Researchers have identified the plants and animals that pose the greatest threat to the Great Lakes’ region’s delicate ecosystems, fisheries and recreational waters. Leading the list are zebra mussels, followed by quagga mussels.
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
A freeze warning is in effect for several Michigan counties
The National Weather Service issued freeze warnings for over a dozen Michigan counties as overnight temperatures are forecast to fall into the high 20s and low 30s, prompting gardeners to bring their plants inside for the season.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
Michigan a top winner of climate funds Trump wants to revoke
If elected, Trump has vowed to revoke unspent funds from the Inflation Reduction Act, a climate spending law that has heavily benefitted Michigan governments and industry. But experts say it wouldn’t be easy.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
Michigan officials urge residents not to transport firewood
The Michigan Department of Natural Resources is reminding Michiganders not to transport firewood, which can be a carrier of invasive tree pests and diseases.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
A decade after Flint, feds require nationwide lead pipe removal
A rule finalized Tuesday gives water providers across the country 10 years to get lead pipes out of their drinking water systems.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
Michigan urges caution as dry conditions raise risk of wildfires
The Michigan Department of Natural Resources is asking people to be careful as dry weather and high winds bring a higher chance of fire. The department has restricted burning in much of the region.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
Battle brews in Michigan over waste from 'biodigesters' that slow-cook manure
A court ruling gave Michigan regulators authority to ramp up controls on factory-farm waste that pollutes waterways. Legislators have proposed exemptions for waste produced by ‘biodigesters,’ which capture methane for electricity and transportation fuels.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
Michigan still pumps oil. Taxpayers often stuck with tab to cap orphan wells
Michigan’s oil industry may not be front and center, but it remains active with over 9,300 wells across the state. However, there’s a growing environmental concern linked to the industry.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
Feds finalize $1.5B for Palisades; Michigan nuclear plant restart seems likely
The plant along Lake Michigan is 53 years-old and closed in 2022. But there’s momentum to bring it back online amid a push to diversify national energy sources.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
Michigan lawmakers divided but OK tax breaks to lure data centers
Proponents say offering tax breaks will help lure tech companies to multibillion dollar server farms in Michigan. But opponents fear the energy-hogging facilities will cause Michigan to falter on its climate goals.