Great Lakes Echo (http://greatlakesecho.org/tag/capital-news-service/page/3/)
While invasive species are always threatening crops, a native pest is the biggest threat to the state’s blueberries –– the stem gall wasp. The Michigan Blueberry Commission has funded research to combat the stem gall wasp and help growers stay competitive.
Michigan maple syrup farmers sound optimistic that the industry will see a successful 2022 season after production declined in recent years.
Scientists at Michigan State University are researching how to combat an agricultural parasite infecting hopyards across the state.
Michigan Sea Grant recently announced four new research projects with one common goal — protecting the Great Lakes. It committed almost $1 million to the projects, including $225,000 from the Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy. In addition, university research partners contributed over $500,000 in matching funds. Their major topics are water use, walleye, invasive mussel larvae and harmful algae blooms.
Last year, the U.S. ski industry had its fifth-busiest season and interest in the slopes shows no signs of slowing down in Michigan for the 2021-22 season.
The Great Lakes Water Authority plans to increase the ability of its water and wastewater systems to cope with flooding and other severe weather conditions under a capital improvement plan to be carried out over five years. The investment will consist of 182 projects from 2023 to 2027 in the region at a cost of approximately $1.73 billion.
Acknowledging Native American ties to the land that Michigan universities occupy can make a powerful statement honoring the traditional history and culture. A land acknowledgment is a formal statement that recognizes and respects Indigenous peoples as stewards of the land where an institution is located. Acknowledgments are often executed through signs on campuses, email signatures and statements read before organized events.
In the age of Uber and Lyft, public transportation is still the only viable option for many Michigan residents. But a driver shortage is hurting Dial-A-Ride services across the state, causing them to cut back on services. That often leaves the most vulnerable residents in rural Michigan with longer wait times and less access to public transportation.
The Michigan Public Transit Association has launched an information advocacy campaign to fill hiring needs and increase ridership. The advocacy initiative includes television, radio, billboard and social media campaigns and is expected to continue into May.
Banning natural gas hookups in new homes and businesses at the local level is the latest example of environmental extremism, according to Michigan state Sen. Dale Zorn, R-Ida, who proposes prohibiting local bans.