Great Lakes Echo (https://greatlakesecho.org/author/guest-contributor/page/62/)
By Kurt Williams
Air quality in northern Michigan was bad on Jan., 21. At least that’s what the weather app on Sharon Emery’s phone reported. The ominous warning “Unhealthy Air Quality for Sensitive Groups” hung above the day’s current conditions of clear skies and 27 degrees. Emery has a place in Cheboygan, on the shore of Lake Huron in northern Michigan. It’s not known for poor air quality, especially in winter.
The Great Lakes Observing System has created “Smart Great Lakes,” by making it easy for the public and policy makers to access data from buoys and underwater probes.
From ski slopes to dog sled races to snow carving contests, warmer weather this season has forced Michigan’s winter sports and tourism groups to adapt to keep participants and spectators coming.
Climate change is pushing vineyard owners to prepare for possible impacts, including the effects on pests that threaten Michigan’s $2.1 billion-a-year wine industry.
The number of feral swine in the state is declining, but there’s still concern about their transmitting diseases to domestic pigs — threatening a $500-million-a-year industry — and to people, as well as damage to vegetation.
Michigan’s commercial fishing industry wants the ability to catch and sell game species like trout and perch, while recreational anglers say that change would threaten fish populations and hurt fish-related tourism and spending.
A proposal crawling through the Michigan Legislature would require a $25 stamp for pheasant hunting, with the proceeds earmarked to stock the birds on state-owned land and to improve their habitat.
National parks in Michigan and across the country are in a $12 billion hole in funding for infrastructure repairs and deferred maintenance, according to a new report.
Commercial hunting and fishing guides would need state licenses under a proposal pending in a Michigan House committee. Supporters say that would provide additional safety for hunters and anglers if guides must carry liability insurance and know CPR and first aid.
The Army Corps of Engineers is warning of damage and danger from rising Great Lakes water levels and winter storms.