By Jeff Kart
This story originally appeared on Mr. Great Lakes and is republished here with permission.
1 — The final part of Michigan’s water strategy is out
This is part four in a series of releases from the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality.
The final piece highlights recommendations and governance tools.
Primary recommendations include developing integrated monitoring systems, tracking groundwater use and working with tribal governments.
The next steps will involve outreach and education initiatives, and tracking progress.
The Water Strategy is a 30-year plan to protect, manage, and enhance Michigan’s water resources for current and future generations.
2 — The sun is setting on a solar program in the Tri-Cities
The program goal is to accelerate deployment of distributed solar power in Bay, Midland and Saginaw counties by making the investment simpler and more affordable. Solarize Michigan was launched earlier this year by the nonprofit Institute for Energy Innovation and comes to a close on Oct. 31.
After a process that received dozens of inquiries and 10 proposals, three installers were selected. Program representatives held workshops and gave presentations to local service and community groups.
The program broke ground on its first project in June, and has since finalized 13 projects, adding more than 100 kilowatts of new capacity.
In the remaining days,organizers are working to sign-up more interested households in an effort to double the number of installations in the three counties.
— Via http://eepurl.com/cj1B4b
3 — Waterfowl hunters can help stop the spread of invasive phragmites
Image: OakleyOriginals
The plants are spreading across Michigan, and the state is calling on hunters to do their part.
New invasions of phragmites can start from windblown seeds or fragments of plant roots. These seeds and fragments can stick to hunting gear, including decoys and even dogs.
Hunters are encouraged to remove plants, seeds and mud from boots, pets, vehicles and gear before leaving a recreation or hunting site.
Hunters who notice invasive phragmites in areas where they haven’t seen them before are asked to report the sightings with a smartphone app.
— Mr. Great Lakes is heard at 9 a.m. Fridays in Bay City, Michigan, on Delta College Q-90.1 FM NPR.
Follow @jeffkart on Twitter #MrGreatLakes