AGP Executive Report

Great Lakes & Fresh Water Week: Michigan’s annual Great Lakes and Fresh Water Week is underway (June 6-14) with EGLE and partners pushing “Protecting the Great Lakes Sustains Us,” focusing on stewardship, lakes-based education, and strengthening the blue economy. Invasive species control: Sea lamprey control is planned for the White River in western Michigan, with lampricide applications tentatively set for June 16-25 under state permits to protect the Great Lakes fishery. Wildlife updates: Common loons are nesting again at Six Mile Lake, raising hopes for another chick; residents are urged to avoid the nest area during incubation. Local habitat restoration: The DNR says Roberts Lake Dam in Cheboygan County will be removed in August and replaced with a culvert to reconnect aquatic habitat and reduce future dam-failure risk. Community environment education: Michigan Girl Scouts highlighted native-species and pollinator-focused leadership through Gold Award projects, showing how local service can translate into lasting environmental change. Public safety & micromobility: AAA launched its “E-Ride Ready” campaign in Dearborn to help families manage e-bike and e-scooter risks, including helmet guidance and safer riding rules.

Great Lakes Wildlife Update: A young bald eagle named “Snow” is recovering at North Sky Raptor Sanctuary after wing injuries, with staff reporting no new complications and ongoing splinting, scans, and therapy. PFAS Accountability: Wisconsin announced a $10 million settlement with Tyco Fire Products over PFAS contamination from firefighting foam, including a long-term clean-water obligation for Marinette-area residents. Recycling Wins: EGLE’s scrap tire program notched two awards, highlighting progress from rubberized road uses to market development. Data Center Pressure in Michigan: Michigan Senate bills would pause new data center projects statewide through April 2027 as lawmakers weigh energy, land use, and community impacts. Local EV Plant Fight: Gotion is suing Green Charter Township for nearly $24M after an EV battery plant was canceled amid environmental and political pushback. Severe Weather Watch: Michigan tornado activity has already surpassed its yearly average as peak season begins, with most storms concentrated in the Lower Peninsula’s southern half. Invasive Species Work: The Great Lakes Tribal Conservation Corps is removing spotted knapweed in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula to protect native biodiversity.

Great Lakes & Water Stewardship: Michigan’s Great Lakes and Fresh Water Week runs June 6-14, with EGLE and partners pushing hands-on stewardship plus a big Free Fishing weekend June 13-14. Wildlife & Ecosystems: Researchers say Michigan bald eagle nests are showing unusual reproductive trouble—empty nests, malnourished eaglets, and second-attempt nesting—linked to severe weather and limited food. River Restoration: Grand Traverse Conservation District marks 85 years by launching Boardman-Ottaway River restoration programming, including volunteer tree planting and guided floats, after major dam removals restored natural flow. Pollution & Waste Reduction: EGLE’s tire recycling work earned national recognition for building markets for recycled tire-derived products used in infrastructure and stormwater solutions. Energy & Environment Policy: Trump’s plan to revive coal gets a $700M boost, including upgrades/restarts tied to power capacity for AI data centers—raising new questions about environmental tradeoffs. Local Flood Resilience: Traverse City officials say recent investments helped prevent April flooding from turning into a disaster, including avoiding major sewage discharge into the Boardman River and Grand Traverse Bay.

Coal Push vs. Climate Reality: President Trump announced nearly $700 million to revive U.S. coal—supporting 13 coal plants and a new export terminal—using Cold War-era defense powers, a move that could extend fossil fuel operations for decades. Great Lakes Stewardship: Michigan is marking Great Lakes and Fresh Water Week (June 6–14) with EGLE-led actions focused on protecting freshwater and boosting community stewardship. Local Water & Wildlife Wins: Green Bay is moving ahead with a $2 million wetland restoration at Atkinson Marsh, while Michigan DNR helped a family safely after a sailboat got stuck in Keweenaw Bay. Data Center Backlash in Michigan: In Allen Park, a proposed 26-megawatt data center site plan was denied after postponed votes and concerns over water use and sound; meanwhile, lawmakers are pushing for a statewide one-year moratorium to study impacts. Wildlife on the Move: Northern Michigan is seeing more black bear sightings as the population grows, and Fort Wayne shifted fireworks to protect peregrine falcons. Biodiversity Effort: The Detroit Zoo sent nearly 7,000 Puerto Rican crested toad tadpoles to Puerto Rico to support recovery of a critically endangered species.

Upper Peninsula Wildlife Management: Bills to create a separate hunting and fishing authority for Michigan’s Upper Peninsula drew pushback at a House committee hearing, with supporters arguing the U.P. has different predator-prey realities (wolves, cougars, moose) than the Lower Peninsula. Wildlife Rescue: Michigan State Police shared video from a Charlevoix County crash where troopers found a surviving fawn, bottle-fed it, and transferred it to a wildlife rescue for release. Outdoor Access: The DNR’s “Three Free Weekend” returns June 13-14 with free fishing, free ORV riding, and free state park and boating access entry. Data Centers vs. Communities: Michigan business leaders urged faster data center adoption at the Mackinac Policy Conference, while residents and local officials continue pushing back over energy, water, and local impacts. Ocean Monitoring Cutbacks: Scientists say ocean climate monitoring is going dark as federal funding cuts dismantle parts of a major sensor network off the U.S. coast. PFAS Health Link: A new study reports an association between in-womb PFAS exposure and higher odds of PMOS later in life, raising more questions about “forever chemicals.”

Great Lakes & Wildlife: Lake Superior State University is marking 40 years of Atlantic salmon releases with a June 4 community event and a public release into the St. Marys River, highlighting long-running stewardship with MDNR and local partners. Public Health & Environment: Michigan DNR shared bear-safety guidance after a black bear was safely relocated from a Mt. Pleasant tree, with officials noting bears can wander into developed areas. Local Pollution & Community Impact: Lincoln Park preschool students were sent home early after a persistent scrap-yard odor from a neighboring recycling business raised safety concerns; the district says it has filed repeated complaints with EGLE without a remedy. Energy & Climate Policy: Automakers backed an EPA proposal to delay vehicle emissions cuts for two years, arguing the standards don’t match market reality—while urging the agency to rewrite rules quickly. Data Centers & Water: Gov. Whitmer defended Michigan’s data center expansion as long as developers meet environmental and energy standards, while Google announced a Texas water stewardship fund and new commitments that include Michigan. Land Use & Clean Energy: A Hillsdale County township denied a large Ranger Power solar farm after local opposition, underscoring friction between state approval paths and community concerns. Regenerative Agriculture: MDARD is partnering with Log Cabin Livestock in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula to test regenerative practices aimed at improving soil health, water-holding, and carbon storage.

Rural Health Funding: Michigan is set to receive more than $173 million from the federal Rural Health Transformation Program, but an opinion piece warns the state must spread proven care models statewide—not just celebrate local wins. Wildlife & Public Safety: DNR teams with Mt. Pleasant officials to safely relocate a 150-pound black bear after it climbed a tree near downtown, using a pole vault mat and tranquilization to protect residents and pets. Invasive Species Threat: MDARD says hemlock woolly adelgid is spreading across multiple west and north Lower Peninsula counties, threatening hemlock stands where there are few natural checks. Great Lakes Spotlight: The DNR plans a livestream of an ROV dive to “Superior Maximus,” Lake Superior’s deepest point, offering a real-time look at the lake bottom. Amphibian Recovery: Detroit Zoo is sending nearly 7,000 Puerto Rican crested toad tadpoles to Puerto Rico to support recovery of the critically endangered species. Heat & Water Safety: A Michigan forecast story flags hot, humid weather coming soon, while another notes Lake Michigan water is still cold in early June—so swimmers should check conditions before jumping in.

Wildlife & Public Safety: A 150-pound black bear was tranquilized and relocated from a Mt. Pleasant neighborhood after climbing into a tree near homes, with DNR urging residents to keep pets indoors and avoid approaching wildlife. Local Land-Use Fight: Taylor residents on Holland Road are pushing back on proposed rezoning that could allow light industrial development, saying it would erase woods, raise traffic, and hurt property values. Waste & Environmental Health: Metro Detroit residents say Priority Waste missed or delayed pickups, leaving trash on curbs and raising concerns about pests and possible EGLE violations tied to waste handling. Forest Protection: Environmental groups filed an objection to a U.S. Forest Service vegetation management plan in the Ottawa National Forest, arguing the clearing impacts need better study before any logging moves forward. Water & Lead Concerns: A Los Angeles lead-in-tap-water case is prompting fresh scrutiny of drinking-water safety systems, echoing Flint-style fears about aging infrastructure and chemical contaminants. Michigan Energy/Climate: Saline Township’s “Barn” AI data center broke ground amid growing local environmental backlash, with Gov. Whitmer citing Michigan’s standards and promised jobs. Policy & Health: Michigan lawmakers are weighing a proposed “Death with Dignity Act,” with debate focused on patient autonomy and safeguards. Conservation & Biodiversity: The Detroit Zoo sent 6,855 tadpoles to Puerto Rico to support recovery of the critically endangered Puerto Rican crested toad. Urban Trees: Midland is using AI and LiDAR to build a detailed urban tree inventory to guide maintenance across its parks and neighborhoods.

Data Centers & Community Power: Environmental activist Erin Brockovich launched a crowdsourced map so Michiganders can report data center impacts like water use, rising electric bills, noise, and wildlife loss—aiming to break through secrecy around the AI boom. Clean Energy & Costs: A Midland event highlighted how wind, solar, and battery storage could help Michigan manage surging energy demand and costs. Lake Michigan & Farming: A Lake Michigan shoreline beef operation in Algoma, Wisconsin describes soil testing and other practices meant to protect clean water for kids, livestock, and the community. Shoreline Protection: Huron Pines kicked off a $1.52M campaign to permanently protect 41 acres at Potters Point in Alpena, adding new public nature preserve access. Public Health & Water: IDEM reminded residents to use BeachAlert for up-to-date beach conditions and closures as summer nears. Local Air Rules: Ann Arbor’s seasonal ban on gas-powered leaf blowers is back, with fines for violations.

Data Center Debate in Saline: Michigan leaders broke ground on “The Barn,” a $16B AI data center campus expected to be Michigan’s biggest, while nearby residents and critics keep pushing on environmental and grid impacts. Local Governance & Power Reliability: State and energy experts warn the electric grid may not always get help from neighboring states during major emergencies as AI and other electrification demand ramps up. Clean Energy Siting Fight: In Oshtemo Township, a proposed battery project has sparked a recall push after a farm family warned noise could harm pollinators and threaten farm income. Water Safety: Union Township issued a boil-water advisory after a June 2 water shutoff for a main repair, with testing expected to lift the advisory by June 5. Hazardous Waste Ruling: A court permanently blocked Wayne Disposal from accepting Manhattan Project radioactive waste tied to the WWII nuclear program. Dam Safety Push: Lawmakers propose stricter Michigan dam rules after record storms and flooding, including more frequent inspections and updated emergency planning. Shoreline Protection: Huron Pines launched a campaign to buy and protect 41 acres at Potters Point along Lake Huron. Fertilizer Runoff Warning: A new report says excessive nitrogen fertilizer use is driving nitrate pollution, raising water treatment costs and harming wildlife. Waste Industry Leadership: Priority Waste named Aaron Johnson as CEO after a leadership shakeup, as the company serves 1.1 million households across Metro Detroit.

Wildfire Watch in Michigan: Marquette-area reporting highlights unusually dry spring conditions, but DNR says there’s currently no drought statewide thanks to a snowy winter—still, prolonged dryness could stress vegetation. Local Habitat Boost: Traverse City’s Downtown Development Authority is installing 72 planters with 700+ native plants chosen for Northern Michigan, aiming to support pollinators through summer and into fall. Great Lakes Water Safety: Michigan agencies are urging residents to watch for harmful algal blooms as summer nears, including how to report suspected blooms. Construction Tech in Michigan: Mechasys and Site Precision are partnering to bring projected-reality layout tools to Midwest jobsites, promising faster, more accurate installation workflows. Statewide Environmental Reporting: A Michigan-focused guide explains how to tell if something might be a harmful algal bloom and report it to the state. Wildlife Crossings Funding: Across the U.S., states are funding wildlife crossings to reduce vehicle-animal conflicts and improve safety.

Michigan PCB Settlement: Michigan AG Dana Nessel secured a $108M deal with Monsanto and related companies to address PCB contamination, with EGLE and DNR overseeing remediation and natural-resource restoration. Public Health Water Watch: EGLE, MDHHS and MDARD are urging Michiganders to report harmful algal blooms as summer nears, and EGLE updated its online form for HAB sightings. Great Lakes Fisheries Tradition: Lake Superior State University is marking 40 years of Atlantic salmon releases with a June 4 community event and salmon release on the St. Marys River. Wildlife-Safe Roads: New state laws and funding models are expanding wildlife crossings to cut animal-vehicle crashes, with Michigan listed among states seeing frequent deer collisions. Outdoor Ethics: A Michigan reminder: don’t stack river rocks—disturbing them can harm aquatic habitat and wildlife. Community Conservation Run: Lincoln Park Zoo’s Run for the Zoo drew 5,000+ racers and raised $21,000+ for animal care and conservation.

Great Lakes Water Safety: Michigan agencies are urging residents to watch for harmful algal blooms as summer nears, with EGLE updating its online reporting form so people can flag suspected cyanobacteria scums and streaks at Michigan.gov/HABs. Pollution & Plastics: A Tribune investigation highlights how plastics—especially pellet “nurdles”—are clogging the Great Lakes, with industry pushing for more production while downplaying risks. Local Climate Health: Michigan State researchers report that trees don’t automatically improve health for everyone, with benefits showing up more for higher-income groups than for less-advantaged residents. Power Grid & Storm Risk: Coverage warns that the aging U.S. power grid may struggle as storms become longer and more erratic, turning outages into a bigger safety problem. Data Centers Backlash: The University of Michigan is pressing ahead with a major supercomputing facility plan in Ypsilanti Township despite local opposition and a water/sewer moratorium aimed at data centers. Wildlife & Disease: Health officials are tracking rabies after a positive bat case in Kent County, reminding people to avoid contact with wildlife.

Childcare Access in Detroit: A Detroit childcare provider says zoning rules are blocking expansion even as the city faces a major licensed-seat gap, highlighting how local permitting can shut out families. Cannabis Policy Watch: A new federal hearing could reshape cannabis rescheduling, and Michigan’s border-driven sales advantage may be tested as Ohio’s market grows with higher prices and margins. Data Center Backlash: Across the U.S., more cities are pausing data center projects over power costs and local impacts, and Michigan is seeing similar pushback as lawmakers weigh incentives and guardrails. Water Quality & Algae Alerts: Michigan is rolling out new tools to track harmful algal blooms, while local advisories continue to warn residents about unsafe conditions on specific lakes. Wildlife & Habitat: The White Earth Nation and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service are moving toward a co-stewardship agreement for Tamarac National Wildlife Refuge, expanding tribal roles in water, wild rice, forestry, and visitor services. Recycling Infrastructure: Alpena’s recycling authority is reissuing bids for a new materials recovery facility after budget cuts forced changes to plans. Outdoor Stewardship: Michigan’s Porcupine Mountains is launching an Artist Ambassador program to deepen public connection to the park and boost stewardship through arts-led tours and workshops.

Lake Erie Health Watch: New research says western Lake Erie’s cyanobacteria blooms are more like a “soup” of different toxins, including compounds that can slip past standard monitoring—raising fresh concerns for Michigan’s water safety. Campus Waste: Michigan universities are still wrestling with takeout trash piling up, as grab-and-go habits and delivery apps keep single-use containers out of recycling streams. Harmful Algae Alerts: Michigan is rolling out a new online form to help residents report harmful algal blooms, as officials warn more toxic summer outbreaks may be coming. Data Center Pushback: In Michigan, residents and advocates are challenging the state’s data center surge, arguing it threatens the environment and local quality of life. Ticks and Lyme: Tick concerns are growing across Michigan as Lyme disease cases rise, while federal and state leaders announce new Lyme prevention efforts. Dog Bite Safety: USPS lists Michigan among the top states for dog attacks on mail carriers, with Detroit also ranking high—prompting renewed awareness efforts. Forests for Tax Breaks: MDARD is reminding private landowners to apply for the Qualified Forest Program by Sept. 1 for 2027 tax exemptions, tying incentives to sustainable management.

Water Quality Watch: Volunteers with the Watershed Center Grand Traverse Bay will monitor Grand Traverse Bay watershed streams in early June, using trained citizen science to track habitat and aquatic macroinvertebrates as a key health signal. Public Lands & Wildlife: A proposed Cooks Run logging plan in Iron County is drawing fire for its impact on saturated peat and cold-water springs feeding a trout stream, with critics warning the project could fail and trigger legal risk. Great Lakes Research: UW-Milwaukee freshwater scientists and alumni are spotlighted for work on water quality, harmful algal blooms, and freshwater safety across the Great Lakes region. Data Centers & Water Stress: At the Mackinac Policy Conference, panelists pitched data centers as “golden tickets,” but environmental advocates remain skeptical about electricity and water demands. Health & Air: Chicago’s Air Quality Action Day is in effect as ozone hits “Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups,” urging residents to limit prolonged outdoor activity. Michigan Policy: EGLE will hold a virtual public meeting on USE ROM’s hazardous waste license application in Romulus, with comments accepted ahead of the Q&A.