Environment

Tough winter good for some endangered species

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By LACEE SHEPARD
Capital News Service
LANSING – Heavy snowfall is proving to be helpful for some of Michigan’s endangered species. Karner blue butterflies are federally listed endangered insects that are taking advantage of the protection the heavy snow brings, said Chris Hoving, an adaptation specialist with the DNR in Lansing. “Karner blue butterflies do best when there’s continual deep snow through the whole winter,” he said.  “That’s what we’ve had this winter for the first time in decades. It’s excellent weather for blue butterflies.”

The Karner blue butterfly has been found in Wisconsin, Indiana, Ohio and in western Michigan. In Michigan it used to be common from Lake County to Allegan County, but the butterfly sightings have dropped 50 percent to 90 percent every year for the past four years, said Hoving.

Environment

Pursuit of endangered species hooked on ethics, culture

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By HEATHER HARTMANN
Capital News Service
Though it is endangered, the lake sturgeon isn’t off the hook. You can still fish for it and even spear it through the ice. But the Michigan Department of Natural Resources has limited the fishing of the species to specific areas, rivers and lakes. These include Black Lake in Cheboygan County; Otsego Lake in Otsego County; Menominee River and Boundary Waters (Michigan-Wisconsin Boundary) and Lake St. Clair and the St.