Echo
Gov. to sign farm environmental standards bill
|
Legislation to formally recognize a long-standing farm environmental improvement program is well on its way to Gov. Rick Snyder’s desk for approval.
Echo
Climate change shifts songbird populations
|
Climate change impacts songbird breeding and distribution patterns and could potentially lead to health problems in birds. Birds now migrate north earlier and south later. They might also arrive too early or too late to feed on hatching insects due to changes in climate.
Echo
Michigan’s comeback tied to sustainable communities
|
Sustainable communities will be a hot topic in the next 50 years, according to a coalition of environmental groups.
That movement will include activities such as the East Stadium Bridges Improvement Project in Ann Arbor, a new master plan in Grand Traverse County and a job training plan in Southeast Michigan.
The long-term vision outlined by the Michigan Environmental Council includes energy, water, great cities, sustainable communities, transportation, agriculture and natural resources.
Echo
State pushes for more young farmers
|
As the state’s agricultural sector continues to grow, so does the need for young farmers, according to the Michigan Farm Bureau.
While the average age of the state’s farmers was about 54 in 2007, the Department of Agriculture believes that number is currently higher.
Echo
Wireless service uncertain at more state parks
|
A proposal to bring wireless Internet service to state parks to boost tourism appears far from certain.
Broadband service could promote agri-tourism to golf courses, fishing docks and state parks.
Land
Teamwork on land investment pays ecological dividends
|
LANSING – State and federal agencies, conservation groups and residents have been teaming up to increase the amount of environmentally important land protected in Michigan.
Securing development rights is gaining popularity as it’s cheaper than purchasing land outright to preserve it.
Nearshore
Study highlights fragility of Lake Michigan dunes
|
New information about sand dunes along Lake Michigan is expected to improve protection of archeological sites, researchers and planners say.
Recreation
Bucks disappear Up North in more ways than one
|
Michigan deer hunting is a $1 billion-a-year industry but last year license sales dropped 4 percent from previous years.
The state is attempting to boost hunting tourism with new campaigns like advertising that targets out-of-state hunters.
Echo
Animal rabies worries state officials
|
Rabies remains a problem in Michigan, with 70 animals testing positive in 2010. Most cases of animal rabies are reported in the Lower Peninsula, especially in the southeast. There were 68 positive animal tests last year, 79 in 2007 and 47 in 2001.
Echo
State pushes green initiatives for local communities
|
A set of initiatives by the Department of Energy, Labor and Economic Growth is making it easier for communities to go green. Program goals include developing recycling and household hazardous waste programs for residents and businesses.