2023 Senate Resolution 32

Whereas, The Michigan Department of Natural Resources is currently considering a proposal to greatly expand the Camp Grayling Joint Maneuver Training Center despite resounding and repeated opposition from Michiganders across the state. Camp Grayling comprises a 148,000-acre area in the northern Lower Peninsula, already making it the largest National Guard training area in the United States. Last year, the Michigan National Guard requested a 162,000-acre expansion of the facility, which would more than double its current size. Following this request, the DNR sought public comment on the proposal which was met with numerous negative responses from concerned citizens, environmental groups, and local governments statewide. The DNR is a state agency that exists to serve the people of Michigan and should take seriously the concerns that have been expressed by these parties – concerns that we reiterate here; and

Whereas, The proposed expansion of Camp Grayling is completely contradictory to the purpose underlying our Department of Natural Resources. MCL 324.503(1) provides that the DNR is to “protect and conserve the natural resources of this state[,] provide and develop facilities for outdoor recreation[,] prevent the destruction of timber and other forest growth by fire or otherwise[,] promote the reforesting of forestlands belonging to this state[,] prevent and guard against the pollution of lakes and streams within this state and enforce all laws provided for that purpose with all authority granted by law.” Further, in its own mission statement, the DNR has expressed its commitment “to the conservation, protection, management, use and enjoyment of the state’s natural and cultural resources for current and future generations.” Expanding Camp Grayling against the wishes of so many concerned Michiganders across our state and without regard for the serious implications that the proposal has introduced would defy the ideals the DNR stands for; and

Whereas, This expansion risks creating new and exacerbating existing detrimental effects on Michigan’s treasured natural resources, risks that the DNR should recognize as unacceptable. The areas comprising the proposed expansion would include vital forests comprising one of the precious few habitats for the Kirtland’s Warbler as well as portions of Dead Stream Swamp, a National Natural Landmark and one of the largest white cedar swamps in the United States. Introducing new uses, including proposed electromagnetic warfare training, to these areas does nothing but raise new potential risks to the flora and fauna that exist therein. And, as the proposal is being considered, there are efforts underway to contain and clean per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances – commonly known as PFAS – already present across the current Camp Grayling area, prompting the Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy’s Grayling Post to oppose the expansion. The DNR should pay heed to the reasonable and widespread concerns that expanding military activities into these new areas raise; and

Whereas, The people of Michigan have the right to demand accountability from state agencies like the DNR and direct such agencies to act in accordance with their wishes and well-being. Michiganders across the state – but especially those in the northern Lower Peninsula – value the recreational and sporting activities that are possible in our pristine rivers, lakes, wetlands, grasslands, and forestlands. We must remain steadfast in protecting all our natural resources to maintain our reputation as the most beautiful state for hunting and fishing enthusiasts, outdoorsmen, and visiting tourists in the nation. And, alongside fellow states in the Great Lakes region and Canada, Michigan has a duty to protect our invaluable freshwater supply – a supply that accounts for 20% of the entire world’s fresh surface water – and be guarded against any proposed activities that would threaten such a vital natural resource. These are resources that are recognized, revered, and treasured by Michiganders. We must be steadfast in demanding that all state agencies – especially the DNR – work on behalf of these interests and acts to represent the will of the people voiced today in this Chamber; now, therefore, be it

Resolved by the Senate, That we urge the Department of Natural Resources to deny the Michigan National Guard’s request to expand the Camp Grayling Joint Maneuver Training Center; and be it further

Resolved, That copies of this resolution be transmitted to the Governor of the State of Michigan; the Director of the Department of Natural Resources; the Director of the Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy; and leadership of the Michigan National Guard.