1 – The Kawkawlin River is getting a little cleaner.
A group of more than 18 organizations have teamed up to help improve the river’s water quality through continued research, public education, land protection, improved farming practices, septic system maintenance, and recreation, according to a news release.
The group includes Delta College, Saginaw Valley State University ,the Kawkawlin River Watershed Property Owners Association, the Little Forks Conservancy in Midland, Saginaw Basin Land Conservancy in Bay City, the Bay Conservation District, and departments and offices in Bay County government. The project is supported by state and federal grants.
As one example, the Bay Conservation District is working with growers to change farming practices and protect soil health, reduce soil erosion, and nutrient pollution. Technical and financial assistance is available to those who qualify.
So far, more than 2,700 acres of cover crops and other practices are in place, and have been verified to be reducing sediment and nutrient runoff. Twelve grade stabilization structures are to be installed this spring.
The Kawkawlin River Watershed covers about 144,000 acres of land in Bay, Midland, Gladwin, and Saginaw counties that drains to the Kawkawlin River. There have been ongoing problems with bacterial contamination in the river, resulting in closures and public health advisories.
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Little Forks is holding a March 19 meeting for landowners interested in conservation easements. It’s at the North Midland Family Center, from 6-8 p.m. RSVP by calling (989) 835-4886.
2 – Do you remember sunshine and warm days?
In the midst of Michigan’s ongoing winter, utility officials and environmental groups are drafting a plan they say can lead to wider development of solar energy in the state.
The Michigan Public Service Commission, DTE Energy, and Consumers Energy are involved in the workgroup.
A goal is to provide a strong basis for requiring utilities to establish ongoing programs that help residents and businesses install their own solar systems, according to Clean Energy Now.
A final report is expected in June. The report could recommend expansion of DTE’s SolarCurrents Program and Consumers’ Experimental Advanced Renewable Program (EARP).
Michigan’s renewable energy standard of 10 percent by 2015 expires next year.
3 – A new state program to maintain sewers in cities and towns has been infused with $97 million.
The Michigan Department of Environmental Quality has made grant and loan awards under the state’s Stormwater, Asset Management, and Wastewater program.
Grant assistance will go for stormwater management planning, stormwater and wastewater project planning and design, and testing and demonstration of innovative technology.
Loans will assist with the construction of projects derived from the plans.
Grants in the Saginaw Bay area include: $1.1 million to East Tawas, about $407,000 to Roscommon, $472,000 to Frankenlust Township, $1.1 million to Bangor Township, and almost $1 million to the city of Auburn.
Grants will be used for assessing how to schedule and pay for maintenance and upgrades to stormwater and sewer systems.
– Mr. Great Lakes, as heard at 9 a.m. Fridays in Bay City, Michigan, on Delta College Q-90.1 FM NPR.
Mr Great Lakes 
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