Bridge readers identified the environment as a top 2026 election concern, with data centers, Great Lakes health and energy policy topping the list. We break down the issues, the facts and possible solutions.
Laura Herberg
Laura Herberg covers outdoor recreation, wildlife and the natural environment for Bridge Michigan as the Outdoors Life reporter on the environmental team. She came to Bridge from Outlier Media and built her career at WDET, where she produced talk shows, anchored the news and hosted podcasts. Named the Michigan Associated Press Best Reporter for Radio Broadcasting four times, Laura holds a master's degree in urban planning from Wayne State University.
A Pacific Northwest native who has also lived in West Virginia and Scotland, Laura has called Detroit home since 2010.
Posted inOutdoors Life
Michigan limits hunters to one buck in Lower Peninsula, urges doe killing
Some hunters gunning for a more balanced deer sex ratio in the state are disappointed the policy didn’t pass statewide.
Posted inOutdoors Life
Michigan created a buck-centric culture advocates now want to change
A 1921 law forced hunters to kill only one deer for decades, a buck. That policy likely created a culture of capturing that trophy buck in Michigan, which advocates say is a problem and something they’re trying to correct with a new one buck rule.
Posted inOutdoors Life
After 89 years, Michigan hunting and fishing group is done: ‘It’s a void’
Michigan United Conservation Clubs announced Monday it is dissolving.
Posted inOutdoors Life
Michigan nonprofit seeks help testing for ‘rock snot’ in rivers
Didymosphenia geminata — nicknamed ‘didymo’ or ‘rock snot’ — has already been found in at least six rivers in Michigan, but Michigan Trout Unlimited wants to test additional locations.
Posted inOutdoors Life
Trying to get outdoors in Michigan? After floods, still many places to avoid
When the weather warms in Michigan, many people start spending more time outside. But right now, more than 60 recreation spots for hiking, camping, boating and more are closed due to severe flooding.
Posted inOutdoors Life
89-year-old Michigan hunting and fishing group may shut doors soon
The president of Michigan United Conservation Clubs said it has until May 1 to raise $100,000 or “we will be forced to close our doors.” The group — made up of individual members and hunting, fishing, trapping and conservation clubs — claims to be the largest statewide conservation organization in the nation.
Posted inOutdoors Life
Petoskey committed to saving access to ‘Miracle Mile’ trail section
The city had flirted with giving up easements that grant public access to a portion of the Little Traverse Wheelway trail. On Monday, however, the council committed to holding on to the easements.
Posted inOutdoors Life
Public may lose access to part of ‘magical’ Lake Michigan trail near Petoskey
The Petoskey City Council is expected to decide Monday if it wants to accept a settlement that would give the city a year to raise millions and seek permissions to repair a damaged section of the Little Traverse Wheelway.
Posted inOutdoors Life
Not-so-secret gardens: Tour private yards in these 12 Michigan communities
These 12 Michigan communities are inviting people to tour gardens at private residences. You can look at yards in your local community or make a day trip out of it to get garden inspiration.