Last year’s flooding destroyed 2,500 structures and property owners say government shares the blame for the dams’ neglect. But is restoring recreational lakes a public necessity?
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
Michigan Senate passes bill to create a Yoopers-only wolf council
The bill, which passed with Republican support and Democrat opposition, now heads to the House. It would require the state to appoint only Upper Peninsula residents to a body that advises state officials on wolf management policy. Wolves are only found in the U.P.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
Michigan lawmaker wants to block local bans on natural gas
A bill by Rep. Michele Hoitenga, a lawmaker with professional ties to the oil and gas industry, adds Michigan to a growing list of states where legislators are fighting back against local efforts to phase out natural gas.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
Michigan’s climate-ready future: wetland parks, less cement, roomy shores
What does Michigan’s future look like if we adequately prepare the state’s water resources for climate change? Goodbye to septics and shore-hugging homes. Hello to more diversified crops on Michigan farms.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
In tiny Copper Harbor, a mountain biking boom causes growing pains
The once-sleepy community of fewer than 100 residents now sees thousands of tourists every summer weekend. As the crowds strain capacity, how can the town sustain outdoor recreation that has become its economic engine, without sacrificing its small-town charm?
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
COVID supercharged Upper Peninsula travel. Looks like it’s going to last.
Last year’s crush of visitors stunned businesses and this summer promises a sequel: from sold-out campgrounds to heavy demand for boats, kayak and bikes and, likely, more novice hikers needing to be rescued from state and national parks.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
Michigan rethinks target shooting in game areas amid hail of AR-15 fire
State game areas — hunting lands typically open to target shooting — have become increasingly popular with handgun and AR-15 enthusiasts. But the noise, trash and wayward bullets worry neighbors, hikers and others.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
Michigan vows to seek Line 5 profits if Enbridge defies shutdown order
In a letter Tuesday, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer put Enbridge on notice that if the company keeps operating Line 5 in the Straits beyond Wednesday, the state will pursue legal action to recoup any profits Enbridge amasses from “wrongful use of the State’s property.”
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
On eve of Line 5 shutdown deadline, Enbridge vows to defy Michigan order
The Canadian petroleum company technically has until Wednesday night to stop piping oil through the Straits of Mackinac, according to the state of Michigan. But what happens if the company refuses to abide by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s order?
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
As northern Michigan warms, scientists bring tree seedlings from the south
A warming climate means trouble for northern Michigan’s boreal forests. By importing saplings common to southern Michigan, foresters aim to help trees get a head-start in building the forests of the future.