Our new findings indicate that harvests of timber on state-owned land have generally increased--even during the recent recession--and are at or near sustainable levels. Any push for higher harvest and looser state regulation must be evaluated in light of reliable information about timber harvest on state land and the factors driving those harvests. This includes recognition of the multiple and emerging demands being placed on state forestlands, including forest sustainability, emerging timber demand and market shifts, and important recreational demands.

Providing the state’s newspapers, niche publications and blogosphere with strong voices on behalf of Michigan’s natural resources is a critical component of the Michigan Environmental Council’s work. We stand ready to provide professional communications and media relations advice to member groups.

Michiganders have an historic opportunity to move our state into a future of clean, Michigan-made energy by adopting the 25 by 25 renewable energy initiative. Proposal 3 on your ballot this November requires Michigan’s electric utility companies to generate one-quarter of their electricity from renewable sources by 2025. Voters should adopt the initiative.

Michigan’s utility companies are pouring millions into an expensive political ad campaign to confuse the voters on the renewable energy ballot initiative, Proposal 3. The proposal would raise our renewable electricity standard to 25 percent by 2025. There are plenty of great reasons to support Proposal 3 included in this edition’s special report. But it also is instructive to look at the most prevalent arguments against the ballot proposal and see why you shouldn’t believe the naysayers.

TRAVERSE CITY, Mich. (AP) — Builders would have an easier time gaining approval for houses, driveways and other projects in sensitive seaside areas under proposed legislation that would make the first significant changes in Michigan's sand dune protection law in nearly a quarter-century.

The Senate Regulatory Reform Committee today voted out legislation that may be the beginning of the end for Michigan’s bottle bill. The proponents of HB 5660 say they are simply trying to exempt new drink “pouches” that are intended to be frozen then emptied into a glass. However, the language of the bill is much broader and would exempt any beverage container that combines metal with plastic, or plastic with paper.

Michigan Environmental Council opposes House Bill 5660, which proposes to amend Michigan's successful bottle bill. The legislation looks to exempt alcohol pouch containers from our 10-cent bottle deposit.

Occasionally, it takes an outsider to remind us how unique and spectacular our natural resources are in the Mitten State. Such was the case with Cleveland Plain Dealer travel writer Susan Glaser’s July 16 column sharing her awe and reverence during a family trip to Michigan’s West Coast sand dunes.

When Lake Erie – or more exactly the Cuyahoga River which flows into Lake Erie – caught fire in 1969, it ignited a firestorm of public outrage over the indiscriminate dumping of sewage and industrial chemicals into the Great Lakes. But the incident was not particularly unusual.

Becky Humphries' most remarkable qualities were acquired at a tender age. Patience and perseverance were instilled during idyllic summer days at her father's side, fishing with an old-fashioned cane pole.

In each issue of the Michigan Environmental Report, we celebrate accomplishments by MEC and member groups.

Glen Sheppard, the legendary editor of the North Woods Call, passed away in early January at the age of 74. The Call, his fiercely independent conservation newspaper, has ceased publication.

Since the Recreation Passport program was introduced in October 2010, almost 20 percent of Michigan drivers have opted to pay the $10 annual park pass fee during their motor vehicle registration renewal. The pass gives unlimited access to all of Michigan’s 98 parks and 1,000 boat launches. It replaced the previous system, which required the purchase of $6 daily park passes or $24 annual passes affixed to windshields.

Road map to a better future seeks input on goals for 2, 10, 20 and 50 years on the path to a vibrant, sustainable Michigan

Environmental Council's intervention helps return improperly collected money to Consumers Energy electric customers

New director combines leadership, administrative experience and passion for state's natural resources

The Michigan Women’s Historical Center in Lansing is going green with a new history exhibit entitled “Resourceful Women: 30 Who Worked to Preserve Michigan’s Water, Woods, and Wildlife” on display through February 19.

Last issue, we asked an unbiased question and stood back disinterestedly to see the results: Did readers prefer the term Michigander and its melodic, friendly, open, harmonious ring? Or did they favor the term Michiganian, thus aligning themselves with nonnative, highbrow, overeducated socially sheltered wimps?

The second historical marker for a Michigan Environmental Council-sponsored Michigan Conservation Trail was approved by the Michigan Historical Commission this spring. Efforts by communities, scientists and governmental agencies to restore the endangered Kirtland’s warbler are the theme of the marker, which will be installed in the Mio area.

Aggressive lobbying and public education by MEC member group Environment Michigan helped convince Gov. Jennifer Granholm and the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) to create the state’s first wilderness designation in 20 years, permanently protecting part of Algonac State Park.

The grandeur of Michigan’s waters is the theme of a new book by prolific author and Michigan Environmental Council advisor Dave Dempsey and photographer David Lubbers.

The incredible story of the Detroit River’s decline and resurgence was commemorated Sept. 1 with the placement of the first historical marker on Michigan’s Conservation Trail at the gateway to the Detroit International Wildlife Refuge in Trenton.