Text of Letter from Governor Jennifer Granholm

Dear Michigan Citizen:
I am excited to present this new guidebook to Michigan's citizens and community decision-makers! The guidebook is full of excellent examples of how we can enhance the visual appearance of our communities and protect our natural resources.

Michigan has a wealth of natural resources – the Great Lakes with 20% of the world's freshwater, 11,000 inland lakes, 36,000 miles of streams, 18.6 million acres of forest, and abundant wildlife. Our rich cultural history is reflected in many of our cities and towns.

Change is on the horizon. Michigan's land is being developed at a rate eight times faster than Michigan's population is growing. This rapid consumption of land threatens the livability of our communities and the protection of important habitats, water quality, and open space.

Many have heard the phrase, “you don't know what you’ve got ‘til it’s gone.” Let's not let that happen to Michigan's scenic views, public shorelines, and quaint towns. Our resource-based economy-tourism, agriculture, forestry, and mining-and the attractiveness and livability of our communities, depends upon all of us to ensure that Michigan will remain a truly great place to live!

Please get involved in designing your community's future. Find out who your local decision-makers are, attend public hearings and planning committee meetings, take time to inform yourself by reading this guidebook. We can't do this important work without you!

Governor Jennifer Granholm