It’s not often that an invasive species is welcomed into its host community. But some northern Michigan beekeepers want to keep spotted knapweed around because honey bees collect nectar from it.

Stephen Leatherman, a.k.a. “Dr. Beach,” this year will begin compiling a list of the top 10 Great Lakes beaches. Letterman has rated national beaches since 1991, but this is the first year that our freshwater beaches will be in the spotlight.

Beach managers and representatives nominated roughly 30 beaches. Miami-based Leatherman used the Internet to research the beaches.

The rating system is down to a science – Leatherman has 50 criteria to determine the best beaches. They are based on physical factors during vacation/holiday season such as sand softness, rip …

Entrepreneurs who sell homemade food products may soon be allowed to increase the amount of money they earn without undergoing health inspections and licensing.

The upkeep to keep septic tanks from failing and polluting water is expensive, especially with the growing restrictions on how to dump their contents.

It isn’t easy being green. Especially if you’re a Republican vying for the popular vote, according to a list on Grist.

The environmental website targets the top ten “brownwashing” Republicans. Three Great Lakes politicians made the list. In fact, these politicos dominate the top five. Ouch.

Asian carp may be swimming fat and happy in lakes, ponds and bayous downstream of the Mississippi River thanks to recent spring floods.
NPR reported Friday that scientists are worried the monster fish will crowd out food sources for native fish in these once carp-free areas.

Lesser known but arguably more important than preventing diversions to Las Vegas, the Great Lakes Compact requires the states to develop water conservaton plans by 2010.
How’s it going?

A long winter and a wet spring are a recipe for manure management headaches and potential water quality threats in the Great Lakes region.

Proposed legislation in Michigan may encourage the use of small-scale clean-energy devices by exempting them from property taxes.
Local governments say they must weigh clean energy’s impact on economic development against the loss of property tax revenue.