Echo
Municipal utilities hike rates for electricity
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Municipal electric utilities plan gradual rate increases this winter, and some have already implemented them to comply with federal environmental regulations and to keep local jobs.
Land
More farms up north mean opportunity, development
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Michigan has 10 million acres of farmland, but only 10 percent is in the north.
State farm officials say there is more opportunity and a trend of more acres being farmed in those regions.
Echo
Gypsy moth population plummets, study says
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A recent report about major forest insect and disease conditions by the U.S. Forest Service said the population of gypsy moths decreased dramatically in Michigan last year.
Wildlife
Michigan expands Great Lakes muskie stock
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The muskie production program of the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has turned a huge corner by stocking only Great Lakes muskies. The department has raised muskellunge for stocking for decades but had always used northern muskies. This is the second year it produced strictly Great Lakes muskies.
Climate
Drought’s a Grinch – years from now
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The drought of 2012 will affect Christmas tree farmers in the Great Lakes eight to nine years from now.
That’s because the dry landscape was bad for planting new trees.
Michigan ranks only behind Oregon and North Carolina in the national tree market.
Echo
Michigan wineries expand, look to China for growth
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Michigan’s annual grape wine production ranks around tenth in the nation.
the quality and quantity of this year’s wine is very good.
State officials recently visited China to explore more business cooperation, including the exporting of wine.
Wildlife
Are dead deer cash cows?
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Michigan Highway Hazard Recovery is contracted to clean up deer and other animal roadkill in several counties across the state of Michigan. Oakland County pays about $20,000 a year on deer cleanup.
Climate
Chestnut farmers cope with lower yields
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Michigan’s chestnut growers are facing the same problems other fruit growers confront this year.
The early surge of temperatures in March and the inevitable cold weather in April and May curtailed nut production, just as it did for apples and cherries.
Echo
Dogs may threaten beach health, water supply
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The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency says dogs produce 10 million tons of feces annually.
When it isn’t picked up, it can pollute waterways and threaten public health.
Recreation
Commission considers canoe, kayak registration
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The chair of Michigan’s Waterways Commission has a plan to generate new revenue for inland and Great Lakes harbors — require state registrations for non-motorized watercraft.