Groups seek specialty crop grants

A new federal grant program to raise the competitiveness of specialty crops may give apple growers a boost.
It supports conservation, innovation and promotion. That includes marketing, research and ways to promote sustainability.

Michigan nears deer management decision

LANSING, Mich. — Hunting may soon have new guidance if the state Department of Natural Reseources and Environment approves its draft deer management plan.

The plan to manage 1.8 million deer goes to the agency director, Rebecca Humphries, on April 8.

Final approval would come on May 6; the agency would begin implementing parts of the plan immediately.

Volunteers pick up slack on grooming ski trails

Cash-strapped government officials have struck a deal with a state workers union to allow volunteers to groom Michigan ski trails.

In December the agency announced that only eight state forest ski trails would be groomed, and mostly by volunteer organizations.

Grooming involves removing debris, adding or removing snow and creating a level amount of snow, to improve skiing.

Guns legal in national parks

A new federal law allows firearms in national parks and wildlife refuges, including concealed guns and makes state law applicable within the park or refuge.

In Michigan, that means a person with a concealed weapons permit can have a hidden gun; an openly displayed firearm is also legal. The change doesn’t apply to national forests, which already follow state laws.

New state bonds proposed to boost energy efficiency

Some lawmakers want Michigan to be able to issue bonds to help homeowners pay for energy efficiency measures such as renewable energy systems, storm windows, automated energy controls and new heating and air conditioning units. The proposal is designed to create jobs and stimulate the economy.