Clean Boats, Clean Waters grant applications now open

Clean Boats, Clean Waters grant applications now open

by | Oct 30, 2023 | Environmental

 
Michigan Invasive Species Program banner

News Release
The following news release was issued earlier this week by Michigan State University Extension.  

Contact: Kelsey Bockelman or Paige Filice, Michigan State University Extension

Michigan Clean Boats, Clean Waters grant applications now open!

$35,000 is available for Michigan organizations dedicated to aquatic invasive species education and outreach.

For the fourth year running, the Michigan Clean Boats, Clean Waters program has grant funding available to support aquatic invasive species outreach efforts. This opportunity is for Michigan organizations dedicated to the protection of our waterways including lake associations, local units of government, and non-profit organizations. This year, up to $35,000 is available to engage the Michigan boating community in invasive species prevention actions.

Seven people stand next to a sign on the edge of a parking lot preparing to cut a ribbon held in front of them.Funding requests can be up to $3,000 each and do not require local match or cost sharing. Clean Boats, Clean Waters grants can be used for a variety of activities including signage, invasive species supplies such as plant removal tools, sponges and towels, and staff time to perform watercraft inspections and demonstrations of boat cleaning techniques. Eligible applicants include lake associations, watershed groups, local or tribal units of government and non-profits. Cooperative Invasive Species Management Areas (CISMAs) and organizations with a statewide impact are highly encouraged to support local groups or pursue Michigan Invasive Species Grant Program funds to perform boater outreach activities.

Interested groups can apply for a grant now on the Clean Boats, Clean Waters website. The deadline to apply is January 19, 2024. This is a competitive funding opportunity and complete applications will be ranked based on group eligibility, project significance, anticipated outcomes, and target audiences. Accepted grantees will be notified in March of their award.

Over the last three years Clean Boats, Clean Waters has awarded 31 grants to lake associations, watershed groups, high schools, local units of government, and nonprofit organizations to educate the public about aquatic invasive species. Below are some examples of their projects.

  • The Elk-Skegemog Lakes Association, located at the tripoint of Antrim, Grand Traverse, and Kalkaska Counties, installed Clean Boats, Clean Waters Decontamination Station signs and distributed education materials around Elk and Skegemog Lakes. The lake association hosted invasive species education events and partnered with the Tip of the Mitt Watershed Council to host boat washing demonstrations.
  • The Alger Conservation District, in partnership with the Lake to Lake Cooperative Invasive Species Management Area and Burt and Au Train Townships, installed interpretive signs at public boat and kayak launches on the Au Train River and at the Burt Township Marina. In addition, a Clean Boats, Clean Waters Decontamination Station sign was installed at the marina for residents and visitors. The Conservation District and partners also hosted outreach events to educate the public about relevant invasive species and conducted boat and kayak decontamination demonstrations.
  • The Kalkaska Conservation District partnered with Coldsprings Township and Manistee Lake Association to install a Clean Boats, Clean Waters Decontamination Station sign and display educational messaging near the boat launch at Manistee Lake Sands Park. In addition, the Conservation District sponsored paid advertising about clean boating practices in local media and hosted outreach events during busy weekends.

Michigan Clean Boats, Clean Waters Program

Michigan State University Extension is leading the effort to implement the Clean Boats, Clean Waters program in cooperation with the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy. Since 2006 the Clean Boats, Clean Waters program has been educating Michigan boaters about aquatic invasive species with trained volunteer boat inspectors. The program has grown into a comprehensive aquatic invasive species boater outreach program thanks to funding from EGLE.

Clean Boats, Clean Waters promotes understanding of boat cleaning practices and regulations through the distribution of educational materials, an online resource library, boat washing demonstrations, grants, and partnerships. The program builds upon existing partnerships with statewide and local organizations including the Michigan Lakes and Streams Association, CISMAs, and lake associations and is actively seeking new opportunities and partners to share the clean, drain, dry message.

More information on Clean Boats, Clean Waters can be found on the MSU Extension website, Facebook (@MichiganCBCW), or Instagram (@michigan_cbcw).

Questions about the Clean Boats, Clean Waters program and this grant funding opportunity can be directed to Kelsey Bockelman.

An infographic announcing "Invasive Species Funding Available" below two lakefront photos.

Michigan’s Invasive Species Program is cooperatively implemented by the Michigan Departments of Agriculture and Rural Development; Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy; and Natural Resources.

Note to editors: Accompanying photos are available below for download. Caption information follows.

High school: 2022 grantees show off parts of their grant projects from a few summers ago! East Jordan High School (Left) displays their new aquatic invasive species decontamination sign. Photo Credit: East Jordan High School.

Grant: CBCW grant announcement infographic available for use in publications or social media. Courtesy of MSU Extension.
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Week Ten Thoughts

Week Ten Thoughts

by | Oct 30, 2023 | Feature Writers, High School Sports

Week Ten Thoughts.

Written Saturday October 28th at 10:05 AM

Harper Woods: The Pioneers needed a strong fourth quarter to beat Croswell-Lexington 20-13 on Friday night. Harper Woods trailed 13-6 after three quarters but the offense came alive with Stephone Buford scoring three total touchdowns (two air, one rush) including a winning 20 yard pass to Ramonty House. The Pioneers held Croswell-Lexington to zero second half points. Harper Woods has Marysville looming next week.

Avondale: The Yellow Jackets had a hard fought game with Holly on Friday night winning 34-24 at Dick Bye Field. Tyler Herzog was solid for Avondale and the ground game was also solid. They have a big one looming with Walled Lake Western next week.

Seaholm: The Maples have beaten Groves two straight weeks winning a Big Twelve shootout 56-49 on Friday night. Seaholm built a 35-7 halftime lead only to see Groves try and attempt to comeback but the Maples held on just enough to win. Colton Kinnie was dominant on the air and in the ground throwing to Louie Sullivan and Jack Lewis also found the end zone as well. Kinnie was responsible for five touchdowns in the game. Seaholm will have Waterford Mott or Livonia Franklin at home next week.

Groves: The Falcons saw Seaholm ruin their season in the last two weeks. The Maples won 56-49 in a wild shootout. Cayden Hardy did everything he could but the first half did not help Groves as they allowed 35 points. They won the second half 42-14 but it wasn’t enough. The Falcons lose Hardy to graduation but have the majority of their team coming back next season.

Southfield Arts and Tech: The Warriors had no problem with Dearborn Fordson winning 38-14 on Friday night. Isiah Marshall was solid for Southfield Arts and Tech. The Warriors defense played well limiting Dearborn Fordson all night. They have a big one looming with Detroit Cass Tech next week.

Adams: It was a rough night for the Highlanders on Friday night in the Swamp as they fell 42-14 to West Bloomfield. Adams had a rough night on both sides of the football. Rino Watters was picked off twice and was injured. Brady Prieskorn also got hurt in the game as well. It’s a rough way to go out for the Highlanders but Coach Patritto has an experienced group led by Watters coming back next season.

West Bloomfield: The Lakers showed their dominance in a shocking 42-14 blowout of Adams on Friday night at the Swamp. West Bloomfield had three interceptions and the offense had their moments of greatness. The Lakers have a big test looming when they head to Sweinhart to play Utica Eisenhower next week.

Clarkston: The Wolves stars showed out in a big way on Friday night with Clarkston winning 33-10 over Romeo and snapping a three game losing streak in the process.  The Wolves defense really stood out against a team that had equally played a brutal schedule. Desman Stephens had a 55 yard reverse touchdown, Brady Collins had his best game at quarterback on varsity of the season. He added a 14 yard passing touchdown and the Bowman twins combined for three rushing touchdowns. Clarkston has Lake Orion looming next week.

Oxford: The Wildcats were overwhelmed on Friday night by a potent Lake Orion offense falling 58-26. Oxford gave up 44 points in the first half which was shocking. Luke Johnson added a rushing touchdown. Jack Hendrix was solid throwing an early score to Jay Cady. The Wildcats were very young this season and have been through a lot. They will be back for sure next season.

Lake Orion: The Dragons offense was dominant on Friday night against their arch rivals from Oxford in a 58-26 win over the Wildcats. TR Hill was dominant in both passing and running the football. Billy Roberson had a solid night as well. Lake Orion put 44 points in the first half. The defense has been a concern in the last two weeks allowing 54 points. They have a big one looming with Clarkston next week.

Week Ten Thoughts

Week Ten Recap

by | Oct 30, 2023 | Feature Writers, High School Sports

Week Ten Recap.

Written Saturday October 28th at 9:30 AM

HARPER WOODS 20, Croswell-Lexington 13: The Pioneers showed their resolve on Friday night in a tough and physical game winning 20-13 at Harper Woods. The Pioneers scored two touchdowns in the fourth quarter which ended up being the difference. Stephone Buford had three touchdowns, two from the air and one from the ground winning 20 yard passing score to Ramondy House. Harper Woods did lose Dakota Gurrant to an injury in the game, it is unknown if he will play next week. Croswell-Lexington gave everything Harper Woods can handle but playing the tough schedule the Pioneers have in the OAA came through for them. The Pioneers defense clamped down in the second half against a very stout Croswell-Lexington offense shutting them out in the second half. Harper Woods will host Marysville next week.

AVONDALE 34, Holly 24: It was a tight game at Dick Bye Field on Friday night between two teams that know each other quite well. The Yellow Jackets won 34-24 in a physical game of two teams that love to run the football. It was Avondale’s first postseason win since 2012 when they were coached by Steve Deutch. Tyler Herzog had a huge game for Avondale against a very good Bronchos defense. The Yellow Jackets have a big one looming when they head to Walled Lake to play Walled Lake Western next week.

SEAHOLM 56, GROVES 49: This was a rivalry game that turned into a classic Big Twelve shootout when usually that is a defensive coordinator’s worst nightmare. The Maples beat the Falcons for the second straight week 56-49 in Beverly Hills. Seaholm had a 35-7 lead at one point but Groves fought back and made it a game. Colton Kinnie played well for the Maples. He had 22 carries for 121 yards and four touchdowns along with 52 yards passing and two scores both were to Louie Sullivan. Cayden Hardy was solid in his final game for Groves but the Falcons defense really struggled in both matchups against the veer and the proven experience of Seaholm. Groves has a ton of talent coming back next season. The Maples will either host Livonia Franklin or Waterford Mott next week.

SOUTHFIELD ARTS AND TECH 38, Dearborn Fordson 14: The Warriors had no issue with Dearborn Fordson winning 38-14 on Friday night. Isiah Marshall had a solid game for Southfield Arts and Tech and the defense kept the Tractors in check all night. The Warriors have a big one looming with Detroit Cass Tech coming to Southfield next week.

WEST BLOOMFIELD 42, ADAMS 14: The Lakers had a great night especially defensively in a 42-14 win over Adams on Friday night in the Swamp. West Bloomfield had four turnovers including a pick six for a touchdown. Brandon Davis-Swain added two touchdowns, Rick Nance was solid, and Kam Flowers had a long rushing touchdown. What didn’t help things for the Highlanders is that they lost quarterback Rino Watters to an AC joint injury and Brady Prieskorn to a knee injury. Adams has a ton of proven talent coming back next season led by Watters. The Lakers will head to Sweinhart to play Utica Eisenhower next week.

CLARKSTON 33, Romeo 10: The Wolves probably played their best game of the season on Friday night by beating Romeo 33-10 at the Wolves Den. Desman Stephens had a monster night for Clarkston including a 55 yard reverse touchdown. Brady Collins played his best game of the season for the Wolves running and passing the football. He had a 14 yard rushing score and the Bowman twins Lukas (eight and one) and Griffin (10) combined for three rushing scores. The Clarkston defense was stout all night shutting down Romeo and their offense. The Wolves will play Lake Orion on the road next week. Clarkston fell 42-21 to Lake Orion in week seven. It should be a very interesting and fun atmosphere.

LAKE ORION 58, OXFORD 26: The Dragons offense exploded on Friday night against arch rival Oxford winning 58-26. Tristian Hill was a beast in the air and especially on the ground scoring three long rushing scores and a passing score to Raymond Payne. Billy Roberson had a solid game scoring twice. Luke Johnson added a touchdown run and Jack Hendrix connected on a play action score to Jay Cady on the night. Oxford has a ton of talent coming back next season. Lake Orion will host Clarkston next week in a rematch where the Dragons won 42-21 in week seven.

Request for Proposals for Medicaid Health Plans now open

Request for Proposals for Medicaid Health Plans now open

by | Oct 30, 2023 | Health and Wellness

MDHHS banner with logo no names

Press Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Oct. 30, 2023

MEDIA CONTACT: Bob Wheaton, 517-241-2112, WheatonB@michigan.gov

Request for Proposals for Medicaid Health Plans now open
MDHHS launches process for the Comprehensive Health Care Program contract for Medicaid Health Plans

LANSING, Mich. – The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) today launched a competitive procurement for the Comprehensive Health Care Program contract for Michigan’s Medicaid health plans, which combined serve 2.2 million Michiganders receiving coverage through Medicaid and the Healthy Michigan Plan.

“Through this rebid process, MDHHS will select Medicaid health plan contractors with the experiences, capabilities and commitment to deliver an equitable, coordinated and person-centered system of care that will ultimately provide Michigan residents with a healthier future,” said MDHHS Director Elizabeth Hertel.

The rebid is part of MIHealthyLife, an initiative launched in 2022 to strengthen Medicaid services through new Medicaid health plan contracts. Input from nearly 10,000 enrollees and family members, health care providers, health plans and other community partners informed the creation of five MIHealthyLife strategic pillars:

  • Serve the Whole Person, Coordinating Health and Health-Related Needs.
  • Give All Kids a Healthy Start.
  • Promote Health Equity and Reduce Racial and Ethnic Disparities.
  • Drive Innovation and Operational Excellence.
  • Engage Members, Families and Communities.

The MIHealthyLife initiative guided design of Comprehensive Health Care Program changes embedded in the Medicaid Health Plan contract rebid. An informational webinar is available on the MIHealthyLife home page describing these priority program changes in more detail:

  • Prioritizing health equity by requiring Medicaid health plans achieve National Committee for Quality Assurance Health Equity Accreditation.
  • Addressing social determinants of health through investment in and engagement with community-based organizations.
  • Increasing childhood immunization rates, including increasing provider participation in the Vaccines for Children program.
  • Adopting a more person-centered approach to mental health coverage.
  • Ensuring access to health care providers by strengthening network requirements.
  • Increasing Medicaid Health Plan accountability and clarifying expectations to advance state priorities.

The Medicaid Health Plan request for proposals is posted to the SIGMA system. Responses from bidders are due on Jan. 16, 2024. Bidders are to submit any written non-rate related questions regarding the request for proposal by Nov. 17, 2023, and rate-related questions by Dec. 1, 2023. Interested bidders are encouraged to refer to the Proposal Instructions for additional information regarding questions submittal and deadlines. MDHHS will post answers to bidder questions on the SIGMA system by Dec. 14, 2023. Medicaid Health Plan contracts resulting from this rebid will begin on Oct. 1, 2024.

The State of Michigan reserves the right to change dates or any other information deemed necessary.

Visit the SIGMA website for more information on the system.
How transportation improves economy, quality of life

How transportation improves economy, quality of life

by | Oct 23, 2023 | Transportation

How transportation improves economy, quality of life

On this week’s Talking Michigan Transportation podcast, Shane Peck, communications and public involvement director and vice president at WSP, talks about a major study he co-authored examining the most effective way to explain the benefits of transportation.

Listen now: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1374205/13814309-how-transportation-improves-economy-quality-of-life

TMT - Shane Peck

The research identified and tested a broad range of evidence-based themes and presented five key themes:

  • “Transportation that works for everyone improves all our lives.” (Equity)
  • “More reliable transportation makes your commute less stressful.” (Easier Commutes)
  • “Improving transportation means you can get where you need to go – quickly and easily.” (Mobility)
  • “Time spent sitting in traffic is time away from the important things in life.” (Time)
  • “Investing in transportation creates more jobs in your community.” (Jobs)

Peck talks about how transportation agencies can capitalize on the research to better explain what they do.