Wildlife
Chronic wasting disease found in new county
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A deer with chronic wasting disease has been found in Ogemaw County — a county that had never seen the disease before.
And that worries the Department of Natural Resources.
Wildlife
‘Little Red Riding Hood syndrome:’ Wolf controversy in the UP
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The state’s Natural Resources Commission wants to know more before deciding whether to allow the hunting of wolves – if Michigan’s largest predator is taken off the federal endangered species list.
They are one of the most controversial animals in the state, according to Brian Roell, a Department of Natural Resources wildlife biologist.
Land
Michigan golf courses returned to their natural state
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Northern Michigan is home to two unique land preserves, one in Harbor Springs and the other in Traverse City – both originating from golf courses.
Golf has strong ties to Michigan, with around 650 courses. Enthusiasts have nicknamed it “America’s Summer Golf Capital,” according to The Travel Magazine.
Transportation
Reducing salt use on snowy roads proves challenging
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As the winter season approaches, counties across Michigan are preparing to handle the inevitable dumping of snow, especially on roadways.
Technology and processes employed have helped plows become more efficient, said Bradley Wieferich, the director of the Department of Transportation.
Wildlife
Invasive insect threatens carbon storage in Great Lakes forests
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An invasive insect increasingly threatens one of the Great Lakes region’s most important trees for storing the carbon that causes global warming.
Researchers have found that eastern hemlock trees felled by the invasive woolly adelgid could emit 4.5 tons of carbon across almost two and a half football fields.
Wildlife
Local farms compete with imported turkeys during Thanksgiving
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When you reminisce about the Thanksgiving season, it’s easy to envision a belly stuffed with turkey, then leaning all the way back in your favorite recliner for a nap.
The hard work of small-town turkey farmers around Michigan is likely to go unnoticed when many consumers head to the supermarket for their frozen bird
Solutions
Buying local fresh produce benefits farmers
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Michigan is the second-most agriculturally diverse state, with farmers growing a wide variety of produce and specialty crops, such as cherries, asparagus and blueberries.
One bonus of buying locally grown produce is that the community’s economy benefits.
Solutions
State farmers eye upcoming federal Farm Bill
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Michigan farmers, looking to expand crop insurance and research funding, are pushing to see their needs recognized as the federal Farm Bill moves along on the congressional agenda.
“This would not be the first time that a Farm Bill was extended. It’s happened several times, but we need leadership to sit down to get the job done,” he said.
Climate
Great Lakes microclimate good for specialty crops
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While cornfields are abundant throughout the state, Michigan produces many more crops than just corn.
Specialty crops, which are fruits, vegetables, tree nuts, flowers and other horticulture crops, are abundant in the Great Lake state.
Land
Wetland restoration revives Ohio Lake
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An initiative to improve water quality throughout Ohio and Lake Erie is gaining ground — about a hundred acres to be exact.
Wetlands have the potential to restore the water quality of the Great Lakes, though Navarro says that may take decades of dedicated wetland restoration.