Industrial pollution taints the fish in a host of Michigan rivers, but anglers often don’t know the risks. River walkers like Jim Bridgforth aim to change that — but not everyone has the luxury of skipping a fresh-caught meal.
Ashley Zhou
A guest author for Bridge Magazine.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
Michigan tribes fight long odds to restore wild rice, their history
Once abundant in Michigan, wild rice has dwindled in numbers since the early 1900s. Now, tribes are partnering with government agencies to bring back the grain that is vital to their heritage.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
Michigan bald eagles soar back from near-extinction
In 1961, Michigan’s bald eagle population dipped to 52 breeding pairs. Bans on DDT and other harmful chemicals fed a recovery. But the national bird still faces threats from lead bullets and sprawling development.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
Michigan removes derogatory Native slur from Oxford Township boat launch
The state DNR is renaming a boat launch in Oakland County from “Squaw Lake” to “Paint Lake,” as part of a state and national effort to erase the name from more than 600 sites, including 32 in Michigan.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
Michigan bottle return rate fell after pandemic ban. Would price hike help?
Michigan’s bottle and can deposit law was once a national model. But the return rate plunged from 89 to 73 percent after the state temporarily banned deposit returns to curb COVID, and hasn’t risen much since.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
Free swim lessons part of larger Michigan effort to reduce drownings
Huron-Clinton Metroparks is offering 1,300 children free swim lessons this summer, part of an effort to close the poverty gap in learning to swim.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
Michigan bills would give farmers ‘right to repair’ tractors, equipment
Michigan is stepping into a national debate about the ‘right to repair,’ with bills that would make it easier for farmers to fix broken equipment instead of being forced to take it to the dealer.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
Inside the Michigan lab where scientists raise killer bugs to save trees
The emerald ash borer, an invasive beetle that feeds on ash wood, has killed hundreds of millions of ash trees across North America. The key to saving what’s left may be growing behind paned glass in a quiet Brighton business park.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
Michigan is the king of potato chips. But a disease is killing state spuds
Michigan leads the nation in potatoes produced for potato chips, but a deadly disease is killing up to half of potato farmers’ yield. MSU researchers are working on an environmentally safe treatment to slow disease spread.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
Bill aims to allow backyard wildlife feeding, but critics fear deer disease
State Rep. Ken Borton wants to allow recreational wildlife and bird feeding to be protected. He said the intent is to allow feeding of squirrels and other small animals. But state wildlife officials say that would encourage deer and elk to congregate, spreading disease.