For Friday, May 3, 2019

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1 – Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s administration is revisiting a state policy that some say has acted as a barrier to solar development.

According to the Energy News Network, a Michigan program provides tax incentives to keep land under contract for agricultural practices.

In 2017, under former Gov. Rick Snyder, the state issued a policy saying commercial solar development is not compatible with the program, and landowners would have to end their farmland preservation contracts if they entered into commercial solar leases.

Leaving the program usually means paying back the previous seven years of tax credits, plus 6 percent  interest.

Under Whitmer, the state is reviewing the policy.

The process could result in legislation requiring solar projects on preservation land. Those projects would include agriculturally compatible features, such as raised panels allowing for grazing or shade-tolerant crops.

See “Michigan revisits policy that limits solar development on farmland”

 

2 – May is American Wetlands Month.

The state is holding a Wetland Wonders contest with Consumers Energy, MI Birds and Michigan United Conservation Clubs.

The contest is for birders, anglers, photographers, paddlers and other outdoor enthusiasts.

From May 1 through July 14, people can visit one of the 14 Wetland Wonders sites in the state, take a photo, then submit it via email.

Prizes include gift cards.

The Wetland Wonders sites include several state wildlife areas:  Wigwam Bay in Arenac County, Nayanquing Point in Bay County, Fish Point in Tuscola County and the Crow Island and Shiawassee River areas in Saginaw County.

American Wetlands Month was started in 1991 by federal, state and other partners.

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

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