In case you missed it ...
The Michigan Department of Natural Resources is considering leasing out more than 400 acres of forest around Gaylord for solar development. For perspective, that’s a little over half a square mile, encompassing pine trees as well as things like oil and gas wellheads and transmission lines. IPR climate reporter Izzy Ross teamed up with WCMU’s Teresa Homsi to look into the situation and some of the reactions.
Coming up...
We’re looking at nuclear power — specifically, what’s ahead for northern Michigan’s Wolverine Power Co-op, which has agreed to buy most of the power from the Palisades Nuclear Plant if and when it restarts. The company wants that to happen later this year, but it depends on a lot of different things. So more to come on those plans, and some different perspectives on nuclear, which can be controversial.
The Birds!
IPR is holding a bird CAWcus that basically lets people vote on what they think the state bird should be. Right now its the robin, but two other states also have it as their state bird. And lately, there’s been this push to change the state bird to something more uniquely Michigan. Izzy and Tyler weigh in on their favorites. (Yes! They're endorsing candidates!)
Other news that caught our attention ...
- Michigan Public had a story about potential legislation to make community solar easier to pursue. These are generally smaller projects which can cost less for individuals than rooftop solar. But usually, big utilities need to be persuaded to allow these projects access to the grid and their customers — and they’re not excited about changing state law to force them to cooperate.
- Bridge Michigan reported that some winter festivals like sled dog races in northern Michigan are making a comeback this year with some cautious optimism. One is the Tahquamenon Country Sled Dog Race in the Upper Peninsula over this past weekend. It was cancelled last year due to a lack of snow. The UP200 Sled Dog Race in Marquette is also planning some kind of event. And the North American Nordic Ski and Bike race should be on at Timber Ridge Resort in Traverse City, but if that can’t happen, they will move to the nearby Hickory Hills Recreation Area, which can make snow.
