environment

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has decided to remove gray wolves from the list of endangered species. That decision is being contested by Michigan’s Attorney General on the basis of the decision being contrary to the Endangered Species Act. The decision is based on Michigan’s success in recovering the species.

Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel, “By delisting the gray wolf nationwide, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service abandoned its obligation to protect endangered gray wolves wherever they are found.”

Nessel and Oregon Attorney General Ellen Rosenblum filed a brief in a lawsuit against the federal agency. The three points in the brief are that the Fish and Wildlife Service must look at the wolves’ current range, analyze the factors for delisting based on the actual location of the wolves, and not make decisions that affect orphan wolf populations that would otherwise be protected.

Nessel said, “The facts are clear here: the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service can only use Michigan’s successes in Michigan, not nationwide. Where wolves remain endangered, they must remain listed.” 

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

It is Aquatic Invasive Awareness Week. The purpose is to raise awareness of this important issue that is vital to the health of the Great Lakes and the entire ecosystem.

Non-native plants and animals can seriously harm the delicate natural balance in our lakes and rivers. There are things that boaters and anglers can do to make sure to protect the resource that we depend on in the Blue Water Area.

According to the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE), the law states that boaters must remove all aquatic organisms, including plants, from watercraft and trailers before launching or transporting. They must also remove all drain plugs and drain all water before transporting a watercraft. Anglers should remember to dispose of unused bait in the trash, not in the water.

While not the law, EGLE recommends that boaters clean boats, trailers, and equipment by removing plants, debris, and mud before leaving the access area. Boaters should wash boats and trailers before leaving the access area, if possible, or at a nearby car wash or at home.

They should also dry boats and equipment for five days before launching into a different water body, and disinfect live wells and bilges with a bleach solution.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Be incredibly careful burning things outside. That’s the message from the Michigan Department of Natural Resources. After an unusually dry spring, summer rains look to be few and far between. Most areas of Michigan are at risk of extreme fire danger.

Paul Rogers, fire prevention specialist with the DNR, said “Although there have been scattered rains, rainfall is below normal and it’s dry out there. People cause the vast majority of wildfires, so it’s critical to use common sense and be careful.”

With the state opening back up and people celebrating summer holidays with fireworks, camping trips, and outdoor activities, simple precautions are in order.

Throwing cigarettes out a car window or onto the ground at any time is a bad habit, but a common one. Don’t do it. Many forest fires are caused by discarded cigarettes.

If pulling a trailer or camper, be aware of dragging chains that can cause sparks and set off a brush fire. Also, if riding off-road-vehicles, stick to the trails, as hot engines can also cause brush fires.

Finally, be especially careful with fireworks. Never shoot them into woods, dry grass, or shrubs, and put used sparklers into a bucket of water.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

The cicada invasion has gotten a lot of press, but for Blue Water Area residents, it’s the gypsy moth caterpillars that are causing a lot of trouble. The little caterpillars are everywhere in some neighborhoods and there is concern over the damage they might cause to trees.

Gypsy moths are not native to the area, but they have been around since the late 1800s, so they are nothing new. This year does seem to have higher numbers than usual, as have the past two years, according to the Michigan State University College of Agriculture and Natural Resources. 

Not only are the little caterpillars and their webs annoying, but they can also cause serious damage to trees with their voracious appetites for leaves. The best way to get rid of them is to take down their nests in the fall. 

Adding to their vexing nature, gypsy moth caterpillar hairs contain histamine, which can cause a rash if touched, or even if blowing in the wind and making contact with skin, according to the National Poison Control Center. 

There are insecticides that can be applied to trees to kill the caterpillars. A chemical-free way to trap the invasive pests is to put bands of burlap around tree trunks and collect and kill the caterpillars that show up on it each day. 

More information is at:

https://www.misin.msu.edu/

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland