For Friday, June 6, 2025

1 – U.S. Rep. Kristen McDonald Rivet is pushing for federal funding to expand access to safe, clean drinking water in mid-Michigan. 

Rivet says the money would protect public health and help attract economic development and investment in the region.

The set of federal funding requests is part of the congresswoman’s  Community Project Funding Initiative for the Fiscal Year 2026 federal budget. 

They include a Bangor Township request to replace lead water lines, create a safer and more reliable water system, and protect residents from dangerous chemicals. 

The project also would create jobs and attract businesses, housing developments, and other economic investments, Rivet says. 

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2 – Saturday and Sunday is Free Wishing Weekend at Michigan state parks. 

All fishing license fees will be waived for residents and out-of-state visitors fishing on both inland and Great Lakes waters for all species of fish.  All fishing regulations still apply.

The summer Free Fishing Weekend is held in conjunction with the state Department of Natural Resources’ “Three Free” weekend, when you also can ride off-road trails and visit state parks and boating access sites free of charge. 

On Saturday and Sunday, June 7 and 8, a Recreation Passport will not be required for entry into state parks and boating access sites. 

Residents and visitors also can legally ride Michigan’s 4,000 miles of off-road vehicle trails and routes and six scramble areas without an off-road vehicle (ORV) license or trail permit. All other ORV rules and laws still apply.

More info is online at michigan.gov/freefishing.

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3 – Little Forks Conservancy recently hosted another Cedar River Stream Sampling event, engaging volunteers in collecting valuable data to monitor the health of the watershed. 

Community members gathered at sampling sites along the river to collect and identify aquatic macroinvertebrates — tiny organisms that serve as indicators of water quality and ecosystem health.

The Midland-based conservancy says data collected from these sampling events are important for identifying early signs of environmental issues and ensuring that local streams continue to support healthy wildlife and clean water. 

Results from this year’s spring sampling were encouraging, the conservancy says. Five sites earned water quality ratings of “Excellent” and another rated as “Very Good”.

Little Forks is inviting new and returning volunteers to attend an upcoming Stream Sampling Leader and Collector Training on June 17. No prior experience is necessary, and all equipment will be provided by the conservancy.

For more information, visit littleforks.org/events. 

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