Great Lakes Echo (https://greatlakesecho.org/tag/capital-news-service/page/20/)
State and local officials in Michigan are bracing for spring floods after record-breaking snowfalls in some areas.
And the risks are high, with a 50 percent to 90 percent chance of flooding predicted statewide this year.
Hoping for a quick thaw to escape the winter blues? Not so fast.
A fast melt of accumulated snow could harm Michigan waters.
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.
Heavy snowfall is proving to be helpful for some of Michigan’s endangered species, like Karner blue butterflies.
The Michigan Trappers and Predator Callers Association pushed for the legislation, sponsored by Sen. Thomas Casperson, R-Escanaba.
Michigan officials fear a return of the aquatic invasive plant that was once popular in home aquariums.
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.
Grand Rapids, Ann Arbor, Marquette and Ludington are among those planning for climate trends that they are already seeing take shape.
Old tires could create pothole resistant Michigan roads.
If it works, it may help address a disposal headache.
The bill is supported by the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality, but it is not without controversy.