For Friday, May 22, 2020

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1 – If you live in Bay County and suffered recent flood damage, local officials want to hear from you. 

The county is gathering damage assessment information to determine how better to assist residents in response to widespread flooding from the storm on Monday, May 18. 

If your residence or business experienced flood damage, you’re being asked to fill out an online questionnaire. 

The information will be used by Bay County Emergency Management and the Michigan State Police Emergency Management Homeland Security Division to coordinate any needed response. The survey can be filled out in any browser on PC and mobile devices.

Find more information on the county’s Facebook page or via baycounty-mi.gov. 

2 – An invasive crayfish that can reproduce by cloning is now a prohibited species in Michigan. 

The state Department of Natural Resources director approved the addition of marbled crayfish to Michigan’s list of prohibited species at a meeting of the Natural Resources Commission. 

The state says marbled crayfish are increasing in popularity in the aquarium trade due to their unique ability to reproduce by cloning. 

All known specimens are genetically identical females that can produce up to 700 eggs per reproductive cycle without the need for fertilization. 

A prohibited species in Michigan can generally not be possessed, introduced, imported, sold or offered for sale as a live organism.

The crayfish has not been detected in the wild in Michigan, but invasions in Europe indicate that the creature can likely survive in Michigan’s climate.

3 – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is encouraging people to recycle materials from their households, and properly dispose of personal protective equipment.

The agency says there’s a critical need for raw materials in the manufacturing supply chain, especially paper and cardboard. 

Businesses that normally recycle large amounts are not able to do so due to impacts from the coronavirus pandemic.  

The agency says people are staying home, receiving more deliveries in cardboard boxes, eating at home and generating more material than normal, much of which can be recycled.

However, the EPA says people should keep disinfectant wipes, gloves, masks, other personal protective equipment and medical waste out of recycling bins.

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

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