Land
Mass transportation could move state beyond “Band-aid” fixes
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The Michigan Land Use Institute is exploring the possibility of creating new passenger train service between Ann Arbor and Traverse City, as a way to take some cars off the roads.
Land
Michigan’s forests underused, experts say
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Michigan could expand forest use beyond harvested timber to products such as syrup, furniture and ethanol.
Wildlife
Michigan court tosses elk farm suit against state
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The Michigan Court of Appeals ruled that the elk-breeding facility waited too long to sue after the state shut it down during a year-long chronic wasting disease quarantine. An appeal to the state Supreme Court is likely.
Echo
Michigan’s energy policy up for grabs
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With 2008 energy mandates set to expire, Michigan’s future in clean energy is up for debate, with possibilities of the state turning back to fossil fuels.
Waste
Prison terms loom in Michigan asbestos case
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Three people plead guilty to illegally removing asbestos from a former Southwest Michigan power plant. They are now facing possible prison terms after agreeing to reimburse the federal government for approximately $1 million to clean up the contaminated facility in Kalamazoo County’s Comstock Township.
Recreation
Special events, indoor promotions increase winter tourism
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In an effort to expand tourist-related economic activity, outdoor recreation businesses across Michigan are increasingly providing indoor tourist experiences to complement the great outdoors during the winter months.
Wildlife
Beyond politics – the science behind gray wolves
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Politicians, activists and hunters continue to debate on the current state of the gray wolf’s status as an endangered species.
Recreation
Lower alcohol levels for snowmobilers advances safety efforts
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A new law lowered the maximum blood alcohol content allowed for snowmobile drivers from .1 percent to .08 percent.
Energy
15-year delay undermines Northern Michigan drilling suit
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A judge ruled that Richard Brilinski waited to long to sue an energy company that may have drilled a natural gas well too close to his property line, and will now no longer be able to.
Wildlife
Congress may take up state management of gray wolves
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A bipartisan bill that is still in draft would remove federal protection of the gray wolf in Michigan, Minnesota, Wisconsin and Wyoming.