Great Lakes Echo (https://greatlakesecho.org/author/great-lakes-echo/page/11/)
By Victoria Witke
A new U-M study done in Lenawee, Tuscola and Monroe counties finds that cover crop mixtures on farms can help mitigate adverse impacts of climate change, instead of single species cover crops. There are concerns about the freezing of federal payments for agriculture programs.
By Georgia Hill
Many local governments in Michigan are taking steps to address climate change, but a recent study suggests that their efforts often overlook communities most vulnerable to environmental hazards.
By Dylan Engels
State funds are now available for the North Pierhead Lighthouse restoration in Manistee, with the goal of opening to the public in 2026. Since 2021, the State Historic Preservation Office has awarded over $390,000 to restore lighthouses, among them Grand Haven Inner Pier Light, Eagle Harbor Light Station in Keweenaw County and, most recently, North Pierhead Lighthouse in Manistee.
By Kayte Marshall
The DNR’s Nature Awaits program brings fourth graders to more than two dozen state parks, including ones in Mattawan, Holland, Paradise, Norton Shores and Detroit.
By Daniel Schoenherr
A new Senate bill would make it easier to subdivide parcels of 10 or more acres in what proponents say would encourage construction of more affordable housing. Critics counter it could put a strain on municipal infrastructure. Sponsor is from St. Clair Shores.
By Victoria Witke A proposal would impose a 50-cent per delivery “retail delivery tax” to raise about $275 million a year to fix local streets. We hear from the Michigan Municipal League, which is floating the idea, and the Michigan Retailers Association and Small Business Association of Michigan which call it a no-go. An Ann Arbor legislator on the subcommittee that handles transportation funding says the money is badly needed.
By Katie Finkbeiner
A group of Democratic and Republican senators want to bring gun safety instruction into middle and high schools with DNR-certified instructors. The lead sponsor, from North Muskegon, said the program would improve gun safety among youth and perhaps increase the ranks of young hunters. Cosponsors include senators from Detroit, Harbor Springs, Manton and Mount Pleasant and Six Lakes. A U-M expert discusses.
By Ruth Thornton
A new study finds new PFAS in the water and fish of Lake Huron near Rockport and Port Austin, raising concerns about human and wildlife health. We talk to one of the authors, experts from the Ecology Center in Ann Arbor, an Alpena charter boat captain and an East Lansing legislator.
By Clara Lincolnhol
Toledo, Ohio, has a rich Rust Belt history that influences its present-day culture. Local environmental groups and agencies are turning to public art to teach residents that the area’s natural history is just as important.
“Telling this story through something visual that beautifies a community is a great way to educate Toledo residents and reconnect them to nature in the place they call home, said Rob Krain,” executive director for the Black Swamp Conservancy.
By Isabella Figueroa
New grants to Great Lakes states to measure harmful chemicals in marginalized communities are facing uncertainty under increased White House scrutiny on federal spending.
In September 2024, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention awarded a first round of $5 million across six state biomonitoring programs that measure chemicals in people. Michigan, Minnesota, New York and Wisconsin were among the states receiving grants.