June 5, 2020
CNS budget, Summer 2020 Michigan Environmental Package #1
To: CNS Editors
From: Eric Freedman
For technical problems, contact CNS technical manager Tony Cepak at (517) 803-6841; cepak@msu.edu.
For other matters, contact Eric Freedman at (517) 355-4729 or (517) 256-3873; freedma5@msu.edu.
EDITORS: This is our first summer package of Michigan-focused environmental stories in collaboration with our partner, Great Lakes Echo.
HERE’S YOUR FILE:
LOCAL SHOPPING COVID: While many Michigan businesses struggle to stay afloat during the coronavirus pandemic, loyal customers search for ways to help them out. Here’s a look at stories from a party store in Allegan, a winery in Grand Rapids, an art supply shop in Lansing, a restaurant in Monroe and a boutique in Berkley. By Ben Goldman. FOR ALL POINTS.
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COMMERCIAL FISHING: Michigan’s commercial fishing is critical infrastructure for the state’s food supply during the pandemic, yet some of its practitioners may not survive COVID-19. Reasons: closure of restaurants, legal limitations on the species they’re allowed to fish and competition from Canadian fishing operations. We hear from commercial fishers in Lake Michigan and Lake Huron, Trout Unlimited and DNR. By Kurt Williams. FOR ALL POINTS.
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DETROIT RIVERFRONT: The EPA has signed a $2.5 million agreement to clean the Detroit River and create new habitat for wildlife. The money will help clean contaminated sediments and create homes for fish and wildlife in a cove area at the Ralph C. Wilson Centennial Parkbeing built along the waterfront. We hear from the Detroit River Conservancy and the former manager of the Detroit River International Wildlife Refuge. By Ri’An Jackson. FOR ALL POINTS.
w/DETROIT RIVERFRONT PHOTO1: The Detroit River Conservancy is developing the 22-acre Ralph C. Wilson Centennial ParkThe project connects Detroit to the environment and restores habitat of native species. Credit: Detroit Riverfront Conservancy
w/DETROIT RIVERFRONT PHOTO2: Cover of “Waterford Porch: Reclaiming Detroit’s Industrial Waterfront as a Gathering Point for All.” Credit: Michigan State University Press.
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PETS COVID: Animal-related organizations face new challenges in caring for their critters in the midst of a pandemic.Humane societies and rescue shelters have had to rely on foster owners. Pet store owners have had to adapt to the 6-foot spacing guideline with curbside service. All are more conscious of employee health. We talk to a Lansing pet store, the Michigan Humane Society and a Grand Rapids rescue organization. By Taylor Haelterman. FOR ALL POINTS.
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WILDFIRE DRONE: It may be tempting to capture spectacular aerial photos of wildfires, but using drones is not only reckless, it’s illegal and could have deadly consequences, firefighting experts say. Both commercial and recreational use of drones have increased over the past several years, the Federal Aviation Administration says, and the coronavirus pandemic has encouraged more people to engage in outdoors activities, including flying drones. We hear from DNR officials in Michigan and Minnesota. By Carin Tunney. FOR ALL POINTS.
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INTER URBAN PATHWAY: From goslings to red-winged blackbirds to deer to swans, a 1¾-mile multi-use pathway along the route of an abandoned interurban rail line in Ingham County provides surprises and escape to bicyclists, joggers, scooterers, dog-walkers and just-plain walkers. Includes Three Rivers reference. Column for news, features and outdoor recreation sections. By Eric FREEDMAN. FOR ALL POINTS.
w/INTER URBAN PATHWAY PHOTO1: Dawn breaks over the wetlands along the Inter Urban Pathway. Credit: Eric Freedman.
w/INTER URBAN PATHWAY PHOTO2: Early summer flowers along the Inter Urban Pathway. Credit: Eric Freedman.
w/INTER URBAN PATHWAY PHOTO3: Trail marker on the Inter Urban Pathway. Credit: Eric Freedman.
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CNS