Michigan Mixed Bag: Michigan’s Walberg behind bill to improve response to aquatic invasive species

Washington — U.S. Representative Tim Walberg (R-Michigan) and U.S. Representative Sarah Elfreth (D-Maryland) have partnered on a new bill to improve state and federal responses to aquatic invasive species.

According to the bill’s sponsors, the Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) Control and Prevention Act would support state-led management of invasive species and improve coordination between federal, state, and regional AIS programs.

“The strength of Michigan’s economy is directly tied to the longterm health of the Great Lakes, and as stewards of the Great Lakes, we bear the responsibility of preserving their well-being for future generations,” Walberg said. “This vital legislation will streamline coordination and prioritize prevention and rapid response, so we can better protect fisheries and outdoor recreation economies. We must ensure the Great Lakes and waterways across the country remain protected from this ecological threat.”

If passed, the legislation would authorize a grant program funding research, development, and demonstration of technologies and practices to control or eradicate AIS.

The legislation is supported by 18 fishing and boating groups.

“From quagga mussels to blue catfish to invasive carp, AIS harm fisheries, limit access and diminish sportfishing opportunities across the country,” American Sportfishing Association President Glenn Hughes said.

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Three Michigan Anglers Die in Saginaw Bay

Pinconning, Mich. — Three members of a Michigan family who failed to return from a fishing trip on Saginaw Bay were found dead after an overnight search involving the U.S. Coast Guard, Michigan DNR, and local authorities. The three men, identified as 76-year-old Ronald Whitmer, 71-year-old Chris “Stanley” Whitmer Sr., and 51-year-old Chris “L.C.” Whitmer Jr., had launched from Gambill’s Landing and planned to fish an area of Saginaw Bay known locally as the “Black Hole” near Pinconning.

According to the U.S. Coast Guard Sector Detroit, the vessel was reported overdue Tuesday evening, May 6 after the men failed to return from the trip. Search crews worked through the night using both boats and a helicopter from Detroit while searching the bay for the missing anglers. Search crews located the Whitmers’ capsized boat approximately 2 to 3 miles offshore between Gambill’s Landing and Linwood. The bodies of all three men were later recovered nearby.

Investigators believe the Whitmers had been fishing in the “Black Hole,” a popular section of Saginaw Bay known for deeper water and productive fishing. A friend of the men reportedly spoke with them around 2 p.m. and expressed concern about strengthening winds across the bay.

USPS Issues American Bison Stamps

Boston — At the 2026 Boston World Exposition on Monday, the U.S. Postal Service dedicated the American Bison stamp. The new stamp from the U.S. Postal Service pays tribute to the national mammal of the United States. The species bison bison is commonly called the buffalo and is tied closely to American history.

As settlers pressed westward throughout the 1800s, millions of buffalo were reduced to hundreds. Since the early 20th century, passionate efforts by tribal nations, federal and state governments, private individuals and non-governmental organizations have replenished herds at parks and refuges and Yellowstone National Park. The bison stamp is being issued as a Forever stamp that will always be equal in value to the current first-class mail one-ounce rate.

$4 million Granted in Waterways Grant-in-Aid

Lansing— The Michigan DNR announced that seven communities throughout the state will share $4.035 million in Waterways Grant-in-Aid Program funding to improve public access to recreational boating.

This year, projects in Benzie, Emmet, Mackinac, Marquette, Ottawa and Sanilac counties were approved for projects that include marina dredging, an engineering study and various site improvements. With each community’s matching funds, these projects represent a collective investment of more than $6.5 million.

The funding is made possible through the DNR Parks and Recreation Division’s Waterways Grant-in-Aid Program, which began in 1949 with the goal of expanding the harbor system along the Great Lakes and boating access sites throughout the state.

“Michigan is home to more than 1,200 state-sponsored boating access sites, 19 state-managed harbors and 64 local state-sponsored harbors of refuge along the Great Lakes,” said Kristen Kosick, DNR Parks and Recreation Division chief. “As boating remains a cornerstone of Michigan’s outdoor recreation, the DNR is committed to investing in and funding these vital waterways for the benefit of all.”

Local units of government and state colleges and universities are eligible to apply for grant assistance for recreational boating improvements and development at grant-in-aid harbors and public boating access sites. The Waterways Grant-in-Aid Program provides matching funds to help support quality recreational boating infrastructure. Communities are asked to match 50% of required funds.

Applications for the next round of Waterways Grant-in-Aid Program funding are due April 1, 2027.