Wildlife
Black bear shooting highlights poaching problem in Michigan
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A bear-poaching incident in Manistee County has attracted a lot of public and press attention – and shed light on a continuing poaching problem throughout Michigan.
Wildlife
Michigan officials seek to regulate carrier pigeons
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by Lacee Shepard
Local officials could restrict ownership of carrier pigeons on a community—by-community basis under a new Michigan proposal. Sen. Hoon-Yung Hopgood , D-Taylor, introduced a bill that would allow cities and townships to decide their own restrictions on carrier pigeons. The bill began after Hopgood received a constituent complaint about a neighbor owning too many carrier pigeons. “We thought we should give the cities the ability to do what make sense for a given community,” Hopgood said. “Then they can look out for the health and welfare of local residents.”
The proposal wouldn’t allow a local ban on the bird but would allow local governments to impose a limit on ownership if they see fit, Hopgood said.
Land
Early warning program battles frog bit, other invasive species
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A Department of Natural Resources (DNR) early warning program is trying to prevent the invasive species frog bit from destroying native aquatic plants.
Land
As harvesting labor dwindles, farms turning to mechanization
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As workers at many farms and orchards become more and more scarce, the need for mechanical harvesting is rising.
Blueberries, cherries and grapes are all increasingly being harvested by machines rather than farm workers.
Echo
Is it mining? Timber? Weather? Upper Peninsula population trend puzzles
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A curious, century-old population trend in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula shows a yo-yoing cycle of growth and decline every 20 years.
It could be rooted in natural resource issues.
Perhaps the timber or mining industries are behind it… or maybe the weather.
Echo
Michigan’s feral swine numbers are dropping… or are they?
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The Michigan Department of Natural Resources says the number of feral swine – known to infect farm pigs – is significantly decreasing. But one interest group is at odds with the DNR over the numbers, saying the problem is all but solved.
Echo
Homeowners lose chemical contamination appeal
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Homeowners whose property was contaminated by materials from a now-defunct chemical plant in Michigan’s Gratiot County have lost their lawsuit against contractors and trucking companies that removed toxic sediments from the adjacent Pine River.
Echo
Crisp Point natural beauty now protected, open to public
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Two miles of pristine Lake Superior shoreline, sand dunes and an 83-acre inland lake are now open to the public as part of a 3,816-acre expansion of state-owned forestland in the central Upper Peninsula.
Echo
Michigan legislators hope to promote salvaging animals with new roadkill bill
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Michigan state Sen. Darwin Booher, R-Evart, wants you to keep your roadkill — please. He, along with colleague Sen. John Pappageorge of Troy, are trying to lessen the paperwork involved in those interested in keeping roadkill.
Echo
More trails, more water access recommended in public lands report
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More access to forests, lakes and trails are among the goals the Michigan Department of Natural Resources has in store for public lands.