Dry timber buildup from last year’s ice storm has fire officials bracing for a riskier-than-average fire season. But early season impacts are trending below average.
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
Northern Michigan cleans up after historic floods: ‘I just want to cry’
Throughout northern Michigan, some residents’ homes remain inundated after last month’s historic flooding, while others struggle to find a way to clean up and try to return to normal.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
Appeals court issues split ruling in Michigan solar permitting suit
Local governments had sued the state over rules that limit their control over renewable energy permitting. A three-judge panel largely upheld the rules, with some changes.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
Michigan revives EV charger expansion after fed funding reversal
After a yearlong funding freeze from the Trump administration, Michigan is restarting its electric vehicle charger expansion. Officials hope 60 new stations will ease drivers’ range anxiety, though slowing EV demand still threatens statewide adoption goals.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
Michigan lawmakers may fund last-ditch effort to save whitefish
Lawmakers move to restock the iconic fish that are disappearing from the lower Great Lakes.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
Michigan lawmakers ponder dam safety reforms, but ask who will pay
A state House committee on Wednesday considered legislation that would toughen Michigan’s dam safety standards. But one questioned whether the legislation would just be ‘another unfunded mandate.’
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
Wolves thriving on Michigan’s Isle Royale as packs prey on moose, researchers say
Researchers estimate the island’s wolf population has grown to 37, up from 30 in 2024. They estimate that the island’s moose population has dropped 75% since reaching a high of 2,000 in 2019. They attribute the decline to wolf depredation.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
Feds order immediate inspection of Cheboygan Dam powerhouse
Potential damage to the dams during last week’s high waters means the risk of dam failure could still exist.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
Michigan’s latest dam safety crisis revives calls for reforms, funding
Lawmakers vowed to strengthen Michigan’s weak dam safety laws after the Midland dam failures of 2020 but never did. Some see a window of opportunity for renewed action after the latest floods.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
Michigan recycling rate hits high. Bottle law critics say it could go higher
Michigan’s recycling rate hits a record 26% but still trails the national rate of 32%. A group seeking to repeal the state’s bottle return law argues investing in universal curbside recycling would be more effective.
