Michigan last year began allowing landowners to get permits to kill nuisance geese. But after outcry from animal rights activists, the state is pausing the program and looking into non-lethal options.
Michigan Environment Watch
Michigan Environment Watch examines how public policy, industry, and other factors interact with the state’s trove of natural resources.
Great Lakes News Collaborative
Bridge Michigan, Circle of Blue, Great Lakes Now at Detroit Public Television, The Narwhal and Michigan Public work together to report on the most pressing threats to the Great Lakes region’s water. This independent journalism is supported by the Charles Stewart Mott Foundation. You can find all of the collaborative’s stories here.
Shockwave
The Great Lakes region is in the midst of a seismic energy shakeup, from skyrocketing data center demand and a nuclear energy boom, to expanding renewables and electrification. In 2026, the Great Lakes News Collaborative will explore how shifting supply and demand affect the region and its waters. Read the series here.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
In Michigan, Great Lakes are a lifeblood and birthright. They’re under attack
How can states, provinces and tribal nations manage their water resources to create jobs and attract businesses without inflicting severe ecological damage?
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
Michigan won’t lease state land near Gaylord for solar project
The decision comes after public outcry prompted solar developer RWE Renewables to rescind its request to lease the state land. In a letter Friday, DNR Director Scott Bowen left open the possibility of future leases.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
Smallmouth bass are getting bigger in Michigan. Thank catch-and-release
Catch and release ethics is credited for the fact that smallmouth bass in Lake St. Clair have been getting larger over the past 50 years, a DNR study finds.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
As northern Michigan cleans out from storm, some find new use for dead wood
It may take years to fully clear the damage from a historic ice storm. Some debris will be turned into biomass and converted into energy. One firm is using fallen trees to help power 38,000 homes.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
Study: Washing machines send 'toxic stew' of microfibers into Great Lakes
Microfibers are plastic strings much thinner than human hair that get into waterways primarily from washing fabrics in machines. A Michigan bill would require new household washing machines to have a microfiber filter.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
A sequoia forest in Detroit? Planting world's largest trees on vacant lots
Arborists are hoping to transform vacant land on Detroit’s east side by planting giant sequoias, the world’s largest trees. Detroit is the pilot city for the Giant Sequoia Filter Forest.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
Video: Scientists map bottom of the Great Lakes to explore hidden habitats
Take an underwater journey as researchers deploy sonar technology to map the lakebed to document organisms that call it home. The goal is to provide data to fishery and hatchery managers and those tracking the spread of invasive species.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
Trump administration to fast-track Line 5 tunnel, calling project 'emergency'
The Wednesday announcement marks an unusual use of a regulatory process normally used to speed responses to disasters like dam breaks and pipeline leaks. Environmentalists decried the move.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
Natural gas plants in UP are 'clean' energy sources, House bills contend
UP lawmakers say the gas plants should be deemed acceptable under Michigan’s clean energy law, saying Yoopers would see energy bills spike if they are shut down prematurely. Environmentalists argue the bills are premature and unnecessary.