During the mid-and late-1800s, Michigan briefly created counties in remote parts of the state as settlement spread.
Upper Peninsula
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
Enbridge, Line 5 foes argue tunnel plan before Michigan Supreme Court
The court will soon decide whether state regulators acted properly when they granted key permits for the proposed Line 5 tunnel. It’s one of several imminent decisions that could decide the fate of the controversial oil pipeline in the Great Lakes.
Posted inGuest Commentary
Opinion | Massive national forest project needs a closer look at impacts, alternatives
The Forest Service must take a more careful look at the project’s impact on the adjacent Sturgeon River Gorge Wilderness, surrounding state and private lands, and the long-term health of the Ottawa National Forest.
Posted inOutdoors Life
Michigan lags US in outdoor economy growth, report says
The US Bureau of Economic Analysis has released its latest outdoor recreation economic statistics. The outdoor industry’s contribution to Michigan’s economy grew in 2024 over the previous year, but at a slower rate than most other states.
Posted inOutdoors Life
US plans to clear-cut in Michigan forest. Some fear for endangered species
The US Forest Service is proposing a project in the Ottawa National Forest in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula that would involve logging, gravel mining expansion and forest restoration efforts.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
Michigan, Enbridge battle over Line 5 pipeline before US Supreme Court
Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel’s yearslong lawsuit to shut down the pipeline could come down to how the Supreme Court interprets a 30-day procedural deadline that Enbridge failed to meet.
Posted inMichigan Health Watch
Michigan cash-for-moms program launches in Detroit, expanding in UP
Applications are open in Detroit. In March, the popular cash aid program is slated to grow across the rest of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula.
Posted inOutdoors Life
Want to see what a ski jumper sees? Michigan project would make it easier
A new elevator at the Pine Mountain Ski Jump would make it easier for tourists to reach the top of the jump and take in the views. But organizers need about $1 million to finish it up.
Posted inOutdoors Life
Snowmobile race coming to the Soo. Meet the Michigan ‘troll’ in charge
Ric Federau is the longest serving chair of the International 500 snowmobile race in Sault Ste. Marie, but he’s from south of the Mackinac Bridge.
Posted inOutdoors Life
Michigan sees record cougar reports in 2025
The Michigan Department of Natural Resources confirmed 31 cougar observations in 2025 and the number is expected to go up. That doesn’t necessarily mean there are more cougars in the state, but at least one family is established here.