Wildlife
Cold spells may kill some but not worst invasive bugs
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Severe winter weather may lead to the death of some invasive species, according to a recent study, but some experts aren’t convinced.
Climate
First Arctic vortex, then thaw, now potholes
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Although the immediate effects of the Arctic vortex storm that devastated the Midwest have passed, there is one lasting effect that Michigan residents will continue to deal with.
Jagged potholes on the state’s already-damaged roads.
Climate
Cold weather anglers flock to thick ice; effects of ice on fish mixed
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In a few years, Michigan anglers might have the polar vortex to thank for good hauls.
But in a few months, they might have it to blame for particularly disappointing catches.
Land
Report: Michigan needs more markets, fresh food access
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Although farmers markets seem to be popping up all the time, both urban and rural areas adequate access to healthy, natural food, according to a report by the Michigan Food Policy Council.
Wildlife
Black bear shooting highlights poaching problem in Michigan
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A bear-poaching incident in Manistee County has attracted a lot of public and press attention – and shed light on a continuing poaching problem throughout Michigan.
Wildlife
Michigan officials seek to regulate carrier pigeons
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by Lacee Shepard
Local officials could restrict ownership of carrier pigeons on a community—by-community basis under a new Michigan proposal. Sen. Hoon-Yung Hopgood , D-Taylor, introduced a bill that would allow cities and townships to decide their own restrictions on carrier pigeons. The bill began after Hopgood received a constituent complaint about a neighbor owning too many carrier pigeons. “We thought we should give the cities the ability to do what make sense for a given community,” Hopgood said. “Then they can look out for the health and welfare of local residents.”
The proposal wouldn’t allow a local ban on the bird but would allow local governments to impose a limit on ownership if they see fit, Hopgood said.
Land
Early warning program battles frog bit, other invasive species
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A Department of Natural Resources (DNR) early warning program is trying to prevent the invasive species frog bit from destroying native aquatic plants.
Land
As harvesting labor dwindles, farms turning to mechanization
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As workers at many farms and orchards become more and more scarce, the need for mechanical harvesting is rising.
Blueberries, cherries and grapes are all increasingly being harvested by machines rather than farm workers.
Echo
Michigan’s feral swine numbers are dropping… or are they?
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The Michigan Department of Natural Resources says the number of feral swine – known to infect farm pigs – is significantly decreasing. But one interest group is at odds with the DNR over the numbers, saying the problem is all but solved.
Echo
Crisp Point natural beauty now protected, open to public
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Two miles of pristine Lake Superior shoreline, sand dunes and an 83-acre inland lake are now open to the public as part of a 3,816-acre expansion of state-owned forestland in the central Upper Peninsula.