Image: A Michigan Department of Natural Resources technician collects a red swamp crayfish from a retention pond in Novi in August 2022. Matthew Clara/ DNR
Water

Michigan trying new approaches against invasive crayfish

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By Elinor Epperson

Researchers are exploring new techniques to remove an invasive crayfish from Michigan waters. The Michigan Department of Natural Resources has been fighting an invasion of red swamp crayfish since they first appeared in the state in 2017. Aggressive attempts to trap and remove the crustacean haven’t worked. Kathleen Quebedeaux, a fisheries biologist with the DNR, said eradicating the invader will require a variety of approaches. “In order to have a more efficient means of achieving eradication, we need other tools in our toolbox,” she said.

Transportation

Ohio roads reflect tumultuous winter weather

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Winters keep the Ohio Department of Transportation so busy, they have a well-circulated joke about it: “If we’re not plowing, we’re patching,” said Matt Bruning, press secretary for the department. 

The state maintains more than 43,000 miles of highway pavement that forms potholes as winter temperatures quickly rise and drop.