Environment

COVID-19 disrupts Great Lakes Research

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The pandemic has disrupted field studies plans for Great Lakes scientists, including educational programs. It’s a major hit for researchers, including grad students. We talk to experts at Grand Valley, Central Michigan University and Michigan Tech universities and the NOAA lab in Ann Arbor. By Amelia Cole.

Conservation

Americans agree on animal protection, experts disagree on which ones need it

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A new study by researchers from Michigan Tech and other universities finds widespread support among Americans for protecting endangered species, even among political conservatives, farmers and ranchers. Fish & Wildlife Service’s interpretation of the Endangered Species Act comes under scrutiny. The debate continues over delisting the gray wolf in the Great Lakes region. By Amelia Cole.

Conservation

Rooting out the impact of wild pigs

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The damage that feral pigs can do to crops is well-known. So is the danger that they might transmit diseases to livestock and wildlife. But a new study by a former MSU grad student, from Tecumseh, used GPS tracking in Arenac, Bay, Gladwin and Midland counties to discover how wild pigs damage endangered plants. The Michigan Nature Association, based in Okemos, explains its concerns about protecting rare plants at its 180 sanctuaries. By Kurt Williams.

Conservation

Fish tale: ‘Very good’ chance of Arctic grayling’s return

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The grayling disappeared from Michigan in the 1930s but efforts are underway to restore the species and protect it from predators like trout and salmon species. The initiative by DNR and the Little River Band of Ottawa Indians has dozens of supporting agencies, tribes, universities and groups. We also talk to the Conservation Resource Alliance. By Lucas Day.

Environment

Invasive mussels clear water, coat wrecks at Thunder Bay

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Huron is now the clearest of the Great Lakes, and that’s good news for scuba divers enjoying the 100+ shipwrecks in the Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary. Give credit to the invasive quagga mussels that filter plankton and to reduced levels of phosphorus We talk to a diver from Alpena and experts from Thunder Bay, Michigan Tech and NOAA. By Kurt Williams.

News

Tribe recognizes Menominee River rights

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he Menominee Indian Tribe in Wisconsin says the Menominee River bordering the U.P. should be recognized as having natural rights, just like people do. It’s part of the opposition to the controversial proposed Back Forty mining project. We hear from a tribal environmental justice expert, mining company Aquila Resources and a University of Detroit Mercy law expert. By Amelia Cole.

Environment

Study finds health risk from Pine River fish

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A new study finds a risk that anglers on the Pine River may become sickened by the bacteria E. coli from agricultural runoff. Researchers are from Alma College and the University of Toronto. We hear from the Mid-Michigan District Health Department, a member of the Montcalm County Board of commissioners and the Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy. By Kyle Davidson.