For Friday, March 2, 2018
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1 – Wind continues to be the primary source of new renewable energy in Michigan.
The state Public Service Commissions says at the end of 2017, there were more than 1,900 megawatts of operating, utility scale wind projects in Michigan.
Two wind farms are expected to begin generating 235 megawatts in the next several years.
Wind accounts for 69 percent of renewable energy capacity in the state, followed by hydroelectric, biomass, landfill gas, and solar and municipal solid waste.
The alternative energy sector accounted for 9,100 jobs in Michigan in 2017 and there has been $3.3 billion invested since 2008.
The average cost for renewable energy contracts is $72.60 per megawatt hour, lower than the $133 per megawatt hour for coal.
- via GLREA
2 – Michigan’s annual frog and toad survey helps biologists monitor amphibian abundance in the state.
The state Department of Natural Resources is seeking volunteers to help with this year’s effort.
The DNR says declining populations of frogs, toads and other amphibians have been documented worldwide since the 1980s. Studies suggest they’re disappearing due to habitat loss, pollution, disease and collection.
The surveys are conducted by volunteer observers along a statewide system of permanent survey routes, each consisting of 10 wetland sites. The sites are visited three times during spring, when frogs and toads are actively breeding. Observers listen for calling frogs and toads at each site, identify the species present and make an estimate of abundance.
New volunteers are needed in all parts of the state.
Michigan’s is the second-longest-running survey in the country, after Wisconsin.
More information on the frog and toad survey is available at www.michigan.gov/wildlife.
(Those interested in volunteering may contact Lori Sargent at 517-284-6216 or SargentL@michigan.gov.)
– Mr. Great Lakes is heard at 9:30 a.m. Fridays in Bay City, Michigan, on Delta College Q-90.1 FM NPR. Follow @jeffkart on Twitter #MrGreatLakes
Mr Great Lakes 