For Friday, Jan. 10, 2025

1 – In case you missed it, the Linwood Scenic Access site opened in November at the end of Linwood Road. 

According to Route Bay City, it’s said to be the only free public access site along 130 miles of Saginaw Bay shoreline.

The improvement effort was spearheaded by the Linwood Civic Improvement Club and supported by local communities, Bay County officials, and organizations like the Conservation Fund. 

The site features an accessible fishing platform, picnic tables and a walkway to downtown Linwood. 

Maintenance of the park will continue through the improvement club and with volunteers.

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2 – The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy ended 2024 by releasing its annual State of the Great Lakes report. 

It showcases partnerships that officials say are driving progress and addressing challenges in Michigan waters. 

The report emphasizes collaboration among individuals, organizations, universities, tribes and governments to safeguard the Great Lakes.

Topics range from invasive species prevention to stormwater management, monitoring water quality in Saginaw Bay and conserving coastal wetlands.

The report calls for continued action to ensure the sustainability of the freshwater system. 

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3 – The Michigan Public Service Commission says there’s been significant growth in renewable energy and distributed generation programs, fueled by updates to state energy laws in 2023. 

Regulated utilities had 6,000 megawatts of renewable energy online by the end of 2023, with projections exceeding 8,000 megawatts by 2026. 

Wind remains the state’s largest renewable source, while solar continues to grow despite challenges like supply-chain disruptions and permitting delays. 

The Commission also notes increased participation in voluntary green pricing and distributed generation programs (where people feed power back into the grid), with a new cap allowing further expansion. 

Michigan’s clean energy goals include achieving 50 percent renewable energy by 2030 and 60 percent by 2035.
h/t Great Lakes Renewable Energy Association

– Mr. Great Lakes is heard at 6:45 and 8:45 Friday mornings on Delta College Public Radio 90.1 FM in University Center, Michigan, near Bay City (listen live). Follow @jeffkart on Twitter #MrGreatLakes

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