LANSING, MI -- A Michigan conservation coalition numbering 40,000 members is suing Gov. Gretchen Whitmer to overturn her ban on motorized boating during the coronavirus pandemic.

The Michigan United Conservation Clubs, in a lawsuit filed Sunday, April 19, in U.S. District Court in Grand Rapids, argued through their attorneys that Whitmer’s ban on motorized boating is unconstitutional, vague and too broad.

The coalition is asking a judge to declare motorboat use an allowed “outdoor physical activity” under Whitmer’s revised stay-at-home order, which is intended to limit nonessential trips outside the home to slow the spread of COVID-19. The order, revised on April 9, runs through April 30.

Under the order, acceptable physical outdoor activities using watercraft includes kayaking, canoeing and sailing. Using a motorboat, a personal watercraft “or other similar watercraft” is not, according to the order.

Lawyers for the coalition argue that a motorboat ban limits fishing, which is a source of food and income and a way to maintain mental health.

"Many MUCC members rely on this fishing not only as a locally sourced, high-quality protein for their family and friends, but also as an activity important to their mental health during the stresses of this pandemic,” lawyers for the coalition wrote.

“For some members, fishing and boating activities are their only source of income."

Related: Despite criticism, Gov. Whitmer defends revised stay-at-home order

The coalition joins three Holland-area men who, last week, also sued the governor over the ban on using motorized boats.

Ambiguities in the executive order, outlined by the coalition, include that canoes, sailboats and rowboats allowed under the order may also have a motor attached.

Further, the coalition argues, these allowed boaters can and will congregate at boat launches, which the Department of Natural Resources before the ban said it received numerous reports of.

The coalition said it has been supportive of the governor’s efforts to promote social distancing to slow the spread of coronavirus but that banning motorboats doesn’t further that.

“MUCC has been supportive of the administration's legal closure of areas like Tippy Dam, where anglers continually were asked to social distance and conservation and law enforcement officers were met with resistance,” MUCC Executive Director Amy Trotter said in a statement.

“The organization, if given a chance, will partner with the governor’s office to continue communicating and helping in any way possible to ensure anglers are recreating responsibly.”

Trotter said the lawsuit is not a partisan move.

“This litigation would not be brought forward if it did not include a sound policy argument,” Trotter said. “Attempts to cast this as emotionally- or politically-driven are baseless.”

The group names Daniel Eichinger, director of the DNR, as a co-defendant to Whitmer

The suit comes after tensions in Lansing last week when thousands took part in “Operation Gridlock” outside the Capitol Building to protest Whitmer’s stay-at-home order.

Whitmer contends the restrictions are necessary and are saving lives.

State health officials on Sunday reported 83 new deaths and 633 new COVID-19 cases statewide, bringing Michigan’s cumulative totals to 31,424 confirmed cases and 2,391 deaths.

The number of new cases of COVID-19 is the lowest daily total reported in Michigan during the month of April.

Related: Gov. Whitmer hints at how Michigan will start reopening, come May 1

PREVENTION TIPS

In addition to washing hands regularly and not touching your face, officials recommend practicing social distancing, assuming anyone may be carrying the virus.

Health officials say you should be staying at least 6 feet away from others and working from home, if possible.

Carry hand sanitizer with you, and use disinfecting wipes or disinfecting spray cleaners on frequently-touched surfaces in your home (door handles, faucets, countertops) and when you go into places like stores.

Read more:

‘Changes need to be made soon before it’s too late,’ Michigan House Speaker tells Gov. Whitmer

Michigan lawmakers express concern at lack of federal help for state’s small businesses

Whitmer ‘anxious’ to re-engage economy but wants to avoid second wave of coronavirus

Michigan prisoner dies from coronavirus weeks away from parole after being locked up 44 years