For Friday, May 5, 2023

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1 – There are now more than 400 threatened and endangered species in Michigan. 

A state list was recently updated for the seventh time in almost 50 years. It now includes 407 species.

Thirty six were removed, including the trumpeter swan. Fifty eight were added, including three bat species. 

State officials say the bats are threatened due to significant population declines resulting from a disease called white-nose syndrome. 

Two types of bumblebees also were added to the endangered list due to large population declines.

Officials says threatened and endangered species rely on high-quality natural areas. When species are struggling, it can indicate declines in the functioning of natural areas that benefit all of us by providing clean water and air. 

More information on updates to the list, called the Michigan Natural Features Inventory, is online at msu.edu. 

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2 – A new 334-acre park is open in southwest Saginaw at the confluence of the Saginaw River. 

The Saginaw River Headwaters Rec Area was opened in a soft launch by Saginaw County Parks in partnership with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources. 

The county says the property features a parking area and more than 2 miles of developed trails and adjacent wetlands for the public to visit. 

Plans for later this year and into 2024 include additional trail development and observational overlooks to highlight features and wildlife habitat throughout the 334 acres. A formal grand opening is planned for early 2024. 

Portions of the property were previously home to the Saginaw Malleable Iron facility. The new park opened after an environmental cleanup. 

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3 – The electrification of transportation in Michigan is expanding from the roads to the water. 

The Michigan Economic Development Corp. says a Fresh Coast Maritime Challenge is a first-of-its-kind program in the United States. 

The challenge establishes a grant program to companies to support the electrification of marinas and watercraft across the state.

That is, moving from fossil fuels to electric power on Michigan waterways, developing a network of shore-side charging facilities for vessels operating on the Great Lakes. 

Similar efforts are being made along Michigan’s roads, including state funding of charging stations. 

The initial phase of marina and watercraft funding to companies will focus on the northwest Michigan corridor between Frankfort and Mackinac Island. Officials say similar electrification grants in the past have ranged from $10,000 to $125,000. 

The application window for grants is open through May 10. More information on the Fresh Coast Maritime Challenge is online at MichiganBusiness.org. 

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– Mr. Great Lakes is heard Fridays at 9:30 a.m. in Bay City, Michigan, on Delta College Public Radio 90.1 FM (listen live). Follow @jeffkart on Twitter #MrGreatLakes

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