For Friday, Nov. 4, 2022

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1 – A conservation group and others are pushing for federal funding to fight algal blooms in Saginaw Bay. 

Ducks Unlimited says a $30 million investment from the American Rescue Plan would support at least 15 projects to restore and develop wetlands. Those wetlands would act as filters for more than 20,000 acres in Lake Erie and Saginaw Bay that are impacted by agricultural runoff.

Phosphorus from runoff adds excess nutrients to the water and fuels the growth of algae, which turns water green and can make people and animals sick.

Michigan United Conservation Clubs released a study last week. It estimates that close to $6 million in economic activity is lost per year in Michigan’s portion of Lake Erie due to algal blooms …  and thousands of angling trips are canceled. 

The clubs say harmful algal blooms in Lake Erie and Saginaw Bay also compromise public drinking water and harm fish and wildlife. 

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2 – The state has won an award for a project to bring renewable energy to Michigan properties.

The Department of Natural Resources received the Project of the Year Award at a recent Michigan Energy Innovators Gala in Detroit. The event was put on by the Michigan Energy Innovation Business Council. 

The DNR says solar arrays and electric vehicle charging stations were set up at several state properties in southwest Michigan under a partnership with Utopian Power of South Lyon. 

There was careful planning beforehand to make sure the arrays did not negatively impact the outdoor experience for visitors. 

Besides generating nearly 1 megawatt of power, state officials say the arrays will create opportunities for visitors to learn more about clean energy innovations. 

The Utopian Power locations include Holland State Park. 

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3 – Get ready for a wet winter, according to the latest outlook from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. 

This is a forecast for December 2022 through February 2023.

NOAA predicts drier-than-average conditions across the South and wetter-than-average conditions for areas of the Ohio Valley, Great Lakes, northern Rockies and Pacific Northwest.

Below normal temperatures also are favored for spots including the western Great Lakes.

This is the third winter in a row for La Niña, which forecasters say will drive warmer-than-average temperatures for the Southwest and along the Gulf Coast and eastern seaboard.

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

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