From Detroit to Hancock, hardy souls are beating the winter blahs by swimming in lakes and rivers. Why this pandemic pastime — and Finnish tradition — has found staying power in Michigan.
Rural Michigan
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
Gone a century, Arctic grayling return soon to Michigan. Can they survive?
Logging, overfishing and competition from non-native trout wiped out Michigan’s Arctic grayling population nearly a century ago. But the fish will soon swim again in tributaries of the Boardman, Manistee and Maple rivers.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
Michigan state park camping fees to increase starting Aug. 1
Beginning Aug. 1, Michigan’s state parks will increase fees for modern and semi-modern campsites. The price hike is the first in three years and is designed to keep up with rising operational costs, including utilities and supplies.
Posted inBusiness Watch
Rural Michigan company sees big potential in Palisades nuclear plant restart
Wolverine Power Cooperative is slated to buy over half the power generated at the plant. It says the reopening could help rural electric cooperatives reach the state’s climate goals a decade ahead of time and keep prices steady.
Posted inMichigan Health Watch
Report warns fatal deer disease could jump to humans. Unlikely, Michigan says
News of a chronic wasting disease case in Mecosta County came just days after Minnesota researchers said CWD could eventually pose a risk to other wildlife, livestock and potentially humans.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
What furor over drab Gaylord land says about Michigan’s energy transition
Nobody thought much of 420 acres in Gaylord until a proposal to put solar panels on it. Now, it’s become hallowed ground — and points to the difficulty of meeting Michigan’s climate goals.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
Climate change, erratic weather taking toll on Michigan cherry industry
The erratic weather adding to the troubles facing Michigan’s cherry growers is impacting farmers nationwide.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
As bitter cold grips Michigan, winter festivals eye cautious return in 2025
Canceled in recent years due to a lack of snow, winter events like the North American Vasa Nordic ski and bicycle races and black sturgeon fishing season are set to return.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
Gaylord solar lease plan sparks broad battle over green energy in Michigan
Controversy over a proposal to lease state land near Gaylord for a solar array has spiraled into a battle over Michigan’s role in the green energy transition. Some lawmakers want to halt all solar development on public lands; critics accuse them of hypocrisy.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
Amid outcry, solar farm owner says it no longer wants Michigan forest to expand
Michigan lawmakers are upset over a state plan to lease 420 acres near Gaylord for a nearby solar farm. Now, the company involved says it no longer wants the land.