For Friday, Aug. 11, 2023

…audio…

1 – According to a study by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, harmful algal blooms cause about $82 million annually in economic losses in fishing and tourism in the Great Lakes region.

The blooms–fed primarily by nutrient runoff from sources like agricultural fields, animal facilities and wastewater treatment plants–have developed in the western portion of Lake Erie. Saginaw Bay also has algae issues. 

A Michigan State University scientist is exploring practices to assist Michigan farmers in abiding by the so-called “golden rule of drainage.” That is, “drain only what is necessary for crop production and not a drop more.”

An MSU research team recently received a $1.2 million state grant to continue a project to investigate the effectiveness of conservation drainage practices.

The state Department of Agriculture and Rural Development plans to use information from the study to develop farmer education to better control nutrient and water releases.

…

2 – The Saginaw Bay Cooperative Invasive Species Management Area is doing survey work in Bay County’s Hampton Township to control for non-native phragmites, an invasive reed.

The management area is part of a partnership that includes local governments.

The group is looking for help from shoreline property owners in Hampton Township. 

They’re seeking permission to treat for phragmites on people’s property and shoreline. 

The project will later expand into Tuscola County. 

Phragmites block shoreline views and water access, crowd out native plants and wildlife habitat, and are a fire hazard. 

More information about the Hampton Township treatment project is online at SCBIsma.com. 

…

3 – What does the Farmer’s Almanac say this winter will be like? 

Cold and stormy. 

A 2023-24 winter outlook says “The BRRR is Back!” for the upcoming winter season. The Farmers’ Almanac makes long-range weather predictions using a formula that considers factors such as sunspot activity and tidal action of the moon.

The almanac says there are indications that an El Niño will mean cold temperatures throughout the United States. 

The almanac’s extended forecast calls for below-average temperatures and lots of snowstorms, sleet, ice, rain for much of the Great Lakes and Midwest, especially in January and February.

Winter officially starts Dec. 21. 

– 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

-30-