Echo

Ruling on trout boosts U.P. mining project

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(MI) The Detroit News – Federal officials dealt a setback to opponents of a proposed nickel mine in the Upper Peninsula Monday by declining to place a trout species that spawns in the area on the endangered species list. Conservation groups looking to block Kennecott Minerals Inc. from mining 160 acres of state land near Marquette had hoped the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service would designate the Coaster Brook Trout for federal protection. That designation may have forced Kennecott to revise its permit applications seeking state approval for the project. But three years after the Sierra Club and Huron Mountain Club petitioned for the trout to receive endangered species status, the federal government announced Monday it would not do so. More

Wildlife

Climate Change Forces Michigan Mammals Northward

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(MI) Environmental News Service – Some of Michigan’s forest mammals are expanding their ranges to the north, likely in response to climate change, a new study shows.  

The finding that historically southern species now are replacing the declining northern species by scientists at the University of Michigan, Michigan State University and Ohio’s Miami University, appears in the June issue of the journal “Global Change Biology.” “This study documents things that are happening right now, here at home,” lead author Philip Myers said today. More

Echo

Michigan gets nearly $2.7M to combat invasive species

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(MI) Booth Newspapers – Michigan has been awarded nearly $2.7 million to combat invasive species. The award was announced Thursday by U.S. Sens. Debbie Stabenow and Carl Levin, both Democrats from Michigan. They say invasive species pose a signifcant threat to Michigan’s environment and the funding will help eradicate them. The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act funding has been designated for the Wildland Fire Management program.

Echo

Troy’s celebrated solar house left in dark

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(MI) The Detroit News – It was supposed to be a shining example of the green movement — a completely independent solar-powered house with no gas or electrical hookups. Seven months ago, officials gathered for a ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate the $900,000 house owned by the city of Troy that was to be used as an educational tool and meeting spot. But it never opened to the public. And it remains closed. More