environment

DNR offers Tips on Dealing with Nuisance Coyotes

Coyotes are on the move and if you see one in your neighborhood, there are some things to know to keep them from becoming a problem. Coyotes are in breeding season now and will soon be caring for pups, which means they will be looking for food anywhere they can find it.

According to the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, the easiest way to keep coyotes from getting too close to your home and property is to remove their food source. They are looking for critters like mice and rabbits, but they will go after easy pickings from trash cans and pet food if it is available. Bird feeders attract the small game that coyotes like, so take them down if coyotes are a problem. 

The DNR recommends “hazing” coyotes if they get too close, by taking advantage of their natural fear of humans and scaring them off. The DNR also recommends accompanying pets outdoors instead of letting them roam free in areas where coyotes are present.

Finally, it’s always open season on coyotes that are being a nuisance on private property, and the DNR says that there are coyote nuisance control businesses that can help out if needed.

A link to more information:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HSjHwzX9Iiw

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

DNR Predicts Heavy Natural “Winter Fish Kill”

Don’t be alarmed if you see dead fish in our waterways in the Blue Water Area. That is the message from the Michigan Department of Natural Resources.

Gary Whelan, DNR Fisheries Division research manager said, “Winterkill is the most common type of fish kill. As the season changes, it can be particularly common in shallow lakes, ponds, streams, and canals. These kills are localized and typically do not affect the overall health of the fish populations or fishing quality.”

Lake Huron is likely to have less fish kill, as it has substantial depth. But, canals, rivers, and streams in the area are susceptible to a more visible fish kill. Deep snowpack, as is the case on local rivers, can also increase fish kill as sunlight cannot get to the bottom of the water.

The dead fish that might be showing up soon have probably been dead for a month or so, according to the DNR. This winter caused significant stress for fish with cold temperatures and heavy snowfall.

The DNR welcomes reports on fish kills, so they can monitor the health of the waterways. Reports can be made at Michigan.gov/EyesInTheField.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

DNR Looking for Summer Wildlife Conservationists

Looking for a job in wildlife conservation? The Michigan Department of Natural Resources might have the perfect opportunity. Now is the time to look past the snow and look ahead to summer to start applying for a seasonal job with the DNR.

DNR summer jobs are not just for college students. Jennifer Schafer, DNR Wildlife Division human resources liaison said, “These positions are a great opportunity for college students, those looking to re-enter the workforce and seniors or retirees who want to be involved in the outdoors.”

The DNR is looking for help with assisting with wildlife habitat maintenance and improvement, which may include cutting clearings and adjusting water levels; mowing, landscaping and facility maintenance; and handling tasks related to wildlife surveys, nuisance animal control and equipment operation and maintenance. Workers have the potential to gain skills to pursue a career in wildlife conservation or to just spend a fun summer outdoors.

There are currently positions open at the St. Clair Flats location, as well as throughout the state. The pay range is from $11.50 to $17.93 per hour. A link to the complete job listing:

DNR – (michigan.gov)

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Ice Continues to Menace Riverfront Property Along the St. Clair River

This has been a stressful winter for many St. Clair County residents living along the southern stretch of the St. Clair River. High water, strong winds, and a whole lot of ice are causing major flooding issues on waterfront property.

The St. County Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Management has had their hands full in 2020 and now in 2021, and they are issuing daily reports on the state of the flooding situation. A report early this week indicated that waters had risen sharply in the stretch from St. Clair to Lake Huron.

An international ice-cutting effort was underway with the U.S. Coast Guard Cutters Hollyhock and Morro Bay and Canadian Coast Guard Cutter Griffin on the job. The cutters work to try to keep the water flowing and reduce flooding. The situation is under constant monitoring by county, state, federal, and international partners.

Citizens with damage from the ice and flooding are asked to use online self-reporting options. Links to Be Ready St. Clair County can be found below. As of early this week, 22 reports of damage have been made.

https://www.facebook.com/BeReadyStClairCounty

https://www.bereadystclaircounty.org/

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

James C. Harrison II Appointed to Michigan Council on Climate Solutions

A Port Huron resident has been named to the Michigan Council on Climate Solutions. According to a press release from Governor Gretchen Whitmer’s office, James C. Harrison, II, of Port Huron, has been appointed to the Council.

Harrison is the director of renewable energy for Utility Workers Union of America, AFL-CIO. He also serves as the Utility Workers Union of America delegate on the BlueGreen Alliance National Steering Committee. His appointment is for a one-year term.

The Council is an advisory board that reports to Governor Whitmer and the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) to make a plan to implement the MI Healthy Climate Plan, which is the plan to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and transition toward carbon neutrality across all sectors of the economy. 

The automotive industry is a key player in combatting global climate change. Director of EGLE, Liesl Eichler Clark, said, “In Michigan, we know that climate solutions are mobility solutions and mobility solutions are climate solutions. As the state that put the world on wheels, what we do on climate matters.”

Mr. Harrison is one of fourteen appointees to the Michigan Council on Climate Solutions.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Michigan’s Environmental Justice Public Advocate Works Toward “Meaningful Involvement”

Michigan continues to make national headlines with the Flint water crisis, thought to be one of the most shocking examples of environmental injustice in modern history. Since then, Michigan’s Office of the Environmental Justice Public Advocate was created and has just announced the launch of a new resource to connect residents with environmental justice and equity action. The website, Michigan.gov/EnvironmentalJustice is meant to showcase ongoing projects and initiatives, community partnerships, and ways to interact with the office.

One of the projects that the Office is currently working on is improving heating and ventilation systems in schools. Tribal relations are also part of the work of the office.

Regina Strong, Environmental Justice Public Advocate, said, “Action is at the heart of environmental justice advocacy. The role of the Office of the Environmental Justice Public Advocate is to work collaboratively within state government and with the community to move toward ensuring environmental justice in the state. This new website is designed to provide a window into how we are moving the needle.”

A responsibility of the Office is to address and resolve environmental justice concerns and complaints. A link to the complaint form can be found at WGRT.com.

Environmental Justice – Grievance Procedures, Procedimientos de reclamo, إجراءات التظلم (michigan.gov)

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland