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Commercial fishing decline hits economies, communities
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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.
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Ongoing walleye studies help DNR
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The Department of Natural Resources is tagging and recapturing walleye to determine growth rates, movement between waters and the contribution of stocked fish to native walleye populations.
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Winemakers pressing for new grape varieties
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Michigan wine grape growers hope for another strong season and that this year’s crop will reflect innovation. Some expect to see the first production of wines from at least two varieties of red grapes.
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Some farmers bank on drought-resistant corn
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Michigan farmers who purchased drought-resistant corn last year don’t feel they’ve wasted their money on the more expensive hybrid. Many farmers agree that recent wet weather doesn’t mean there won’t be a drought later this summer.
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New study questions river sand trap strategy
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Sand traps were constructed worldwide to save fish from excessive sand in freshwater streams. But Michigan Department of Natural Resources reserchers doubt their benefit.
Some sand traps could even harm river ecosystems, experts say.
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Spring brings fish stocking, regulation changes
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The Michigan Department of Natural Resources said its $9 million program is stocking 19 million fish — 370 tons — including eight trout and salmon species and four cool-water species, including walleye and muskellunge.
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Ethanol production levels off in Michigan
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The ethanol industry is looking to recover from its first national decline in 15 years, due in part to drought-damaged corn crops in Michigan, Indiana and Illinois.
Land
Proposal lets dogs into outdoor dining areas
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In Michigan, dogs may be allowed to accompany their owners in outdoor dining areas if a bill introduced by Rep. Margaret O’Brien, R-Portage, passes.
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Sand removal protect U.P.’s coaster brook trout
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Removing sand from the Salmon Trout River in Marquette County has helped protect the spawning sites of coaster brook trout, according to researchers.
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Bicycling deaths drop, safety urged
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The number of Michigan’s bicyclist deaths dropped 17 percent between 2011 and last year.
Meanwhile, cycling groups continue to advocate more safety measures.