For Friday, Jan. 18, 2019 

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1 – Michigan is No. 1 among Great Lakes states for jobs created from hunting- and fishing-related purchases.

That’s according to a first-of-its-kind study commissioned by Michigan United Conservation Clubs.

The organization says 171,000 jobs are created and supported annually by hunting and fishing, making those activities a top job creator for the state.

The total effects on Michigan’s economy across all industries of hunting and fishing expenditures by residents and non-residents was equivalent to more than $11.2 billion, based on 2016 data (page 5).

That’s twice as much as previous federal estimates. By region, the economic impact for Northeast Michigan was $451 million.

The study was done in partnership with the Michigan State University Eli Broad College of Business and with funding support from the C.S. Mott Foundation.

2 – Delta College won a national award for its efforts to tackle climate change.

A nonprofit called Second Nature, in partnership with the U.S. Green Building Council, awarded Higher Education Climate Leadership Awards for 2018 to Delta College and the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.

Second Nature works with almost 600 university and colleges to lead the higher education sector in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and striving to meet the necessary goals laid out by climate scientists to avert the worst impacts of climate change.

The organization points to work by Delta on an Energy Optimization Incentive Program to maximize conservation and savings, a community partnership known as “Common Good” to host climate-adaptation and resilience learning sessions; and a sustainability study abroad program through international partnerships with programs in Ireland, Costa Rica and France.

Award winners will be recognized as part of the 2019 Higher Education Climate Leadership Summit in Tempe, Arizona, Feb. 10-12.

3 – Close to $1 million from the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality will go to collect scrap tires.

The state has awarded grants to 65 communities and organizations to fund scrap tire drop-off events.

Scrap tires pose a fire hazard and create mosquito breeding grounds.

Recycled scrap tires can be used in asphalt to pave roads and as landscape mulch in gardens and on playgrounds.

Communities receiving grants include the Arenac Conservation District, Bay County Mosquito Control, Saginaw County Mosquito Control and the city of Bay City.

– Mr. Great Lakes is heard Friday mornings in Bay City, Michigan, on Delta College Q-90.1 FM NPR. Follow @jeffkart on Twitter #MrGreatLakes