For Friday, June 8, 2018

…Audio…

1 – Landowners in Bay, Saginaw and Midland counties are among those being targeted for a voluntary program to restore pollinator and wildlife habitat.

The goal is attract populations of monarch butterflies, pheasants, ducks and grassland birds to the state.

The push comes from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Conservation Reserve Program. The program is accepting offers from rural landowners in 21 Michigan counties for up to 40,000 acres of environmentally sensitive land.

The Ag Department has an initiative called SAFE that assists agricultural producers and landowners with the cost of restoring, enhancing and protecting certain grasses, shrubs and trees to improve water quality, prevent soil erosion and reduce loss of wildlife habitat.

In return, participants are provided with annual rental payments, cost-share assistance and other financial incentives.

Eligible counties besides Bay, Saginaw and Midland include Arenac, Clare, Gladwin, Huron, Sanilac, and Tuscola.

You can find out more information from any Farm Service Agency county office. A list is online at offices.usda.gov.

2 – This Saturday and Sunday is Free Fishing Weekend in Michigan.

It happens twice a year, for two days, in February and June.

During Free Fishing Weekend, all fishing license fees are waived for two days. And a Recreation Passport is not required for entry into state parks and recreation areas.

Residents and out-of-state visitors may enjoy fishing on inland and Great Lakes’ waters for all species of fish. All fishing regulations will still apply.

Associated events are being held around the state, including at the Bay City state park on Saturday, and at locations in Gladwin, Roscommon, Sanilac and Iosco counties.

– 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