Climate change is causing longer and more severe wildfire seasons in the western US and Canada, which means Michigan will continue to be vulnerable whenever summer winds blow in an unfortunate direction.
Kelly House
Kelly House covers Michigan environmental issues for Bridge. She joined the Bridge staff in March 2020. Previously, Kelly reported for the Oregonian, where her coverage of the environment and other topics garnered national honors and sparked state efforts to better protect Oregon’s natural resources. She has a master’s degree in environmental law from Lewis & Clark Law School and a bachelor’s in journalism from Michigan State University. She is from Harrison and lives in Lansing. You can reach her at khouse@bridgemi.com or on Twitter at @Kelly_M_House.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
Great Lakes mussel research starved of funds as whitefish vanish
Quagga mussels deplete food and nutrients from waters, threatening to drive whitefish extinct. But scientists looking for a solution are working on a shoestring budgets, as much more money is devoted to other invasive species.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
Can Michigan save beloved whitefish? Fate hinges on uphill bid to kill mussels
Decades into the mussel invasion, whitefish are on brink of collapse. Scientists are working on a Hail Mary bid to save the fish, using tarps, paint scrapers and a 1,200-pound steel plate.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
Michigan fishing regulators to discuss Great Lakes whitefish crisis
The Michigan Natural Resources Commission on Thursday will hear a presentation on the looming collapse of whitefish in lakes Michigan and Huron. Bridge Michigan is spending the summer exploring the ramifications.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
What the federal spending bill means for Michigan climate, EVs
Experts told Bridge Michigan that if the bill passes, utilities will likely slow their investments in renewable energy and prolong their reliance on natural gas, while automakers may again extend EV production timelines.
Posted inOutdoors Life
As inflation strains Michigan parks, DNR budgets, lawmakers weigh fee hikes
A package of Senate bills would require every registered vehicle owner to buy a parks pass when renewing their plates, while raising fees for hunting and fishing licenses for the first time in 11 years.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
US Supreme Court to hear Line 5 pipeline dispute between Michigan, Enbridge
For six years, Attorney General Dana Nessel and Enbridge have been fighting over which court should rule on a lawsuit Nessel filed in 2019. The lawsuit seeks to shut down the petroleum pipeline that runs in the open water of the Great Lakes.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
As GOP targets Michigan DNR, Ted Nugent blasts agency’s ‘insane’ regulations
The rocker turned conservative activist appeared before Michigan House committees as the chamber’s Republican leaders push to change state policies governing fish and wildlife management.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
What’s more Michigan than whitefish? Collapse erodes bit of state’s identity
Michigan has rhapsodized about the hardy fish for centuries. Celebrations continue, but they are taking on a melancholy tone for the fish ‘synonymous with Great Lakes living.’
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
It’s not just whitefish: 407 Michigan species on brink amid historic die-off
Globally, 1 million species are on the brink of extinction. Experts say to avoid further losses, society must begin to prioritize the planet’s long-term health over near-term convenience and profits.