Huron River at DelhiFrom stormwater to salamanders, this edition of News to Us highlights several local reports with connection to the Huron River, it’s watershed and residents.   News to Us is a collection of headlines we find interesting and want to share with you.  It is published bi-weekly on the homepage of our website.

Low water, big headaches as Livingston County sees 1-2 climate punch.  Extremely low flows are continuing to affect the Huron River and connected lakes.  This is causing issues for boaters and creating conditions not seen in the lakes for decades.   The lack of rainfall and high temperatures we have experienced this summer and fall continue to compromise our waters and the way we use them.

Candidates talk management strategies in race for county water resource commissioner In the coming election, residents of Washtenaw County will be voting for Water Resources Commissioner.  The office of the Water Resources Commissioner is responsible for stormwater management, flood control and emergency response, lake levels and the finance and maintenance of associated infrastructure.  Read a summary of a debate between the two candidates.

Ann Arbor considers tunnel under railroad tracks behind Depot Street to access MichCon site The feasibility of building a railroad underpass for pedestrians and stormwater is underway in the city of Ann Arbor near the MichCon clean-up site.  After the clean-up, the site has the potential to support river-friendly development and/or parkland, bringing visitors closer to the Huron River in Ann Arbor. Access to the river here can be a challenge in large part due to the railroad right-of-way.

Gateway Communities Initiative announce new brand, logo to promote local eco-tourism The big 400 is the new name for a new initiative for several of the communities in the headwaters of the Huron River watershed.   This group of governments, visitor’s bureaus, the DNR and conservancy groups have joined forces to promote the natural amenities of the area to stimulate commerce and encourage use and stewardship.

George Reserve collections donated to UMMZ provide portal through time Nearly a quarter million ecological specimens collected from the E.S. George Reserve in Pinckney, MI between 1996 and 2012 have been donated to the University of Michigan Museum of Zoology collections.  These tadpoles, salamanders, fish, insects, mollusks and crayfish help establish a baseline to compare future samples and watch for signs of stress to these ecosystems.

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