"Land use is a critical environmental and economic issue," said Gov. Jennifer Granholm.

Senate Majority Leader Ken Sikkema (R-Wyoming), House Speaker Rick Johnson (R-LeRoy), Senate Democratic Leader Bob Emerson (D-Flint), and House Democratic Leader Dianne Byrum (D-Onondaga) all have endorsed the council.

"Projections are that if Michigan's population increases by just 5% in the next several years, corresponding land use will increase by almost 20%, so there is a real need to address land use concerns now," Sikkema said.

Granholm said agriculture, forestry, mining, and tourism are all threatened by urban sprawl. She said the council will study the issue and make recommendations to the state by Aug. 15.

The council will be comprised of 26 members mutually agreed upon by the governor with the Democratic leadership and the Republican leadership. The directors of the Departments of Agriculture, Consumer and Industry Services, Environmental Quality, Natural Resources, and Transportation will serve as non-voting members.

Granholm has charged the council with studying and identifying trends, causes, and consequences of urban sprawl. It will provide recommendations to the Governor and the Legislature designed to minimize the impact of current land use trends on Michigan's environment and economy.

The council will seek public participation in the process by turning to stakeholders such as developers, builders, contractors, environmentalists, historic preservationists, citizen groups, and local government agencies.