Great Lakes Echo (https://greatlakesecho.org/author/capital-news-service/page/15/)
Capital News Service is a wire service at Michigan State University covering state government - issues and personalities.
Michigan Rep. Bob Genetski, R- Saugatuck, has introduced a bill that would allow the state to compensate localities for fighting fires on state-owned land through the already-established Forest Development Fund. Wildfires strain the resources of small, under-equipped localities, he says.
Michigan is losing $229,491 in federal timber payments this year because of the budget sequestration — money that would otherwise be used for rural roads and schools, environmental work in the state’s three national forests and county wildfire projects.
As the number of active state-licensed commercial fishing operations dwindles on the Great Lakes, their downward spiral signals a change in culture as well as economics and environment.
The Department of Natural Resources is tagging and recapturing walleye to determine growth rates, movement between waters and the contribution of stocked fish to native walleye populations.
Michigan wine grape growers hope for another strong season and that this year’s crop will reflect innovation. Some expect to see the first production of wines from at least two varieties of red grapes.
Michigan farmers who purchased drought-resistant corn last year don’t feel they’ve wasted their money on the more expensive hybrid. Many farmers agree that recent wet weather doesn’t mean there won’t be a drought later this summer.
Sand traps were constructed worldwide to save fish from excessive sand in freshwater streams. But Michigan Department of Natural Resources reserchers doubt their benefit.
Some sand traps could even harm river ecosystems, experts say.
The Michigan Department of Natural Resources said its $9 million program is stocking 19 million fish — 370 tons — including eight trout and salmon species and four cool-water species, including walleye and muskellunge.
The ethanol industry is looking to recover from its first national decline in 15 years, due in part to drought-damaged corn crops in Michigan, Indiana and Illinois.
In Michigan, dogs may be allowed to accompany their owners in outdoor dining areas if a bill introduced by Rep. Margaret O’Brien, R-Portage, passes.