Echo

Old fish makes new Great Lakes comeback

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By Mehak Bansil
Nov. 27, 2009

LANSING–Lake sturgeon, one of the oldest surviving species from prehistoric times, is making a small comeback in the Great Lakes region. “They’ve increased about a couple of percent since their lowest numbers, but at least the populations aren’t going down anymore,” said Bruce Manny, a fishery biologist for the U.S. Geological Survey’s Great Lakes Science Center in Ann Arbor. The increase is due in part to a spawning project in Black Lake, an inland lake in Cheboygan County. According to a report in the Journal of Applied Ichthyology, 40 percent of the lake sturgeon released into Black Lake as part of the project survived their first winter, but Manny said, there are no estimates on the actual number due to a lack of comprehensive studies.

Land

Swap a used coat for admission to state parks in Michigan

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By Caitlin Costello
Nov. 27, 2009
LANSING, Mich. – The Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and the Salvation Army’s Coats for Kids program are helping families bundle up and enjoy Michigan’s outdoors. Coats for Kids encourages the public to bring gently used coats to one of 16 state parks on Saturday, Dec. 5 between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. In return, donors will receive free entrance to the park for the day.

Echo

Long commutes, high gas prices spur creation of more commuter lots

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By Emily Lawler
Nov. 22, 2009

LANSING, Mich. – Look for more car pool lots in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula on the 2010 state road map. The state added four car pool lots in the Upper Peninsula this summer and fall as U.P. residents are becoming more interested in the option. “They have generally a longer travel distance between jobs, so there’s definitely a need for carpool lots in the U.P.,” said Niles Annelin, car pool lot coordinator for the Michigan Department of Transportation.

Echo

Recycling rates drop while Michigan pushes for a green economy

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By Vince Bond Jr.
Nov. 21, 2009

LANSING, Mich. – Even as the state strives to transition to a green economy, recycling doesn’t appear high on residents’ to-do lists. Michigan recycling rates have fallen by 28 percent in the last 10 years – dropping from .36 tons per resident in 1998 to .26 last year, according to a report by Lansing-based Public Sector Consultants. In contrast, Michigan’s 72 percent landfill rate is second only to Ohio among Great Lakes states.

Nearshore

NEMO’s new mission: Find toxic algae blooms

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By Mehak Bansil
Nov. 17, 2009
EAST LANSING, Mich. – If it looks like a fish and swims like a fish, then it must be a fish. Unless it’s a pseudo-fish named NEMO, designed to monitor water temperature, oxygen levels, invasive algae populations and pollutants. For example, a robofish will be able to navigate independently and transmit information about the location of toxic algae blooms.

“We chose to fit these fish with sensors for toxic algae blooms, but I think other researchers will use this technology in the future to monitor different aspects of water quality,” said Michigan State University zoology professor Elena Litchman.

Echo

Michigan communities seek federal help to target urban blight

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By Vince Bond Jr.
Nov. 14, 2009

LANSING, Mich. – Time could be running out for abandoned and dilapidated homes plaguing the property values of some Michigan neighborhoods. The Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MHSDA) is seeking $290 million from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) for its New Michigan Urban Neighborhood plan targeting the 12 largest municipalities, including Lansing, Detroit, Highland Park, Grand Rapids and Kalamazoo. Others target areas are Pontiac, Wyandotte, Hamtramck, Battle Creek, Flint, Saginaw and Benton Harbor.

Land

Light rail plans would serve downtown Detroit and connect city to Ann Arbor, Traverse City

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By Adam DeLay
Nov. 15, 2009
LANSING, Mich. — Southeast Michigan officials are pushing for a commuter rail connecting Ann Arbor and Detroit, as well as a light rail running between downtown Detroit and the New Center area along Woodward Avenue. Kirk Steudle, director of the Department of Transportation, said the projects have the potential to offer better options to travelers in the area. “Gas prices hit $4 a gallon last year and will go up again,” he said.

Energy

Power plan would promote renewable energy

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By Emily Lawler
Nov. 8, 2009

LANSING, Mich. — Turning sunshine into money isn’t a new concept, but it may become a more profitable one in Michigan. A proposed “feed-in tariff” plan would allow individuals and businesses to generate renewable power and sell it to utility companies with a guaranteed “reasonable profit” of 10 to 30 percent. “It ensures you’re going to cover your cost and not lose money,” said Stanley Pruss, director of the Department of Energy, Labor & Economic Growth (DLEG).

Waste

Michigan landfill fees lowest in Great Lakes; state lawmakers propose hike to boost recycling

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By Hyonhee Shin
Nov. 7, 2009

LANSING — Some Michigan lawmakers are seeking an increase in solid waste disposal fees to help reduce landfills and incineration. The current fee is 21 cents per ton. Most other Great Lakes states charge more — 50 cents in Indiana, $2.22 in Illinois, $4.75 in Ohio, $7.25 in Pennsylvania and $13 in Wisconsin, the highest in the nation. A proposal by state Rep. Daniel Scripps, D-Leland, would establish a $7.50 per ton state tipping fee on solid waste dumped at Michigan landfills and municipal incinerators.

Energy

Fuel-efficiency needed for economic engine

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By Vince Bond Jr.
Nov. 1, 2009
LANSING, Mich. – It’s tough to keep an old champ down. Even though the auto industry has seen better days, some analysts believe it’s too early to count out the region’s once-formidable economic backbone. Meanwhile, new data suggests there are still signs of life.