On:
In: Capital News Service, Waste, water

Universities across the globe are monitoring wastewater on their campuses for viruses like COVID-19. It is a practice that has raised some medical privacy concerns, although researchers say there is no way to link the detection of the virus in wastewater with an individual who is sick. 

The post Don’t hide your poo — and here’s why first appeared on Great Lakes Echo.

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Great Lakes Echo

http://greatlakesecho.org/2022/11/30/dont-hide-your-poo-and-heres-why/

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In: birds, Capital News Service, Echo, Wildlife

During the fall migration season, over 4 billion birds in North America pass over our heads while we are sound asleep. Scientists use a number of technologies to understand more about birds' migratory patterns.

The post In today’s forecast: 4 billion birds migrate across North America first appeared on Great Lakes Echo.

Original Article

Great Lakes Echo

Great Lakes Echo

http://greatlakesecho.org/2022/11/07/in-todays-forecast-4-billion-birds-migrate-across-north-america/

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In: Capital News Service, Catch of the Day, Echo

A proposed plan to revamp how Michigan manages water problems would give drain commissioners authority across county lines.

The post Legislative fixes to Michigan’s drain code stir controversy first appeared on Great Lakes Echo.

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Great Lakes Echo

http://greatlakesecho.org/2022/10/24/legislative-fixes-to-michigans-drain-code-stir-controversy/

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In: Capital News Service, Catch of the Day, Echo

Cottage food producers in Michigan are asking for more leeway in the laws to do business. Proposed legislation would raise the $25,000 cap on gross annual income, allow third-party delivery systems and change the requirement that home addresses be placed on each label. 

The post Cottage food producers want income cap raised first appeared on Great Lakes Echo.

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Great Lakes Echo

http://greatlakesecho.org/2022/10/20/cottage-food-producers-want-income-cap-raised/

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In: Capital News Service, Echo, Solutions Journalism

Researchers at University of Toronto have discovered a new way to boost plant growth in rooftop gardens using granulated biochar.

The post A soil breakthrough plants hope in city rooftops first appeared on Great Lakes Echo.

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Great Lakes Echo

http://greatlakesecho.org/2022/10/17/a-soil-breakthrough-plants-hope-in-city-rooftops/

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On:
In: Capital News Service, Echo, Michigan

A new study by Michigan State University shows an increase in doctor visits for shortness of breath among long-term sand and gravel mine workers in Michigan, compared to the rate for production workers in other industries. The state has more than 3,500 surface miners, 1,207 of whom voluntarily participated in the study. 

The post Study raises health concerns for sand and gravel workers first appeared on Great Lakes Echo.

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Great Lakes Echo

http://greatlakesecho.org/2022/06/14/study-raises-health-concerns-for-sand-and-gravel-workers/

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On:
In: Agriculture, Capital News Service, Echo, Michigan

The Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program (CREP) was reinstated earlier this year and reimburses farmers for following proper conservation practices. To be eligible for the program, land must have a cropping history, or planting history, of four out of six years between 2012-17 and have been owned at least one year prior to applying.

The post Conservation program partnership targets farms in three Michigan watersheds first appeared on Great Lakes Echo.

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Great Lakes Echo

http://greatlakesecho.org/2022/06/09/conservation-program-partnership-targets-farms-in-three-michigan-watersheds/

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On:
In: Capital News Service, Michigan, transportation

Public transit agencies in Michigan are facing post-pandemic ridership and staffing shortages. The Michigan Public Transit Association launched ad campaigns in February to address those needs and has seen many great responses, especially on social media, but the association's members still face hardships, and no one knows if they’ll get all of their riders back.

The post Ridership, staffing challenges face local bus systems first appeared on Great Lakes Echo.

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Great Lakes Echo

Great Lakes Echo

http://greatlakesecho.org/2022/06/08/ridership-staffing-challenges-face-local-bus-systems/

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On:
In: Capital News Service, Michigan, water, Water quality

Michigan watersheds are still wracked with pollution from decades ago, along with new runoff. Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s MI Healthy Climate Plan would make preserving land and water a statewide priority. 

The post Watershed groups fight decades-old pollution first appeared on Great Lakes Echo.

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Great Lakes Echo

http://greatlakesecho.org/2022/06/06/watershed-groups-fight-decades-old-pollution/

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In: Capital News Service, Climate, Michigan

Fifteen businesses, including Ford Motor Co., General Mills, General Motors and two West Michigan microbreweries, have written to Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer in support of her administration’s carbon neutrality goals.

The post Businesses signal support of Michigan’s climate goals first appeared on Great Lakes Echo.

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Great Lakes Echo

http://greatlakesecho.org/2022/05/30/businesses-signal-support-of-michigans-climate-goals/

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In: Capital News Service, Michigan, Nearshore, water

Coastal restoration efforts are underway across the state as recipients of the Michigan Coastal Management Program grants begin work locally. Seventeen awards totaling more than $1.1 million will fund projects and initiatives to protect, preserve and enhance the state’s coastal resources.

The post More beach, boat access planned from coastal grants first appeared on Great Lakes Echo.

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Great Lakes Echo

http://greatlakesecho.org/2022/05/19/more-beach-boat-access-planned-from-coastal-grants/

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On:
In: Capital News Service, transportation

A recently launched bridge bundling program by the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) is expected to repair up to 78 locally owned bridges that are in serious or critical condition. The repaired bridges could last up to 50 years before needing to be fixed again and could potentially last even longer with maintenance project.

The post Repairs planned to 78 Michigan bridges rated in poor condition first appeared on Great Lakes Echo.

Original Article

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Great Lakes Echo

http://greatlakesecho.org/2022/05/12/repairs-planned-to-78-michigan-bridges-rated-in-poor-condition/

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On:
In: Agriculture, Capital News Service, Echo, Human health, Michigan

Dangerous metals such as arsenic and mercury have been found in wild rice beds located on the Keweenaw Bay Indian Community reservation and surrounding areas, according to research from Michigan Technological University scientists and their associates.

The post Tribes work to restore wild rice in areas contaminated by mining first appeared on Great Lakes Echo.

Original Article

Great Lakes Echo

Great Lakes Echo

http://greatlakesecho.org/2022/04/25/tribes-work-to-restore-wild-rice-in-areas-contaminated-by-mining/

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On:
In: Capital News Service, Michigan, transportation

Although flying cars aren't currently in the sky, they could be very soon. Michigan legislators have introduced bills that would establish an “Advanced Air Mobility Study Committee” to review current laws that affect the aeronautics industry. 

The post Legislature eyes futuristic ‘highway in the sky’ first appeared on Great Lakes Echo.

Original Article

Great Lakes Echo

Great Lakes Echo

http://greatlakesecho.org/2022/04/15/legislature-eyes-futuristic-highway-in-the-sky/

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On:
In: Capital News Service, Great Lakes, Recreation

After a two-year hiatus, Great Lakes cruise ships are back, and the industry is trying to prepare itself. Cruise companies will start expeditions in May and end them in October.

The post Cruise ships return to the Great Lakes first appeared on Great Lakes Echo.

Original Article

Great Lakes Echo

Great Lakes Echo

http://greatlakesecho.org/2022/04/13/cruise-ships-return-to-the-great-lakes/

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On:
In: Agriculture, Capital News Service, Echo, Michigan

As supply chain problems continue rippling from the COVID-19 pandemic, industries are learning ways to adapt. The meat market is no exception.

The post Pandemic shows need for more local meat processors first appeared on Great Lakes Echo.

Original Article

Great Lakes Echo

Great Lakes Echo

http://greatlakesecho.org/2022/04/08/pandemic-shows-need-for-more-local-meat-processors/

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On:
In: Agriculture, Capital News Service, Echo, Michigan

Michigan farmers can’t plant more wheat this year to make up for Ukrainian and Russian production that’s been lost to the ongoing war. A fixed supply and consistent demand for wheat leaves one thing open to change: price.

The post Michigan wheat farmers can’t make up for crops lost in Ukraine first appeared on Great Lakes Echo.

Original Article

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Great Lakes Echo

http://greatlakesecho.org/2022/04/06/michigan-wheat-farmers-cant-make-up-for-crops-lost-in-ukraine/

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On:
In: Capital News Service, Michigan, recycling, Waste

Michigan’s estimated overall recycling rate is 18%, which lags considerably behind the national average of 32%. Efforts to update recycling procedures, policies and practices are being made across the state. 

The post Michigan’s recycling rate lags U.S. average first appeared on Great Lakes Echo.

Original Article

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Great Lakes Echo

http://greatlakesecho.org/2022/04/05/michigans-recycling-rate-lags-u-s-average/

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On:
In: Art, Capital News Service, Echo

In the Great Lakes region, there may be no older and more intriguing historical mystery than the 1679 disappearance of the Griffon, one of French explorer Robert La Salle’s ships. Now after more than 40 years of searching, a Charlevoix diver says he’s 99.99% sure he found the answer, and he tells how in a new book.

The post Charlevoix couple offers theory on mysterious 1679 shipwreck first appeared on Great Lakes Echo.

Original Article

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Great Lakes Echo

http://greatlakesecho.org/2022/03/25/charlevoix-couple-offers-theory-on-mysterious-1679-shipwreck/

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On:
In: Agriculture, Capital News Service, Echo, Insects

While invasive species are always threatening crops, a native pest is the biggest threat to the state’s blueberries –– the stem gall wasp. The Michigan Blueberry Commission has funded research to combat the stem gall wasp and help growers stay competitive.

The post Growers fund research to aid blueberries first appeared on Great Lakes Echo.

Original Article

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Great Lakes Echo

http://greatlakesecho.org/2022/03/24/growers-fund-research-to-aid-blueberries/

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In: Agriculture, Capital News Service, Echo

Michigan maple syrup farmers sound optimistic that the industry will see a successful 2022 season after production declined in recent years. 

The post Maple syrup farmers grow hopeful with ideal weather first appeared on Great Lakes Echo.

Original Article

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Great Lakes Echo

http://greatlakesecho.org/2022/03/23/maple-syrup-farmers-grow-hopeful-with-ideal-weather/

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On:
In: Capital News Service, Great Lakes, invasive species, water

Michigan Sea Grant recently announced four new research projects with one common goal — protecting the Great Lakes. It committed almost $1 million to the projects, including $225,000 from the Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy. In addition, university research partners contributed over $500,000 in matching funds. Their major topics are water use, walleye, invasive mussel larvae and harmful algae blooms.

The post More money allocated for Great Lakes research first appeared on Great Lakes Echo.

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Great Lakes Echo

Great Lakes Echo

http://greatlakesecho.org/2022/03/01/more-money-allocated-for-great-lakes-research/

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On:
In: Capital News Service, Echo, Recreation

Last year, the U.S. ski industry had its fifth-busiest season, according to the National Ski Areas Association, and interest in the slopes shows no signs of slowing down in Michigan for the 2021-22 season.

The post Downhill ski business booming in Michigan first appeared on Great Lakes Echo.

Original Article

Great Lakes Echo

Great Lakes Echo

http://greatlakesecho.org/2022/02/28/downhill-ski-business-booming-in-michigan/

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On:
In: Capital News Service, water

The Great Lakes Water Authority plans to increase the ability of its water and wastewater systems to cope with flooding and other severe weather conditions under a capital improvement plan to be carried out over five years. The investment will consist of 182 projects from 2023 to 2027 in the region at a cost of approximately $1.73 billion.

The post Projects aim to stop flooding of homes, businesses first appeared on Great Lakes Echo.

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Great Lakes Echo

Great Lakes Echo

http://greatlakesecho.org/2022/02/22/projects-aim-to-stop-flooding-of-homes-businesses/

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On:
In: Capital News Service, Land, Michigan

Acknowledging Native American ties to the land that Michigan universities occupy can make a powerful statement honoring the traditional history and culture. A land acknowledgment is a formal statement that recognizes and respects Indigenous peoples as stewards of the land where an institution is located. Acknowledgments are often executed through signs on campuses, email signatures and statements read before organized events.

The post Universities link Native American homelands to campus sites first appeared on Great Lakes Echo.

Original Article

Great Lakes Echo

Great Lakes Echo

http://greatlakesecho.org/2022/02/21/universities-link-native-american-homelands-to-campus-sites/

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On:
In: Capital News Service, transportation

By Hope O’Dell Capital News Service In the age of Uber and Lyft, public transportation is still the only viable option for many Michigan residents. “Sometimes on the weekend, or if you catch the right person, you might be able to grab an Uber, but it’s not regular service like that,” said Kelly Getman-Dissette, the […]

The post Dial-a-ride services struggle with driver shortage first appeared on Great Lakes Echo.

Original Article

Great Lakes Echo

Great Lakes Echo

http://greatlakesecho.org/2022/02/14/dial-a-ride-services-struggle-with-driver-shortage/

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On:
In: Capital News Service, Echo, Michigan, transportation

The Michigan Public Transit Association has launched an information advocacy campaign to fill hiring needs and increase ridership. The advocacy initiative includes television, radio, billboard and social media campaigns and is expected to continue into May.

The post New advocacy campaign boosts public transit first appeared on Great Lakes Echo.

Original Article

Great Lakes Echo

Great Lakes Echo

http://greatlakesecho.org/2022/02/10/new-advocacy-campaign-boosts-public-transit/

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On:
In: Capital News Service, Energy

Banning natural gas hookups in new homes and businesses at the local level is the latest example of environmental extremism, according to Michigan state Sen. Dale Zorn, R-Ida, who proposes prohibiting local bans.

The post Michigan lawmaker wants to block ban of natural gas hookups first appeared on Great Lakes Echo.

Original Article

Great Lakes Echo

Great Lakes Echo

http://greatlakesecho.org/2022/02/02/michigan-lawmaker-wants-to-block-ban-of-natural-gas-hookups/

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On:
In: Capital News Service, Echo

As local governments wrestle with the question of how to spend their share of American Rescue Plan Act money from Washington, some are earmarking it to improve broadband access and affordability for their residents. 

The post Rural internet access competes with other needs for federal aid first appeared on Great Lakes Echo.

Original Article

Great Lakes Echo

Great Lakes Echo

http://greatlakesecho.org/2022/01/31/rural-internet-access-competes-with-other-needs-for-federal-aid/

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On:
In: Capital News Service, fish, Nearshore

The National Park Service recently placed Fishtown on the National Register of Historic Places, an official list of over 96,000 historic properties nationwide considered worthy of preservation.

The post Fishing heritage in Leland gets preservation boost first appeared on Great Lakes Echo.

Original Article

Great Lakes Echo

Great Lakes Echo

http://greatlakesecho.org/2022/01/25/fishing-heritage-in-leland-gets-preservation-boost/

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