For Friday, July 16, 2021

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1 – July in Lakes Appreciation Month in Michigan, the Great Lakes state. 

Besides the four out of five Great Lakes that border Michigan, there are more than 11,000 inland lakes here, not to mention wetlands, rivers and groundwater.

The governor says there are many challenges facing Michigan’s lakes and connected waterways, but aging infrastructure and the effects of climate change are two highly important issues that require increased awareness.

Whitmer has announced a state Healthy Climate Plan, which creates a roadmap to a carbon neutral economy by 2050. 

The governor also points to a state Clean Water Plan, which is a $500 million investment in infrastructure that will make for cleaner, more affordable water. 

2 – The Michigan PFAS Action Response Team will provide an update on its continuing investigation of contamination near the former Wurtsmith Air Force Base and Oscoda area sites on Tuesday, July 20.

Representatives from the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy, along with the state Department of Health and Human Services, will host the virtual community meeting from 6-8 p.m. 

Topics include brief updates on the status of a remedial investigation and remedial actions at the former Wurtsmith Air Force Base, updates on quarterly sampling at Oscoda area sites and a recent Clark’s Marsh deer study.

Interested parties can register for the meeting early or simply join online at 6 p.m., July 20. 

Visit https://bit.ly/wurtsmith.

After presentations, there will be an opportunity for attendees to ask questions.

More information is available at Michigan.gov/Wurtsmith.

3 – Also this month is a July 27 event about invasive species in the state. 

Michigan is home to 22 Cooperative Invasive Species Management Areas, or CISMAs. 

These groups are on the front lines of prevention, detection and control of invasive infestations.

Three representatives from the Michigan Invasive Species Coalition will discuss what a CISMA is, how the groups can help with management of invasives on your property and the benefits of partnering with your local CISMA.

The event is a webinar on Tuesday, July 27, from 9-10 a.m.

Register and find out more at Michigan.gov/EGLEevents.  

– Mr. Great Lakes is heard Friday mornings in Bay City, Michigan, on Delta College Public Radio 90.1 FM (listen). Follow @jeffkart on Twitter #MrGreatLakes

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