for May 23, 2014.

 

 

1 – You’ll be hearing more about aquatic invasive species this summer.

The states of  Michigan, Wisconsin and Minnesota are teaming up on a new public service campaign.

The campaign encourages boaters and anglers to take steps to avoid the spread of invasives like Eurasian watermilfoil, zebra mussels and spiny water fleas when they travel between states.

The message: You can stop invasive hitchhikers by cleaning off your boat; draining your boat, bait and live well; and drying your boat.

The spot is airing on Detroit Public Television, FOX Sports 1, NBC Sports, The Weather Channel, ESPN2 and the Travel Channel.

The Michigan Department of Environment Quality is inviting people to share a YouTube video to spread awareness.

2 – How does Michigan generate its energy?

New information has been released by U.S. Energy Information Administration.

Michigan used coal for 54 percent of its net electricity generation in 2013. Much of the coal came by rail from Wyoming and Montana.

In 2013, Michigan’s three nuclear power plants provided 28 percent of the state’s net electricity generation.

Biomass such was wood and agricultural waste provided fuel for 42 percent of Michigan’s renewable net electricity generation in 2013. Much of that biomass came from about 19 million acres of forest land in the state.

One more: In 2012, Michigan had more underground natural gas storage capacity – 1.1 trillion cubic feet – than any other state in the nation.

See also: Energy Attitudes

3 – A former golf course in Saginaw County is part of an urban restoration project.

The project was recently celebrated by The Nature Conservancy, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and The Dow Chemical Company.

The 135-acre property, once known as the Germania Town and Country Club, fell into foreclosure and closed its doors in 2010. The Nature Conservancy purchased the property, with support from Dow Chemical. The old course is being transferred to the Shiawassee National Wildlife Refuge, which owns property on the other side of the Saginaw River.

The Fish and Wildlife Service will restore the area to native grasses and wildflowers, with public access and recreational opportunities on the property. Paved paths once used for golf carts will make the area handicap-accessible.

The Nature Conservancy has designated the Saginaw Bay Watershed as a priority area and is working with members of the agriculture community to support sustainable practices and water quality, and protect floodplain habitats that can contribute to the improved health of Saginaw Bay.

– Mr. Great Lakes, is heard at 9 a.m. Fridays in Bay City, Michigan, on Delta College Q-90.1 FM NPR.