Echo
Michigan natural gas supplies exceed demand, force prices down
|
Falling natural gas prices in Michigan might prompt drilling companies to cut production, according to the Michigan Oil and Gas Association.
Echo
Youth hunting may boost Michigan’s economy
|
By Jennifer Chen
Capital News Service
LANSING — More turkey hunting licenses will be issued this year to lure young people outdoors, a step which may help improve the state’s economy said Rodney Stokes, director of the Michigan Department of Natural Resources. A new $7.50 mentored youth hunting license package started on March 1. The spring turkey season which runs from April 25 to May 13. “It is a good way to teach children about the importance of conserving the state’s unmatched natural resources and ensure the hunting tradition continues to thrive,” Stokes said. The new mentoring program will eliminate the minimum hunting age and let parents decide if and when their child is ready to hunt.
Echo
Michigan wetland restoration snags millions for two projects
|
By Xinjuan Deng
Capital News Service
LANSING — Two federal grants of $1 million each will help restore wetlands and migratory bird habitats in Michigan. The projects include work on water control and distribution structures in the Saginaw Bay area, Southeast Michigan and the Lake Michigan area. Tom Melius, Midwest regional director of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, said, “Wetlands in the upper Midwest not only serve as indicators of water quality for our communities, but also serve as the breeding and resting grounds for hundreds of species.”
More than 3 million waterfowl annually migrate through or breed in the Great Lakes region, many in the corridor that extends from Saginaw Bay to western Lake Erie, including Lake St. Clair and the Detroit River. The corridor has vital breeding grounds for mallards and wood ducks, as well as American black ducks, redheads, shovelers and blue-winged teal.
Echo
Michigan bio-industry seeks federal, state boost
|
Bio-based industry would get a better chance to prosper under a proposal to expand throughout Michigan in ways that would grow agriculture and reduce dependence on oil, according to an industry group.
Echo
Michigan farmers eye exports to Colombia
|
Colombia could be the next big market for Michigan agricultural products. Representatives are looking to capitalize on recent free trade agreements and to open new markets for state-grown products.
Echo
Some honeybee deaths may be preventable, experts say
|
Insecticides used on corn and soybeans are linked to honeybee colony deaths. But there may be other factors to blame.
Land
Turning to plants for mental, physical health
|
It’s hard to turn on the television or read a magazine without seeing pill ads that claim cures for everything from sleeplessness to restless legs. But a growing number of Michiganders are choosing plants over pills to improve their health.
Echo
New trade group predicts Michigan boom in new energy
|
Global, national and state-level demand for advanced energy storage and more biomass, solar and wind power will grow significantly by 2015, according to the Energy Innovation Business Council in Michigan.
Climate
Mild winter saves money but only for some Michigan counties
|
It’s been a weird winter for Michiganders used to a lot of snow, ice and cold.
The mild winter has been a money-saver for some and business as usual for others.
Echo
Michigan farm program that mitigates environmental impacts may expand
|
The Michigan Agriculture Environmental Assurance Program is a voluntary program to make farms economically and environmentally sustainable. And may expand.