Wildlife
Good news? Smallmouth bass chow down on invaders
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New studies show that the invasive species, round goby, has become a key food source for native species, including the small mouth bass, yellow perch and walleye.
Energy
As Michigan wind farms expand, protests increase
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Thanks to wind power, Michigan is on track to meet its renewable energy goals, but issues of transparency and turbine placement have some doubting this new shift toward wind.
Energy
Michigan behind other states in wood use innovation
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Experts say Michigan is far behind states on the Atlantic and Pacific coasts in exploring innovative markets and uses for wood products and wood energy.
Energy
New college programs train clean energy technicians
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A bachelor’s degree in electrical systems technology will be developed by Alpena Community College for employment in the fields of electric distribution, transmission and generation.
Land
Jobs in timbering, wood products go begging
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Logging and wood product companies are searching for skilled employees with many experienced foresters and other Northern Michigan workers retiring.
Water
Pesticide levels in rivers may threaten fish, insects
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Levels of pesticides didn’t exceed the benchmark for human health, but farm runoff remains a concern for fish and insects in many streams and rivers.
Climate
Ethanol use in Michigan cuts greenhouse gas, study finds
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A new study by scientists at Michigan State University shows that ethanol use in Michigan is reducing carbon emissions by nearly 1.4 million metric tons per year, equivalent to the emissions of 294,000 cars.
Land
Michigan crosswalk safety rules unclear, hinder walkability
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Communities are increasingly requesting “Yield to pedestrian” signs to improve walkability, but others fear the signs provide a false sense of security.
Land
Road restrictions hamper farmers
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Farming feels the lingering effects of the polar vortex in some parts of the state as cold temperatures continue into spring.
Land
Michigan farm officials oppose federal authority expansion over water
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Michigan farm officials are fighting an attempt by the federal Environmental Protection agency to regulate small bodies of water.
They fear that a new permit process would make farming more expensive and time-consuming.