D.F., and T.I. Herbowicz. 1995. Tourism. Special Report 76. East Lansing, Mich.: Michigan Agricultural Experiment Station, Michigan State University.
Kakela, P. 1995. Nonrenewable Resources. Special Report 81. East Lansing, Mich.: Michigan Agricultural Experiment Station, Michigan State University.
Kane, H. 1992. Time for Change: A New Approach to Environment and Development. Edited by Linda Starke. Washington, D.C.: Island Press.
McDonough, M.H., and J.D. Parker. 1995. Natural Resources and Communities. Special Report 82. East Lansing, Mich.: Michigan Agricultural Experiment Station, Michigan State University.
Mokma, D.L. 1995. Land Resources. Special Report 80. East Lansing, Mich.: Michigan Agricultural Experiment Station, Michigan State University.
Nelson, C.M., D.M. Spotts, D. Auger, and H. Chiunti. 1995. Camping, Trails and Dispersed Recreation. Special Report 78. East Lansing, Mich.: Michigan Agricultural Experiment Station, Michigan State University.
Pinchot, G. 1907. Breaking New Ground. Washington, D.C.: Island Press.
Potter-Witter, K. 1995. Timber and Timberland Resources. Special Report 71. East Lansing, Mich.: Michigan Agricultural Experiment Station, Michigan State University.
Potter-Witter, K., and R. Davis. 1995. Pulp, Paper, Allied Products and Wood Energy. Special Report 73. East Lansing, Mich.: Michigan Agricultural Experiment Station, Michigan State University.
Stevens, J. 1995. Lumber, Furniture, Composition Panels and Other Solidwood Products. Special Report 72. East Lansing, Mich.: Michigan Agricultural Experiment Station, Michigan State University.
Talhelm, D.R., and K.J. Vrana. 1995. Boating and Underwater Recreation. Special Report 77. East Lansing, Mich.: Michigan Agricultural Experiment Station, Michigan State University.
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. 1990. Reducing Risk: Setting Priorities and Strategies for Environmental Protection. SAB-EC-90-021.
Vanderpool, C. 1995. Integrated Natural Resource Systems. Special Report 70. East Lansing, Mich.: Michigan Agricultural Experiment Station, Michigan State University.
Winterstein, S.R., H. Campa III, and K.F. Millenbah. 1995. Wildlife. Special Report 75. East Lansing, Mich.: Michigan Agricultural Experiment Station, Michigan State University
The Michigan Agricultural Experiment Station is an equal opportunity employer and complies with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972.
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