DNR News: Future salmon and trout incoming!

by orionontv | Dec 19, 2024 | Recreation

DNR News

Dec. 9, 2024
Contact: Aaron Switzer, 231-383-2565 or Joe Mickevich, 231-878-5234

Future salmon and trout incoming! Fall and winter egg-take efforts wrapping up at DNR facilities

Coho salmon egg take at the Platte River State Fish Hatchery.

Every year, the Department of Natural Resources stocks fish in Michigan waters to provide fishing opportunities and maintain healthy ecosystems. Where do these stocked fish come from? It all starts with collecting fish eggs, and the DNR has been working hard this fall gathering the necessary eggs to produce fish for stocking. Fall egg collections have been completed for wild Chinook and coho salmon and for captive broodstocks of brown, brook and lake trout, and rainbow trout egg collection will soon begin.

Chinook salmon eggs were collected Oct. 1–16 at the Little Manistee River Weir. Eggs and milt (sperm) are gathered from fish during the annual salmon run. At the weir, salmon swim up a fish ladder and into holding ponds. From there, fish are brought into the facility, where eggs and milt are collected and the eggs are fertilized.

“We experienced a solid run of wild Chinook salmon this year,” said Aaron Switzer, Fish Production Program manager. “The run at the Little Manistee was healthy enough to provide all of Michigan’s egg needs. We were also able to provide eggs to Indiana and Illinois state-owned fish hatcheries. Once hatched, reared and stocked all of these Chinook salmon contribute to the Lake Michigan salmon fishery.”

Coho salmon eggs were collected at the Platte River State Fish Hatchery Weir from Oct. 15 to Nov. 1.

“We collected nearly 6.5 million coho salmon eggs at the Platte River weir by the time the egg collection wrapped up. This includes approximately 3 million for Indiana, Illinois and Wisconsin. All four states work together cooperatively each year to ensure Lake Michigan continues to receive Pacific salmon to supplement the fishery,” said Switzer.

Not all egg collections are of wild fish, however. Captive broodstocks, fish kept at a hatchery to produce eggs and milt, will provide many of the eggs that will later become stocked fish: 378,000 brook trout eggs, 448,000 lake trout eggs, 2.6 million brown trout eggs and 1.5 million rainbow trout eggs. An additional 422,000 splake eggs (brook trout and lake trout hybrid) will also be collected from captive broodstock to support Michigan’s fisheries management objectives.

At Oden State Fish Hatchery, egg collections for brown trout occurred through mid-October. Rainbow trout egg collections at Oden will begin in December and continue until mid-January. These captive egg collections will occur every one to two weeks over the season. Captive broodstock egg collections for brook and lake trout at Marquette State Fish Hatchery have already been completed.

To learn more about Michigan’s state fish hatcheries or to plan a trip to see behind the scenes, visit Michigan.gov/Hatcheries.

Note to editors: The accompanying photo is available below for download. Caption information follows.

Coho salmon eggs — Coho salmon eggs were collected at the Platte River State Fish Hatchery Weir from Oct. 15 to Nov. 1.

MDARD Encourages Owners to Help Keep Pets Safe

by orionontv | Dec 19, 2024 | Agriculture

For immediate release: December 19, 2024
Media contact: Jennifer Holton, 517-284-5724

MDARD Encourages Owners to Help Keep Pets Safe this Holiday Season

Following a few easy tips can help ensure you have a healthy, happy howl-iday with your pets

LANSING, MI— As Michiganders put the final touches on their decorative displays, holiday menus, and travel plans, the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) is reminding owners of some of the best ways to keep their pets healthy and safe this holiday.

“Our holiday celebrations often involve the whole family—including our pets. As we plan our festivities, we want our pets to be comfortable and calm,” said State Veterinarian Nora Wineland, DVM, MS, DACVPM. “There are many precautions owners can take to keep their animals safe this season, including keeping them away from fatty foods and ensuring they have up-to-date vaccinations.”

Keep pets safe this holiday season by following these six easy tips:

Happy Tummies: Avoid feeding pets people foods.

Unfortunately, pets cannot enjoy all of the same foods and treats we do. Fatty foods (like turkey/turkey skin, meat fat, and gravy) can cause pancreatitis—even when consumed in small amounts. Also, chocolate, grapes/raisins, onions, and xylitol (an artificial sweetener found in many candies and gum) can be poisonous to pets; and bones can cause injury and illness.

Avoid Temptations: Keep holiday decorations out of reach.

Sparkling ornaments, tinsel, and lights make for a beautiful display and can catch our pets’ eye. If consumed, these items could cause intestinal blockages or other injuries. Be sure these items are out of their reach, along with candles, potpourris, and some festive flowers/plants—such as mistletoe, holly, and poinsettias.

Search No More: Make sure pets have proper identification.

With all the holiday activities, pets can easily sneak out and get lost. Make sure pets have identification tags and microchips updated with your current contact information to ensure they can be returned home.

Destress and Decompress: Have a quiet space for your pets.

Holiday celebrations can be loud and overly stimulating for pets. Therefore, it is important to have a quiet space set aside for them to go if they are getting too stressed. Also, have the room stocked with their food, water, litter pan, etc. in case they would like to maintain their distance for an extended period of time.

Cleared for Take-off: Ensure your pet is fit for travel.

If you will be travelling with your pets this holiday season, talk with your veterinarian to determine what steps, documents, or preventative care might be needed to ensure your pet is ready to go!

Destination states, countries, commercial carriers, and even lodging facilities can all have different requirements for your pets to accompany you. More resources can also be found on the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Pet Travel website or on MDARD’s animal movement website.

Spread Only Joy: Make sure pets are up to date on their vaccinations and keep them home if they are sick.

When pets travel or encounter other people and animals, they can be exposed to contagious diseases, which is why ensuring they are fully vaccinated is so important.

Also, if sick, pets can equally spread their germs to others. Keep your pet at home and away from other animals if they exhibit any signs of illness and contact your veterinarian for further care.

Overall, be sure to discuss travel or boarding plans with your veterinarian to determine how best to protect your pets from disease. Based on their risk, your veterinarian may recommend additional vaccinations.

These tips can help your pets stay holly, jolly, and safe this holiday season. If there are ever any concerns about your pets’ health now or beyond the holidays, please contact your veterinarian.

AG Nessel Re-Issues Holiday Gift Card Scam Alert

by orionontv | Dec 19, 2024 | Regional News

Michigan Department of Attorney General Press Release banner

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
December 19, 2024

Media Contact:
Danny Wimmer

Attorney General Re-Issues Holiday Gift Card Scam Alert as Part of Holiday Scams Campaign

LANSING — Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel is re-issuing her consumer alert, Paying with a Gift Card, as part of her Holiday Scams Campaign to urge consumers to be cautious of gift card scams, a growing form of fraud that preys on unsuspecting individuals. A Federal Trade Commission (FTC) report revealed that in 2023 alone, $217 million in gift card-related fraud was reported by consumers.

“Gift cards are a convenient and popular gift option, but they’ve also become a favorite tool for scammers,” said Nessel. “Education and vigilance are key to combatting gift card fraud. Stay informed and report suspicious activity to help protect yourself and your loved ones from these schemes.”

Gift card scams often follow a predictable pattern. Victims receive a call, email, or text message from someone claiming to represent a government agency, utility company, or tech support, or even posing as a friend or family member in need. The message is urgent and convincing. The sender or caller demands immediate payment using a gift card. Once the scammer obtains the gift card number and PIN, the funds are nearly impossible to recover.

Scammers using this method may claim to be from:

Government Agencies: Fraudsters impersonate officials from the IRS or Social Security Administration, demanding payment for back taxes or fines. Fact: No legitimate government agency will demand immediate payment, especially via gift cards.
Tech Support: Scammers pose as representatives from Apple or Microsoft, alleging issues with your computer. They request payment via gift card and may attempt to gain remote access to your device.
Family or Friends in Emergencies: Using AI or voice cloning, scammers can impersonate loved ones, claiming they are in urgent need of help. Verify such claims independently.
Sweepstakes or Prizes: Fraudsters say you’ve won a prize but must pay fees with a gift card to claim it. Ask yourself: Did you even enter the contest?
Utility Companies: Imposters threaten to shut off your power or water unless you pay with a gift card. Legitimate utility companies don’t accept gift cards as payment.
Romantic Scams: Scammers on dating websites may appeal to emotions, convincing victims to send gift cards as a form of financial assistance.
Fake Overpayments: Scammers send counterfeit checks for more than the agreed amount, asking victims to use gift cards to refund the difference.

If you’ve purchased a gift card and have shared the card number and PIN with a scammer, follow these steps:

Report the Scam to the Gift Card Issuer: Contact the company immediately. Some issuers, such as Amazon and Walmart, have programs to help recover funds.
Request a Refund: Explain the situation to the card issuer. While refunds aren’t guaranteed, companies are increasing efforts to combat fraud.
Report the Scam to Authorities: File a report with the FTC and the Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Team. These reports help law enforcement identify patterns and stop scammers.

To avoid falling victim to gift card scams:

Never use gift cards to pay debts. Gift cards are intended for gifting—not for paying bills or fines.
Be skeptical of urgent payment requests. Legitimate organizations will not pressure you to act immediately.
Verify claims independently. Contact the company or individual directly using verified contact information.
Be cautious with online and phone interactions. Don’t share gift card details unless you are sure of the recipient’s legitimacy.

To report fraud or if you have a general consumer complaint, you may contact the Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Team at:

Consumer Protection Team
P.O. Box 30213
Lansing, MI 48909
517-335-7599
Fax: 517-241-3771
Toll-free: 877-765-8388
Online complaint form

56,100 Enrolled in College Through Scholarship Program

by orionontv | Dec 19, 2024 | Regional News

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

December 19, 2024

Contact: [email protected]

Governor Whitmer Announces Record 56,100 Michiganders Enrolled in College Through the Michigan Achievement Scholarship Program

Michigan college students benefiting from no- or reduced cost tuition saving over $131.5 million

LANSING, Mich. – Today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced that 56,100 students across Michigan are benefiting from no- or reduced-cost tuition this fall through the Michigan Achievement Scholarship, which includes the Community College Guarantee and Michigan Achievement Skills Scholarship. In total, the scholarship is saving Michigan students and their families over $131.5 million this year—an average of $2,345 per student.

“This fall, we lowered the cost of college by thousands of dollars for 56,100 Michigan students with the bipartisan Michigan Achievement Scholarship,” said Governor Whitmer. “By lowering costs and easing the burden of college debt, we are opening doors of opportunity for students so they can chase their dreams right here in Michigan. I will work with anyone to help even more young people ‘make it’ in Michigan by continuing to lower the cost of community, private, and public college.”

“MiLEAP is pleased with the progress we are making to support students on their postsecondary educational journeys, which is critical to the future of our state,” said Dr. Beverly Walker-Griffea, director of MiLEAP. “We believe that every student should have access to the lifelong educational opportunities they need, and we are focused on providing the resources and support they need to succeed. Thanks to the Michigan Achievement Scholarship, we are saving students and their families an average of nearly $2,345 and empowering them to thrive for years to come.”

The Michigan Achievement Scholarship was launched in 2022 to help lower the cost for students to earn a skill certificate or college degree at a Michigan community college, Tribal college, public university, or private college or university, starting with the class of 2023. To qualify, students must graduate from a Michigan high school or achieve a high school equivalency certificate and complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

Earlier this year, the Michigan Achievement Scholarship was expanded to include the Community College Guarantee, offering eligible students an opportunity to earn a tuition-free associate degree or skills certificate or start their education toward earning a bachelor’s degree at their local community college or Tribal college, regardless of income.

More than 15,800 students are currently benefiting from the Community College Guarantee, saving families an average of nearly $1,370 this semester. Additionally, 135 students have received support to enroll at an eligible career training center for the 2024-2025 academic year through the Michigan Achievement Skills Scholarship.

“The Michigan Achievement Scholarship is a gamechanger and significantly lowers costs for students no matter what educational path they choose after high school,” said Michelle Richard, deputy director of Higher Education at MiLEAP. “We are thrilled to see so many students taking advantage of this incredible opportunity. I encourage all students and families to complete the FAFSA to see how state scholarships and federal financial aid can put their college goals within reach.”

Through the Michigan Achievement Scholarship, students may be awarded:

A tuition-free path to earn a skill certificate or associate degree or to start taking classes toward a bachelor’s degree at their local community or Tribal college. All recent Michigan high school graduates are eligible.

$27,500 to attend a Michigan college or university or to enroll in a bachelor’s degree program at a Michigan community college. That’s up to $5,500 per year for up to five years. Students must demonstrate financial need by completing the FAFSA. Seven in 10 Michigan high school seniors qualify.

$4,000 to earn an industry-recognized certificate at an eligible training provider. That’s up to $2,000 per year for two years.

This fall, student participation in the Michigan Achievement Scholarship has more than doubled since fall 2023. Student participation is up in every sector since fall 2023.

Table: Students Receiving the Michigan Achievement Scholarship at Community Colleges, Private Colleges, and Public Universities in Fall 2023 Compared to Fall 2024

	Fall Semester 2023	Fall Semester 2024	Increase in Participation (#)	Increase in Participation (%)
Community College	5,433	15,829	10,396	191.3%
Private Colleges and Universities	3,438	6,821	3,383	98.4%
Public Universities	16,562	33,449	16,887	102.0%
Statewide Totals	25,433	56,099	30,666	120.6%

For more information about the Michigan Achievement Scholarship, visit Michigan.gov/Achievement. For additional information on other state scholarships, tools to help complete the FAFSA and more, visit Michigan.gov/MiStudentAid.

Reflections from a retiring DOT policy leader

by orionontv | Dec 19, 2024 | Transportation

Talking Michigan Transportation (TMT) banner with the Mackinac Bridge.

Reflections from a retiring DOT environmental policy leader

On this week’s edition of the Talking Michigan Transportation podcast, Margaret Barondess, a manager in the Michigan Department of Transportation’s (MDOT) environmental section who is retiring from state government, reflects on her career.

More than 50 years ago, Congress adopted the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). Barondess, who worked for MDOT for 33 years, explains how the act informs planning for transportation projects in Michigan and department efforts to at once protect our air, waterways, wildlife, and plants and minimize inconvenience to travelers.

While critics of NEPA have argued for scaling back the need for environmental impact statements, supporters tout NEPA’s role in saving money, time, lives, historical sites, endangered species and public lands while encouraging compromise and cultivating better projects with more public support.

Barondess also talks about the challenges and rewards she and her team have experienced in recent years, including the success protecting some threatened species on a segment of I-75 in Monroe County with a corridor conservation action plan.

LISTEN NOW

Listen now at https://www.buzzsprout.com/1374205.

Stay connected by subscribing to Talking Michigan Transportation e-mail updates.

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