For Friday, Nov. 3, 2023

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1 – Energy Waste Reduction programs in Michigan saved electricity and natural gas in 2022. 

The savings totaled more than 1.6 million megawatt hours of electricity and 6.3 thousand cubic feet of natural gas, according to a Michigan Public Service Commission report. 

The report was highlighted by the Great Lakes Renewable Energy Association, which noted that incentives and a planning process resulted in more savings than required by law for electric and natural gas utilities. 

The utilities spent more than $517 million on Energy Waste Reduction programs in 2022. For every dollar spent, customers should realize benefits of $2.68.

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2 – Starting this month (Nov. 1), you won’t be able to reserve camping and cabins as early in Michigan state parks. 

The Department of Natural Resources is shortening the reservation window from 12 to six months in a gradual process. 

All campground sites and overnight lodging like cabins will be available to reserve up to six months in advance once the process is fully implemented in the spring. 

Officials say the changes are being made because most customers already book sites within six months of their planned stay. 

The booking window will start shrinking a month at a time this month, arriving at 6 months in May. 

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3 – The invasive emerald ash borer is jeopardizing the entire native range of black ash trees in the United States and Canada. 

The borer beetle, native to Asia, was first discovered in southeast Michigan and southern Ontario in 2002. 

Michigan State University researchers say it has become the most devastating forest insect to invade North America.

As of 2020, the beetle had invaded more than half of the native range of black ash, spreading more than 30 miles per year. Researchers estimate that by 2040, the beetle will have killed all or nearly all of the overstory black ash across its native range. 

– Mr. Great Lakes is heard on 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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