LANSING, Mich. — As part of a U.S. Geological Survey water-monitoring project, low-level helicopter flights are planned over southwest Michigan to image geology and aquifers using airborne geophysical technology.  Map of survey area and planned flight lines in Southwest Michigan.  Survey work will begin during the week of April 13, 2026, and will last approximately four months, weather permitting. The survey area spans 16 counties including Ottawa, Kent, Ionia, Allegan, Barry, Eaton, Ingham, Van Buren, Kalamazoo, Calhoun, Jackson, Berrien, Cass, St. Joseph, Branch and Hillsdale counties. The flights will be based out of multiple small airports across the survey area. This survey will support a broader cooperative study, named Hydrologic Enhancement for Michigan, in partnership with the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy, which aims to enhance monitoring of groundwater to inform resource management.…