I find myself VERY upset about the beautiful weekend weather we had. It's not about the weather itself (which was great), but the terrible forecast really had an impact in the number of travellers. Come on, weather people, how about a little optimism??!!

Michigan Among the Worst for Small Business
The Detroit News has a feature that looks at how Michigan's focus on the auto industry and large corporations has created an environment that fails to support the kinds of small businesses and entrepreneurs vital to a vibrant economy. Michigan is the only state where total small business payroll grew less than 10% between 1998 and 2002 and about 1,500 more small firms closed than opened.
Visit the Michigan Small Business Association (PDF of report - 2 MB)

Michigan Bald Eagle Update
The Detroit Free Press has a feature from the Muskegon Chronicle on bald eagle efforts. There are an estimated 400 breeding pairs in Michigan -- almost as many as there were in all of the lower 48 states in the early 1960s. 40 chicks have been banded this spring and levels of PCBs and mercury, while decreasing overall, are higher in eagles living along the Great Lakes.

Huron-Manistee National Forest: Open for Drilling
The Traverse City Record-Eagle reports that a 15-year oil and gas development plan issued by the U.S. Forest Service would prohibit oil and gas drilling on just one half of one percent of the 970,000 acres in the Huron-Manistee National Forest. Conservation organizations are hoping for more protection but to date the agency has received less than 1000 comments from the public.
Huron-Manistee National Forests Home Page

Muskegon Car Ferry to Become Museum, Convention Center
The Lansing State Journal has an AP feature on the efforts of a team of volunteers who are working to convert the SS Milwaukee Clipper, a 101-year-old former cross-lake car ferry into a seasonal attraction featuring a museum and convention center.
Visit the SS Milwaukee Clipper web site (great photo gallery!)

Michigan Asparagus Harvest Looking Good
The Detroit Free Press reports that Michigan ranks third in the nation for asparagus production, with 15,000 acres under cultivation at an annual value of $15-$20 million. The harvest is expected to be good even though a warm April followed by snow and cold weather damaged some of the crop. Fun fact: asparagus can grow an inch an hour.

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