For Friday, May 10, 2019
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1 – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is seeking public input on a draft Great Lakes Restoration Initiative Action Plan. The plan will set priorities and goals for the years 2020-2024.
You can read the plan and give your input until May 24.
Funding from the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative supports efforts that include revitalizing communities affected by environmental impacts and achieving long-term management goals.
- Fish that are safe to eat
- Water that’s safe for recreation
- Safe sources of drinking water
- And delisting all Areas of Concern in the lakes.
The Saginaw River and Bay has been listed as an Area of Concern, or toxic hot spot, since the 1980s.
The draft plan notes that Great Lakes Restoration Initiative resources have been used for projects to combat harmful algal blooms in Saginaw Bay.
More information is available online at glri.us.
2 – The Michigan state park system turns 100 on Sunday.
Michigan is home to 103 state parks that offer camping and other outdoor recreation, nature programming and green spaces.
It all started in 1919 with the creation of the Michigan State Park Commission. Sunday, May 12, marks the 100th anniversary of the state parks system.
State officials say many campers have booked their spots to be a part of this historic weekend.
There’s also a full year of special events and programs planned to celebrate the milestone, including:
- Campfire storytelling dates throughout the summer
- Tree-planting events
- A centennial geocaching tour around Michigan
- And special events such yoga on the beach and learn to fish.
Anniversary events are listed at Michigan.gov/StateParks100.
– 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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