CITIZENSHIP

Citizenship
From the Township Clerk; Garth J. Christie, CMC

Michigan citizens are in a unique position because our entire state is within the Great Lakes drainage basin. So it is natural and appropriate that we have a sense of ownership over our lakes, however, we should not take our enjoyment of this great natural resource for granted. Our lakes are being threatened by many sources from tiny fish hook fleas to large arid western states.

Scientists estimate that there are over 180 invasive species in the Great Lakes, including the fish hook flea. These species threaten the lakes ecosystem by killing off and replacing native marine life. These invaders hitched a ride here in the ballast tanks of oceangoing freighters and cause about $5 Billion in damage annually. They can be excluded by controlling the ballast water of these ships but actual enforcement is difficult.

Urban sprawl within our state also threatens the water quality of the Great Lakes basin. Cherry and blueberry farms have been replaced by subdivisions and strip malls. Urbanization, in Michigan, is expected to triple between 1980 and 2040. Storm water that was naturally filtered through the ground now flows directly off driveways and parking lots carrying contaminants into our water system.

Even where land has remained in farming, the changing nature of the business has made it less friendly to water quality. Mega-farms are more efficient and profitable and have flourished in recent years. There are now 178 new mega-farms in Michigan and they have been cited for more than 120 violations, over the last five years, by state environmental regulators. The problem is caused by the high concentration of animal waste that increases the levels of E. coli, ammonia and phosphorus dumped into tributaries and carried into the lakes.

Added to the threat to the native ecosystem and water quality is the thirst of rapidly growing arid western states. Colorado, California, Arizona and New Mexico are fighting each other for the same water for more development. Thirty-six states report that they will have water shortages in the next ten years. The diversion of the Great Lakes outside the basin is possible and it is already happening, in Chicago.

The rapid growth of Chicago over the last decade has resulted in significant ground water depletion. The problem is that Chicago is only partially within the Great Lakes drainage basin but is treated like the proverbial 800lbs. Gorilla.

For many citizens, a summer vacation includes enjoying Michigan’s great waterways, moreover, our state’s $16 billion-a-year tourism industry depends on them. However, citizens should not take them for granted and be aware of the threats to our precious natural resource both great and small.