Echo
Last year’s drought, early frost cause this year’s farm labor woes
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An increasing number of workers from Eastern Europe are finding jobs in the farm industry in Michigan, but the increase isn’t enough to allay concerns of labor shortage.
Echo
Cap on state-owned land moves responsibility to land conservancies
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That’s disconcerting for environmentalists, who call the limit arbitrary and worry it will render the state unable to cope with rising demand for public land.
Echo
Energy efficiency rewarding for Michigan businesses
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Detroit was listed in the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s 2012 top 25 cities with the most ENERGY STAR rated buildings. It ranked 19th with 100 ENERGY STAR buildings.
Echo
Anti-fracking group gears up for ballot fight
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Some environmental advocates criticize hydraulic fracturing, including the Committee to Ban Fracking in Michigan, which is gearing for its second push to prohibit new horizontal fracking.
Despite what industry officials call an impressive safety track record, this method of natural gas extraction is under fire.
Echo
Green jobs grow again after dip
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After losing 3 percent of its “green” jobs a year earlier, Michigan became one of the fastest-growing states for environmental employment last year.
Wildlife
Crossbows gain popularity with Michigan deer hunters
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The number of deer hunters in Michigan using crossbows has doubled since 2009, according to a survey by the Department of Natural Resources. While the overall number of hunters in the state have declined, the method of crossbow hunting is growing in popularity.
Echo
Michigan poachers, trespassing hunters could face higher fines
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A pair of bills in the Michigan Senate aim to deter hunters from trespassing on farmland, as well as increasing penalties for poachers who target large-antlered deer by tacking on additional restitution fees.
Climate
Tart cherry insurance program may arrive next year
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Last year’s tart cherry loss has inspired a flurry of activity to explore federal crop insurance to protect Michigan growers.
Echo
Higher fishing, hunting fees could hurt seniors, lawmaker claims
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Recently proposed increases to Michigan’s hunting and fishing fees could disproportionately hurts seniors, one legislator said, even for some who haven’t hunted or fished for years.
Echo
Michigan looks to expand potato production
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Michigan has always been a good place to grow potatoes, and the traditional crop is expanding.The latest target may be the Northeastern Lower Peninsula, where suitable soil is available.