Echo
Fears rise about possible moose die-off in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula and beyond
|
A national trend in moose die-offs may be hitting the Upper Peninsula, Minnesota and beyond — and officials are pointing to climate change as the culprit.
Echo
Invasive emerald ash borer hurts Michigan timber sales
|
The devastating spread of the emerald ash borer shows no sign of slowing and it is causing the pace of timber sales to quicken, as those in the timber sales industry race against the clock – and many dying trees.
Recreation
Michigan lawmakers propose wildlife council to promote hunting, fishing
|
Michigan lawmakers are looking to create a new wildlife council to educate the public about the outdoors and the role of hunters, anglers and trappers – using money from hunting and license fees.
Echo
No cure in sight for loon-killing botulism
|
For a long time, botulism didn’t much affect loons, but the bacteria has been taking its toll recently on the population in northern Michigan.
Combined with a high mortality rate for offspring, experts are worrying about the future of this iconic bird.
Echo
Kirtland’s warbler grant boosts effort to end endangerment
|
State workers and environmental groups will use a federal grant to help get the Kirtland’s warbler off the list of endangered species.
The $171,000 grant will go toward a range of activities in Northeast Michigan, including the planting of two million jack pine seedlings, which are the only habitat the bird can nest in.
Echo
Officials want Michigan to pay for wildfires
|
Michigan Rep. Bob Genetski, R- Saugatuck, has introduced a bill that would allow the state to compensate localities for fighting fires on state-owned land through the already-established Forest Development Fund. Wildfires strain the resources of small, under-equipped localities, he says.
Echo
Rural schools, roads lose timber payments
|
Michigan is losing $229,491 in federal timber payments this year because of the budget sequestration — money that would otherwise be used for rural roads and schools, environmental work in the state’s three national forests and county wildfire projects.
Echo
Millennials driving less, seeking alternative transportation
|
The number of licensed drivers in Michigan and how much they travel are trending downward.
Working from home, social media, the economy and urban lifestyle are among the reasons, according to a new report.
Still, the state lags in mass transportation options.
Echo
Michigan Historical Museum highlights deadly storms, weather science
|
The Great Storm of 1913, os one of the defining moments in Michigan’s weather history.
People can examine that storm in the Michigan Historical Museum’s exhibit, “Lake Effects,” on Oct. 5.
Echo
Commercial fishing decline hits economies, communities
|
As the number of active state-licensed commercial fishing operations dwindles on the Great Lakes, their downward spiral signals a change in culture as well as economics and environment.