News & Fun in Michigan
Environment News feature stories and posts dealing with environmental concerns of the Great Lakes, Michigan and Upper Thumb region. This included Water Quality and Pollution in the upper Great Lakes.
Check our environmental news posts from those highlighted below.
Record-high precipitation in the Great Lakes Basin has not raised water levels above January averages. Despite warmer weather and heavy rainfall, Lakes Superior and Michigan-Huron experienced declines. Stakeholders are advised to monitor changing conditions and navigational alerts closely, especially with ice formation impacts.
The 2024 State of the Great Lakes Report emphasizes Michigan’s shared responsibility in protecting vital water resources. It highlights economic significance, ongoing challenges like pollution and invasive species, and outlines key initiatives, including combating harmful algal blooms and restoring iconic species, while fostering collective action and environmental justice.
The Michigan Supreme Court upheld the Department of Environment’s authority to implement stricter permits for concentrated animal feeding operations, a win for environmentalists focusing on water protection. The ruling addresses significant environmental risks stemming from agricultural waste management practices.
Senator Sean McCann is proposing an expansion of Michigan’s bottle deposit law, originally established in 1976, to include all beverage containers under one gallon. This initiative seeks to enhance recycling and reduce litter while maintaining the ten-cent deposit. If approved, a public vote will occur in 2026, potentially leading to significant environmental benefits.
Concern about climate change in Michigan has reached the point where business areas are being impacted. The effect on business costs will be in the billions.
Here are six critical areas of concern.
Oak wilt, caused by the fungus Bretziella fagacearum, is threatening oak trees in Michigan, particularly red oaks. Experts advise winter pruning to minimize infection risk, as the high-risk period runs from April 15 to July 15. Damage during this time can spread the disease, highlighting the need for proactive tree care.
A new study warns that in regions like Appalachia, flood risks are amplified by poverty and climate change denial. Researchers call for urgent action to avoid further disasters.
Michigan’s Department of Natural Resources has completed a significant mineral rights exchange with Keweenaw Land Association, consolidating 8,392 acres beneath Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park. This deal balances park conservation with economic mineral exploration, enhancing protection while granting access to valuable resources like copper and gold across the Upper Peninsula.
