Federal H-2B visas make tourism possible for visitors in summer, business leaders say. But every year is a question mark about who will get workers and how many will be allowed. They say it’s time to solve that.
On Tuesday, the author joined Bridge Michigan for a discussion of her New York Times best-selling novel about Sault Ste. Marie. Watch a video of discussion here.
The private timberlands that blanket Keweenaw County have been open for public recreation for generations. But with 32,600 acres now for sale by a New York hedge fund, some fear “no trespassing” signs may follow.
A death at Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore is the most recent incident in a summer of tragedy in Michigan’s remote wildernesses. That’s stretched resources and has lawmakers thinking of new funding sources.
Line 5 sustained no damage during the incident, which occurred as a result of an equipment failure while crews were doing maintenance work on the dual-span pipeline at the bottom of the Straits.
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau indicated fully vaccinated U.S. visitors could cross the border starting in mid-August if Canada’s “positive path” on vaccinations continues. Michigan residents with cottages in Canada are hopeful but wary.
Groups pushing for a wolf hunt in the Upper Peninsula often blame the predators for driving down deer populations. Experts say weather and other factors play a far bigger role.
With wolves off the federal endangered species list, Michigan is reopening the books on state wolf management. And friends and foes of the iconic predator are jockeying for influence over the process.
Video taken by a boater caught a dramatic glimpse of 200 feet of cliff dropping into the water at an iconic natural area. While it raises questions about the state’s battered shoreline, ‘erosion is always happening,’ a park official said.
Sen. Ed McBroom alienated Republicans and Democrats alike with an exhaustive report that told the truth about the 2020 election. If he loses re-election, that’s OK. ‘I’m very content milking cows the rest of my life.’
Since the company’s oil pipelines became a hot-button political topic in Michigan, Enbridge has steadily ramped up its physical and philanthropic presence in the Straits. Some see the generosity as infused with ulterior motives.
The federal agency announced plans to thoroughly review the project’s potential environmental impacts on the Straits of Mackinac. The process also requires the agency to consider alternatives to the tunnel project.
Some officials in Kalkaska and Grand Traverse counties have denied funding for needle exchange programs, arguing they encourage drug use. Such fears have been refuted by decades of research showing exchanges reduce HIV and other health problems and encourage more people to seek treatment.
Border businesses and the state’s tourism industry suffer as COVID limits prevent Canadian visitors for another month at least. And state residents with the travel bug or property in Canada also can’t cross. One official said it could be Thanksgiving before the border opens.
Author Angeline Boulley will join Bridge Michigan for a discussion of her debut novel, set in Sault Ste Marie. Join us on Zoom from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. July 27. Bridge members receive a free e-version of this New York Times bestseller.
The bill, which passed with Republican support and Democrat opposition, now heads to the House. It would require the state to appoint only Upper Peninsula residents to a body that advises state officials on wolf management policy. Wolves are only found in the U.P.
The once-sleepy community of fewer than 100 residents now sees thousands of tourists every summer weekend. As the crowds strain capacity, how can the town sustain outdoor recreation that has become its economic engine, without sacrificing its small-town charm?
Last year’s crush of visitors stunned businesses and this summer promises a sequel: from sold-out campgrounds to heavy demand for boats, kayak and bikes and, likely, more novice hikers needing to be rescued from state and national parks.
