In the past couple of weeks we have seen some good radio coverage of watershed issues. A few are highlighted here. Read also about the idea of a “blue economy” for the Great Lakes and one community’s response to last year’s drought.
DEXTER: Village Council discusses mandatory outdoor watering restrictions which are now in effect
In response to last year’s dry conditions, Dexter has made a proactive decision to instate water restrictions for the Village. Conservation efforts like these can help reduce losses to the aquifers we draw water from, the burden on infrastructure needed to pump the water, and the costs associated with pumping or establishing new wells if existing wells should run dry, while still allowing residents to maintain lawns and landscapes.
Great Lakes region pins economic hopes on water
You may have seen the term ‘blue economy’ emerging in the local lexicon. If you haven’t yet, you soon will. More and more, communities are seeing the value of harnessing the economic value of living in a water-rich region like the Great Lakes. Learn more about this idea and what it means in our region in this article.
Hidden dangers of underground oil pipelines, and the potential impact on the Huron River
WEMU interviewed HRWC Executive Director Laura Rubin for a recent ‘Issues of the Environment’ piece on the risks to the river from underground oil pipelines in the Huron River watershed.
Spring floods bring bumper crop of mosquitoes
I’ve noticed a lot of mosquitos this year while trying to get my garden in the ground. Have you? Here is a quick report on why we are seeing a few more of our biting friends this spring.
By law, the state can only own so much land, but that might change
HRWC recently provided comments on a new land acquisition plan for the DNR. Aspects of the plan may have very positive implications for our region. The plan proposed more land acquisition in SE Michigan giving more of the State’s urban residents access to public lands. On the other hand, elements of the plan may open more public land to natural resource extraction. While HRWC does not oppose natural resource extraction across the board, how that extraction is accomplished and to what degree has a wide range of implications for public lands.