Echo
More snow means more snowmobiling, but not an increase in accidents
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Despite the near-record snowfall in Michigan that created a banner year for snow-related sports, snowmobile fatalities haven’t climbed with the piles of snow.
Wildlife
Tough winter good for some endangered species
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Heavy snowfall is proving to be helpful for some of Michigan’s endangered species, like Karner blue butterflies.
Wildlife
Fur dealers could trap beavers under proposed law change
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The Michigan Trappers and Predator Callers Association pushed for the legislation, sponsored by Sen. Thomas Casperson, R-Escanaba.
Land
From aquarium beauty to pond bully – it’s parrot feather!
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Michigan officials fear a return of the aquatic invasive plant that was once popular in home aquariums.
Wildlife
Waterfowl confuse roads with water
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There is an increase in reports of waterfowl stranded on roadways that they confuse with open water.
Some birds cannot take off again because their bodies are adapted to lifting off from water.
Climate
Michigan cities brace for a changing climate
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Grand Rapids, Ann Arbor, Marquette and Ludington are among those planning for climate trends that they are already seeing take shape.
Waste
Old tires could build pothole-resistant roads, solve disposal problem
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Old tires could create pothole resistant Michigan roads.
If it works, it may help address a disposal headache.
Echo
Lawmakers consider regulation of carbon dioxide to extract more oil from Michigan wells
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The bill is supported by the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality, but it is not without controversy.
Recreation
No surfing on frozen lakes but snow kiters fly high
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Michigan’s winter surfing season is in a freeze with record-breaking lows that froze the Great Lakes.
Land
Controversial Michigan bill would remove ban on state-owned land
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Sponsored by Rep. Wayne Schmidt, R-Traverse City, the bill would raise the 4.626 million acre cap on land and allow the Department of Natural Resources to acquire more.