Land
Michigan is blessed with rich soil perfect for growing our famous cherries, apples, peaches, grapes, and many other delicious crops. In addition to our productive farmlands across the state, some of the most wild and beautiful forests in the country are found in Michigan. These forests and our shoreline dunes provide access to hiking, biking, skiing, birdwatching, and hunting. As citizens of Michigan, we have the responsibility to protect and preserve these treasures for wildlife, ourselves and for future generations. Upholding this responsibility is not about removing ourselves from the land, but developing smart policies and methods to sustain human life, and the land and wildlife that support us.
The issues presented in this section provide solutions on living in accordance with our land while meeting our own needs. Moving away from landfills and toward a recycling culture benefits our economy. Curbing the spread of invasive plant species and preserving farmland fosters biological diversity, which in turn provides humans with services such as recreation, food, and even medicine. Supporting farming in places like Detroit and other urban centers stimulate local economies and increases consumption of healthy foods. We cannot continue to contaminate soil with toxic chemicals. If we do, we will see how quickly our own health and quality of life deteriorates.
