Wildlife
Researchers tackle bee decline
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MSU entomologist Rufus Isaacs talks about declining bee populations, and that Michigan bees that pollinate the state’s blueberry, cherry and apple crops.
Land
Michigan’s native plants are essential in preserving the state’s ecosystem
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Detroit resident Cheryl English knows that growing native plants in her garden can greatly benefit the environment.
Land
Economic potential for farmers markets expands
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Looking at farmers markets by Great Lakes Echo
As the summer weather gets nicer, farmers markets seem to be multiplying around the area. But it’s not as simple as just popping up tents and selling veggies. Current State’s Peter Whorf speaks with Dru Montri, Director of the Michigan Farmers Market Association, to talk about market trends, realities, and the work behind the markets that go unseen.
Echo
Road funding at the top of Michigan’s transportation issues
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Detroit’s new RTA, road funding at the top of Michigan’s transportation issues by Great Lakes Echo
There is no shortage of transportation issues to discuss here in Michigan. After 40 years and 23 attempts, metro Detroit finally has a Regional Transportation Authority. At the top of Governor Snyder’s agenda is a new road funding bill, but will the legislature provide the funds he says he needs to make the necessary improvements? Tim Fischer is the deputy policy director at the Michigan Environmental Council and specializes in transportation infrastructure. He helps us sort out some of Michigan’s most pressing transportation issues.
Echo
Here’s why the Great Lakes should care about a court decision affecting water in the southwest
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A Supreme Court decision involving a Texas/Oklahoma water conflict could affect the Great Lakes.
Echo
Building Great Lakes fisheries
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Over the course of the year, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources will stock nearly 19 million fish, including native and non-native species.
Echo
Wet weather sewer project aims to save Michigan’s capital city $230 million
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‘Wet Weather’ sewer project aims to save Lansing $230 million by Great Lakes Echo
Lansing residents have a chance to weigh in on the latest suggestion for dealing with city sewage and stormwater. City administrators say the so-called “Wet Weather” project would combine Lansing’s 20-year old CSO, or “combined sewage overflow” project, with two other similar ones involving sanitary sewer overflow and stormwater. Chad Gamble is the Chief Operating Officer and Director of Public Service for the city, and he supports the “Wet Weather” project. He and others maintain the three initiatives can be successfully combined and would save taxpayers approximately $350 million dollars.
Echo
Uncovering a shipwreck three centuries later
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Steve Libert, president of the Great Lakes Exploration Group, discovered in Lake Michigan something he suggests might be the bowsprit of a 17th century French sailing vessel.
Echo
International Joint Commission issues Great Lakes report card
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Lana Pollack, chair of the International Joint Commission’s U.S. delegation, discusses past victories and future challenges of cleaning up the Great Lakes.
Echo
What’s up with the Great Lakes govs’ summit on Mackinac Island?
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This weekend’s Great Lakes Governor’s Summit agenda features less environment and more economic development issues.
Echo commentator Gary Wilson provides his take on Current State.