State officials ended their investigation into the January wolf kill without figuring out how the animal ended up in southern Michigan, hundreds of miles south of its known habitat. A county prosecutor vowed not to ‘play politics’ when considering whether to bring charges.
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
Eight Michigan beaches reopen after E. coli levels drop, six others closed
Health officials said eight Michigan beaches are safe for swimming again after water samples showed decreased E. coli levels. One beach reopened briefly then closed again and five others joined the closure list Friday.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
Michigan bottlers still get free water, despite governor’s tough talk
Tough talk followed a public outcry six years ago, but the push for policy reforms and monetary compensation has petered out.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
Get ready for amorous mayflies, Michigan, and the smelly crunch of love
If they haven’t already, Michiganders, especially those near lakeside communities, may soon see swarms of mayflies, aka fish flies. While annoying, they’re harmless. The same can’t be said for another summer pest: mosquitoes.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
Keweenaw Peninsula may become national historic area. What that would mean
The governor is seeking a special status for the beloved Upper Peninsula area that is rich in history. The designation could free federal money to the area.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
Birders flock to Lansing for urgent plea: Help before it’s too late
Audubon Great Lakes members held an advocacy day for the first time in Michigan. Wetlands topped the agenda, but was just one item in a list to improve the environment.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
Audit finds mix of successes, problems with Great Lakes restoration grants
The Great Lakes Restoration Initiative has improved conditions in polluted lakes and rivers, but sometimes failed to deliver on environmental justice goals.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
Over 31,000 salmon euthanized after disease detected at Michigan hatchery
Over 31,000 Atlantic salmon were killed by Michigan Department of Natural Resources staff after being infected with bacterial kidney disease, or BKD.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
Drugs, microplastics, forever chemicals a growing concern in Great Lakes
Pharmaceuticals, microplastics, PFAS and ingredients found in personal care products are among the emerging — and sometimes unmonitored — contaminants in the Great Lakes region.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
Swim at your own risk: High E. coli count closes nine Michigan beaches
Nine beaches in Michigan are closed and under contamination advisories after heavy rainfall washes in harmful bacteria.