environment

DNR Seeks Public Input on Algonac State Park

If Algonac State Park is your go-to camping spot, you might want to get involved in making the 1,550-acre scenic St. Clair County park even better. Algonac State Park is the topic of an upcoming virtual public meeting hosted by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources.

The DNR is gathering public feedback on a new management plan for the popular state park. The meeting will be held on Thursday, January 20th, from 6-7 p.m.

Debbie Jensen, park management plan administrator for the DNR Parks and Recreation Division said, “Public input is a critical part of the planning process. We hope visitors, local community members and everyone interested in the future of this park can take part in the public input phase.”

The DNR reports that the meeting will feature a review of the draft management plan, proposed improvements, and planning process, and will give the public an opportunity to share feedback and questions.

The meeting will be recorded and available for viewing afterward. There will also be an opportunity for additional public input after the meeting.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

2021 Was a Big Year for Michigan DNR

Michigan parks and trails had a banner year in 2021 with a record-breaking 35 million visitors and 1.4 million camping and lodging nights.

Michigan Department of Natural Resources Parks and Recreation Chief Ron Olson said, “Our state parks and recreation system resources, including trails, boating and state forest recreation, are as relevant now as they’ve ever been to the state of Michigan in the past 100 years.”

DNR staff remained on the job throughout the pandemic to offer enhanced recreation opportunities for people who craved outdoor gathering spaces.

As more people took up boating or used motorized vehicles on public trails, there became a need for upgraded law enforcement. Gary Hagler, chief of the DNR Law Enforcement Division said, “This surge of customers has introduced a new demand for outdoor recreation areas and opportunities, reiterating the importance of recreational safety education staff and programs and the need for readily available conservation officers.”

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Court Dates, New Legislation: Latest Chapters in Line 5 Drama

The fight over Enbridge’s Line 5 fuel supply pipeline is heating up on several fronts. After legal maneuvering by the Whitmer administration, who wants to shut down Line 5, legislation has now been introduced on the federal level to prevent any potential future shutdown.

Congresswoman Lisa McLain of the 10th District, co-sponsored legislation that would prevent President Biden from shutting down pipelines without Congressional approval.

The Biden administration reported in November that shutting down Line 5 is not in their plans, as it is part of an international discussion with Canada, which recently invoked a 1977 Treaty to begin bilateral negotiations regarding the pipeline.

In her December 8th press release, McLain referenced homes going without heat and airports running out of jet fuel during the holidays if Line 5 is shut down immediately.

In actuality, there will not be a court ruling on Line 5 for some time. Whitmer’s lawsuit to enforce an immediate shutdown of Line 5, which Enbridge ignored, is scheduled for preliminary hearings in January.

The pipeline sends over half a million barrels of oil products to Sarnia, Ontario every day. A rupture of the line is feared to potentially cause catastrophic damage to the Great Lakes. Enbridge maintains that the line is safe. 

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

States Ask Feds for Help to Keep Asian Carp Out of Great Lakes

Keeping invasive Asian Carp fish out of the Great Lakes is a critical and difficult task. A coalition of governors has asked the federal government to fund the effort in the 2022 Water Resources Reform and Development Act.

Asian carp can wreak havoc on the ecosystem of the Great Lakes. The Brandon Road Lock and Dam in Joliet, Illinois is considered the most critical “pinch point” where the invasive species can be stopped from entering Lake Michigan.

Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer said, “The Great Lakes are the beating heart of Michigan’s economy, and we are taking action to put Michigan first and protect the Great Lakes.”

Dan Eichinger of the Michigan Department of Natural Resources said, “Guarding the Great Lakes against the ravages of invasive carp is one of the most urgent tasks for those charged with protecting and managing Michigan’s natural resources.”

Eichinger explained, “The Brandon Road Lock and Dam marks a key pinch point for keeping these harmful species out of the lakes. This proposed funding will help secure a better future for the Great Lakes and for all those who cherish and depend upon them.”  

The Brandon Road project has a $29 million price tag and will take several years to complete.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Annual Christmas Bird Count Needs Volunteers

The Christmas Bird Count is getting underway nationwide and it is not too late for interested volunteers to get involved. The annual event has been going on since Christmas Day of the year 1900 when conservationists thought counting living birds might be more sustainable than counting killed birds, as was the tradition of the time.

The 122nd Annual Christmas Bird Count is held from December 14th to January 5th.

To get involved in the bird count, go to the Audubon Society’s website to find a “counting circle” near you. The count is coordinated with all members of the circle. If no circle exists in your neighborhood, you can start one. There are specific rules to follow.

All of the results of the Christmas Bird Counts since 1900 are available online. Last year’s Port Huron count found 71 different species.

The Christmas Bird Count is more than just a fun activity for people who care about the environment. The findings are used in real scientific research.

https://www.audubon.org/conservation/science/christmas-bird-count

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

EGLE Teaches About Effective Recycling

“America Recycles Day” is celebrated in November and draws attention to the importance of household recycling. Not all recycled items are equal. There needs to be a market for recycled items, particularly plastics, for them to actually get recycled.

Matt Flechter, Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy’s (EGLE) Recycling Market Development Specialist said, “Containers such as shampoo bottles, milk jugs and yogurt cups or similar food tubs are the easiest to recycle and are in highest demand by recycling centers and U.S. manufacturers.”

Most people look at the number on the bottom of plastic containers and assume that means it is recyclable. That’s not always the case, according to EGLE. The shape of the item is the most important factor.

Generally, soft drink, juice, and water bottles, usually with a #1 on them, are easily recycled back into bottles or used to make carpet, luggage, and polyester. Laundry and shampoo bottles, #2 plastics, can also be recycled back into high-density plastic, and yogurt and margarine tubs, usually #5 plastics, are easily recyclable.

https://www.epa.gov/recyclingstrategy/america-recycles-day

RecyclingRaccoons.org

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland