Mr. Great Lakes (Jeff Kart). The Environment Report for April 12, 2013. As heard in Bay City, Michigan, on Fridays at 9 a.m. Eastern, Delta College Q-90.1 FM.
1- The Great Lakes Restoration Initiative would be kept alive under a 2014 budget released by President Barack Obama.
The proposed budget, out this week, maintains support for the Initiative at $300 million.
According to the National Wildlife Federation, the program has spent more than $1 billion during the last three years to clean up toxic pollution, combat invasive species, restore habitat, and prevent runoff from cities and farms.
The Initiative has funded more than 20 efforts in the Saginaw Bay area, including a project to prevent E. coli bacteria from getting into the Kawkawlin River.
The 2014 federal budget also includes more than $1 billion for the Clean Water State Revolving Loan Fund – more than $400 million of which would help communities in Michigan and other Great Lakes states to fix old sewers to prevent sewage overflows.
The Federation is part of the Healing Our Waters-Great Lakes Coalition, which consists of more than 100 environmental, conservation, outdoor recreation, and other organizations.
U.S. Rep. Dan Kildee, whose district includes Bay City, is one of those urging fellow legislators to continue funding the Initiative at $300 million.
2 – About 100,000 Atlantic salmon are coming to Lake Huron.
The Michigan Department of Natural Resources plans to release the yearlings into the lake and two of its tributary streams this spring.
DNR officials say that after two years of working through disease problems and investing in equipment to control disease outbreaks, the production of Atlantic salmon yearlings in 2013 has been “exceptional.”
Yearling Atlantic salmon will be stocked in the Au Sable River, along with St. Marys River, Thunder Bay River, and in Lexington Harbor in southern Lake Huron.
Stocking locations were chosen based on variables like stream temperatures, public access, and the ability for the DNR to evaluate returning adults.
Officials also focused on locations that would optimize the chances of success and provide angling opportunities for the public.
3 – Four Bay County schools have officially gone green.
The schools are now part of the Michigan Green Schools program.
The four schools — Auburn Area Catholic, the Bay-Arenac ISD Career Center, St. James Catholic, and Bangor John Glenn — all qualified as green schools for various environmental stewardship efforts.
To earn a Michigan Green Schools Designation, schools must conduct activities in categories that include recycling, energy, and environmental protection.
The program is open to all public and private schools.
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