The following are excerpts from a publication from the Michigan DNR that describes the danger of lead poisoning to our fish and other wildlife:
“There is evidence that lead poisoning through ingestion can occur in 130 wildlife species, but it’s a more serious issue in birds, which can get lead poisoning by ingesting lead pellets, bullet fragments or certain types of fishing tackle – which are used in hunting and fishing, two cherished, popular and legal outdoor traditions. A single lead sinker (a weight attached to fishing line) can kill a loon, while just one pellet can be toxic to waterfowl. The risk is quite real for bald eagles, too. Lead ammunition is a major source of lead exposure for bald eagles in the Midwest, and here in Michigan the top three mortality factors for these birds over the last three decades are trauma (car), trauma (unspecified) and lead poisoning – serious threats to the state’s 3,500-4,000 population.” Safer, lead-free options
Want to learn more? Visit Michigan.gov/WDM for detailed info on lead exposure and poisoning in wildlife and other helpful resources. Contact: DNR wildlife biologist/pathologist Tom Cooley at 517-336-5034 or CooleyT2@Michigan.gov.” Reference: https://www.michigan.gov/-/media/Project/Websites/dnr/Images/WLD/misc/getting_the_lead_out.pdf?rev=d720d5b83d904230bc50192a1a0884ee Do you enjoy sitting in your yard and viewing the night sky? Does it seem to you that the stars and Milky Way are less visible these days? Unfortunately, it is true!
Light pollution continues to increase. It not only impacts our vision of the night sky but also is detrimental for a number of reasons such as:
For generations, humans have used the night sky for inspiration. Religion, science, philosophy, literature and art have all been impacted by the night sky. Currently only 20% of the people on earth can see the Milky Way. The good news is that light pollution is reversible! We can all help reduce wasted light by:
In 2017, the Benzie Conservation District received Michigan Invasive Species Grant Program funds to commence a program focused on aquatic invasive species (AIS) pathways. The project focuses on providing educational boat wash events at public boat launches across four northern counties - Benzie, Grand Traverse, Leelanau, and Manistee. Additionally, periodic lake surveys are completed throughout the region to identify invasive species and to test the health of that body of water. AIS are unknown by many water recreation enthusiasts and if precautions are not taken, we run the risk of spreading harmful species from one body of water to another. This region boasts some of the country's most beautiful fresh water resources, and we are happy to work towards improved public awareness of the very real threat of AIS. You may have heard the unfortunate news that the Invasive, Hemlock Woolly Adelgid has been found in northern Benzie County. We are working very closely with our partners across the state to monitor the movement of this species and plan our response. The good news is you can help! If you’re interested in joining this effort, our partners at the Invasive Species Network are hosting a webinar on tools and monitoring techniques for volunteers. |
Contact UsP. O. Box 31
Interlochen, MI 49643 501 (c)3 Non-Profit Organization |
|