Chemistry, cold water and isolation make it hard for invasive mussels to get a foothold in the Big Lake. But a spate of recent outbreaks from Isle Royale to Canada’s Nipigon Bay have scientists unnerved.
Rural Michigan
Posted inMichigan Government
Gretchen Whitmer appeals federal aid denials for northern Michigan ice storm
Federal officials should approve disaster aid for individual homeowners and utilities in the wake of a March ice storm that rocked northern Michigan, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer wrote in an appeal to FEMA officials this week.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
Michigan’s Barn Sanctuary champions compassion and conservation
The Barn Sanctuary in Chelsea rescues farm animals and practices eco-friendly agricutlure.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
Crumbling UP dam reveals potential risks of private hydroelectric ownership
An Upper Peninsula community is worried an aging dam that holds back a lake and feeds a river might not get the necessary repairs to make it safe. Since a 2020 dam failure in mid-Michigan, little has been done to increase oversight of dams in the state.
Posted inQuality of Life
Hundreds of thousands of dollars embezzled from Michigan rural nonprofits
In small-town nonprofits, employees have to wear many hats. That elevates the risk of someone pilfering funds.
Posted inOutdoors Life
Michigan Dreaming Bucket List: Epic views, weather on Isle Royale seaplane
Taking one of the small planes to the remote Lake Superior island is No. 2 on the reader-voted bucket list. Taking off and landing from water is a thrill. Delays caused by the region’s notoriously unpredictable weather? Not so much.
Posted inOutdoors Life
Michigan ‘committed to’ allowing killing coyotes year-round
The Natural Resource Commission voted Thursday to commit to allowing residents to kill coyotes year-round by 2026.
Posted inOutdoors Life
By the numbers: Michigan added 18.9M fish to waterways so far this year
Michigan anglers are getting an extra boost through a major fish stocking operation intended to support a $3.9 billion fishing economy.
Posted inQuality of Life
Baby killed in west Michigan horse buggy crash, as state seeks to limit wrecks
A truck slammed into a horse-drawn carriage on Tuesday. With a sizable Amish community, Michigan is amid efforts to raise awareness of the vehicles to improve safety.
Posted inOutdoors Life
Onekama, Saline and other Michigan names you may be pronouncing wrong
Bridge readers identify Michigan place names that outsiders often mispronounce, from Baraga to Ypsilanti. Many of the tricky names have French or Native American origins, leading to pronunciations that don’t match their spellings.