Statement from state Rep. Scott Dianda (D-Calumet) on his support of Senate Bill 78 concerning the DNR and biodiversity:

“As a lifelong resident of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, I appreciate the beauty of the U.P. Our lakes, rivers, forests and other natural wonders are what make our state great. I agree that we must protect them, but I don’t believe that setting aside land is the best way to achieve that. I support Senate Bill 78, which would prohibit the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, and any state agency, from preserving land specifically for the intention of achieving or maintaining biological diversity. Given all of the untouched and pristine land in the U.P., I don’t believe that it’s necessary for the DNR to address this issue. That is why I voted in favor of SB 78.”