environment

Look Out for Harmful Algal Blooms in the Water

Harmful algal blooms are kind of a big deal. They are naturally present in local waters but can cause serious harm to people and pets if ingested, thanks to cyanobacteria.

Dr. Joneigh Khaldun, chief medical executive and chief deputy for health for Michigan Department of Health and Human Services said, “Before going in the water, we recommend Michiganders look for visible algal blooms or scums on any lake, and that people and pets stay out of water in areas that look affected.”

Harmful algal blooms look like scums or mats, spilled paint or pea soup, or colored streaks on the water’s surface.

Symptoms of harmful algal bloom exposure in humans include rashes, runny eyes or nose, asthma-like symptoms, and gastrointestinal problems. Serious reactions require immediate medical attention. Dogs are especially susceptible to harm from exposure.

Algal blooms happen when the water nutrient level is too high. Prevention includes maintaining natural shorelines, keeping fertilizers away from the water, and keeping pet waste and detergents with phosphates out of the water.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Become a Conservation Steward

Michigan State University Extension is offering a Conservation Stewards training program for individuals interested in learning more about Michigan’s ecosystem and how to help it thrive.

The Michigan Conservation Stewards program runs virtually from September 8th – November 10th, and it features both classroom instruction from experts via Zoom and self-led field experiences in local natural areas.

The program will teach a variety of topics pertaining to Michigan’s natural resources along with the history of conservation and how conservationists manage invasive species and collect data. St. Clair County participants will be able to join a cohort of other students in the area to enrich their learning experience.

Registration for the class is $75 through August 18th and $95 from August 19th – September 1st. Scholarships are available based on demonstrated financial need.

More information is available at Michigan State University’s website <HERE>.

Reporting for WGRT – Jessie Wiegand

Gray Wolves at Center of Lawsuit Between State and Federal Agency

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

Aquatic Invasive Awareness Week Reminds Boaters to Protect Ecosystem

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

DNR Warns of Statewide Fire Danger

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

Gypsy Moth Caterpillars Wreak Havoc; County Looks to 2022 Prevention Strategy

The gypsy moth caterpillar invasion continues to spread through St. Clair County. The evidence can be seen in the disappearing leaves on giant oak trees. Drought conditions are no help as the trees are under tremendous stress.

Greenwood Township resident Karen Vincent told us that she and her husband, Tim, have watched the little caterpillars decimate the leaves on over forty towering oak trees on their ten-acre property over the past three weeks. They wondered why there is no county-wide mitigation strategy.

While Macomb County sprayed for gypsy moths on May 19th this year, covering entire townships as well as parks and golf courses with a naturally-occurring bacteria that kills young caterpillars, St. Clair County has not sprayed.

St. Clair County Commissioner Jorja Baldwin said there hasn’t been an infestation to this extent in decades and the Board of Commissioners is discussing what they could have done differently. They are looking at how to detect an outbreak and take action for 2022. Baldwin said they are working with the MSU Extension and discussing partnering with Macomb County to work together on preventing future outbreaks.

More information about caring for damaged trees and dealing with the infestation can be found at: 

https://www.canr.msu.edu/ipm/Invasive_species/Gypsy-Moth/gypsy-moth-around-home

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

PHOTO CREDIT: KAREN VINCENT