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COVID-19 Concerns: Economic recovery plagues the minds of many in the Great Lakes region

With COVID-19 vaccines rolling out, many people are shifting their worries to the economy and how to recover from the state that it has been left in – with numerous local and regional industries gutted after this past summer.

“Until we start working together and work together to make sure that we keep the pandemic down while the vaccine is coming in, we’re not going to be able to rebuild this economy for quite some time,” John Dickert of the Alliance for Regional Development in a Great Lakes Now interview.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

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Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/01/covid-19-concerns-economic-recovery-plagues/

Natasha Blakely

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Principled Poet: Michigan’s Alison Swan tackles environmental issues on an experiential level in new book

In a Great Lakes world dominated by policy proclamations, fights for funding and the never-ending conflict between the triad of politicians, business and environmental interests, Michigan poet Alison Swan operates on a different level.

Fully cognizant of these struggles, Swan engages them on a human and experiential level through her poetry by calling “the reader to witness, appreciate and sustain this world before it becomes too late,” as described on the cover of her new book, “A Fine Canopy.”

“A Fine Canopy” is a collection of poems based on Swan’s life-long personal experiences, diverse locales where she has lived and material collected over decades.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/01/michigan-alison-swan-environmental-experiential-poetry-book/

Gary Wilson

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In: Algae Blooms, Beaches, Boating, Paddle Sports and Sailing, Books, Authors, Art and Music, Climate change, culture, harmful algal blooms, indigenous communities, lake erie, Latest News, News, Ontario, Recreation, Tourism and Culture
Lifeblood: Photographer shares the Lake Erie connection uniting shoreline residents

Along the shores of Lake Erie live a wide range of people whose lives might seem very familiar to or wildly distinctive from your own.

In the documentary photo series North of Long Tail, photographer Colin Boyd Shafer tells the stories of more than 20 residents of Lake Erie’s north shore.

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Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/01/lifeblood-photographer-lake-erie-shoreline-residents/

Grace Dempsey

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In: COVID-19, James Proffitt, lake erie, Latest News, News, Ohio, outdoor recreation, Recreation, Recreation, Tourism and Culture, recreational fishing, Recreational Hunting and Fishing, Tourism
2020 Really Sucked. What’s Up Next? I don’t know.

This is part of a series in which the Great Lakes Now staff looks back on 2020.

A frequent theme of my GLN articles – and others’ – this year was the Crazy-19 virus. For me, its appearance in print ranged from news about charter captains not fishing and non-resident fishing and hunting license sales suspended to parks, monuments, Lake Erie businesses shut down and events cancelled, including The Biggest Week in American Birding.

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Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/12/2020-really-sucked-next-i-dont-know/

James Proffitt

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In: fish, Fish, Birds and Animals, Habitat Restoration, infrastructure, James Proffitt, lake erie, Latest News, News, Ohio, Recreation, Tourism and Culture, recreational fishing, Recreational Hunting and Fishing
Got Pike? Huron, Michigan, Ontario, Superior, Yes. Erie, not so much.

In Lake Erie, the northern pike occupies, on the grand fish scale of things, a not-so-special place.

The elongated, fast, toothy eating machine is in general neither widely loved nor widely hated. In fact, as far as a sportfish goes, which it most definitely is, it is rather neglected.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

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Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/12/pike-huron-michigan-ontario-superior-erie-seiche/

James Proffitt

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Great Lakes Gift Guide 2020: Remember that road trip, boat ride, microbrew or sweatshirt you should’ve bought with this list

Want to give your loved ones a holiday gift that connects to that summer trip up north or the fall color tour you took together? 

Or maybe you have a trip planned for after the COVID-19 vaccines have been distributed and want to give them something to remind them they have something to look forward to. 

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

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Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/12/great-lakes-gift-guide-2020-list/

Natasha Blakely

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Hundreds of boats likely destroyed in Michigan marina fire

LASALLE TOWNSHIP, Mich. (AP) — A fire Friday destroyed an enormous building loaded with hundreds of boats stored for the winter in southeastern Michigan, sending smoke for miles along Lake Erie.

Neighbors and boat owners rushed to get as close as possible to Toledo Beach Marina. Aerial video showed clouds of black smoke and a building overwhelmed by flames.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

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Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/12/ap-hundreds-boats-likely-destroyed-michigan-marina-fire/

The Associated Press

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Michigan agency recommends $5.4M for recreation projects

TRAVERSE CITY, Mich. (AP) — Michigan officials have selected 14 community and state parks, trails and sports facilities to share $5.4 million in federal grants.

The state Department of Natural Resources said the money will come from the federal Land and Water Conservation Fund, which is supported by revenues from gas and oil development from the Gulf of Mexico.

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Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/11/ap-michigan-agency-recreation-projects/

The Associated Press

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COVID-19 pushed people outdoors. Michigan’s ski industry is ready for them.

By Paula Gardner, Bridge Michigan, through the Institute for Nonprofit News network

Doubling the size of a factory during a global pandemic may not fit a traditional business plan.

But Shaggy’s Copper Country Skis is based in Northern Michigan, where it’s making a product that helps to define the winter economy for the ski-maker’s home in Boyne City and across the region.

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Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/11/covid-19-outdoor-recreation-michigan-ski-industry/

Bridge Michigan

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Church to honor 45th anniversary of Fitzgerald shipwreck

DETROIT (AP) — Mariners’ Church of Detroit will observe the 45th anniversary Sunday of the sinking of the Edmund Fitzgerald during its yearly memorial service for those who have died in Great Lakes shipwrecks.

The event will be live-streamed on Facebook for the first time, said the Rev.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

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Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/11/ap-church-anniversary-fitzgerald-shipwreck/

The Associated Press

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In: culture, Detroit, Feature Detroit, indigenous communities, John Hartig, Latest News, Lighthouses, Museums and Cultural Institutions, Michigan, News, Ontario, Recreation, Tourism and Culture
Great Lakes Moment: Sacred Land of the Wyandot of Anderdon Nation

Great Lakes Moment is a monthly column written by Great Lakes Now Contributor John Hartig. Publishing the author’s views and assertions does not represent endorsement by Great Lakes Now or Detroit Public Television.

Metropolitan Detroit sits on the traditional territory of the Wyandot of Anderdon Nation.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

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Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/11/great-lakes-moment-wyandot-anderdon-nation-six-points/

John Hartig

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In: Beaches, Boating, Paddle Sports and Sailing, Cleveland, Climate change, COVID-19, Feature Cleveland, Indiana, Latest News, News, Ohio, Ontario, outdoor recreation, parks, Recreation, Tourism and Culture, Tourism, Wisconsin
Summertime Spike: Great Lakes parks a source of balm and vexation for many during COVID-19

Great Lakes parks have always been popular among outdoor enthusiasts. This summer, however, pandemic-weary residents on both sides of the border flocked to them – many for the first time – just as services such as campsites, visitors’ centers, washrooms and interpretive programs were closed to help contain COVID-19.

The spike in summertime numbers was doubly challenging this year as the lakes’ record-high water levels have washed away some beaches and trails.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

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Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/10/summertime-spike-great-lakes-parks-covid-19/

Sharon Oosthoek

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In: Collaboration, Energy, Industry, Energy, Economic Development, Latest News, Michigan, Mining, News, parks, Recreation, Recreation, Tourism and Culture, The States
Michigan proposal’s reliance on fossil fuel money splits environmentalists

By Tom Perkins, Energy News Network, through the Institute for Nonprofit News network

Michigan environmental groups are at odds over a ballot measure that aims to boost spending on state park improvements using funding from fossil fuel extraction.

The state already relies on mining, oil and gas royalties to fund its park system. 

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Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/10/michigan-fossil-fuel-money-environmentalists/

Energy News Network

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In: Age of Nature, diving, fish, Fish, Birds and Animals, Latest News, News, Recreation, Tourism and Culture, Sandra Svoboda, shipwrecks
What Grows: “Shipwrecks and Ecosystems” watch party for Great Lakes Now and “The Age of Nature”

Whether they’re in oceans or the Great Lakes, shipwrecks create unique ecosystems for a variety of aquatic life. They also have historical significance and provide recreational opportunities for divers, snorkelers and boaters.

Scenes of them open the PBS documentary series “The Age of Nature,” which broadcasts on PBS stations across the country in October 2020.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

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Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/10/shipwrecks-ecosystems-watch-party-great-lakes-now-age-of-nature/

Sandra Svoboda

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Ancient stone patterns in Straits of Mackinac add new wrinkle to Line 5 pipeline debate

MACKINAW CITY, Mich. (AP) — Images from an underwater vehicle seem to reveal stone patterns on the bottom of the Straits of Mackinac in northern Michigan, possible evidence of Native American artifacts from thousands of years ago, a newspaper reported.

A group of amateur explorers raised money to look at Enbridge Inc.’s oil pipeline on the lake bottom.

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Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/10/ap-ancient-stone-patterns-straits-mackinac-line-5-pipeline/

The Associated Press

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In: animals, Collaboration, deer, Fish, Birds and Animals, Forever Chemicals Featured, Hunting, Latest News, Lead, Michigan, Minnesota, News, PFAS, Recreation, Recreation, Tourism and Culture, Recreational Hunting and Fishing, Wisconsin
Hunters need to avoid contaminated game

This article was republished here with permission from Great Lakes Echo.

By Eric Freedman, Capital News Service

To keep healthy this fall, deer hunters have more to worry about than just COVID-19 and the flu.

On the beware list: a group of chemicals known as PFAS and lead from ammunition.

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Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/10/hunters-contaminated-game-pfas-lead/

Great Lakes Echo

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In: Age of Nature, Dam Removal, dams, fish, Fish, Birds and Animals, Habitat Restoration, infrastructure, Latest News, Lorraine Boissoneault, New York, News, Recreation, Tourism and Culture
When a Dam Comes Down: Removal of dams allows fish passage and habitat restoration

This article is published in conjunction with PBS’s “The Age of Nature” series which begins airing on Oct. 14.

Join Great Lakes Now‘s “Watch Party: Damming Decisions – A discussion about dam removals and what they mean for the environment” on Facebook on Monday, Oct.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

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Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/10/when-a-dam-comes-down-removal-of-dams-allows-fish-passage-and-habitat-restoration/

GLN Editor

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In: accessibility, AP, Beaches, Boating, Paddle Sports and Sailing, Indiana, indiana dunes national park, Lake Michigan, News, Recreation, Recreation, Tourism and Culture
All-terrain wheelchairs added at Indiana Dunes State Park

CHESTERTON, Ind. (AP) — Three new all-terrain wheelchairs have been added for guest use at Indiana Dunes State Park.

The park in Northwest Indiana says the chairs were purchased by the Friends of Indiana Dunes. Two of the chairs are designed for use on trails, and one chair is designed for use on the Lake Michigan beach.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

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Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/10/ap-all-terrain-wheelchairs-indiana-dunes-state-park/

The Associated Press

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In: fish, Fish, Birds and Animals, Kathy Johnson, lake erie, Lake Huron, Lake Michigan, Latest News, Michigan, Minnesota, News, Pennsylvania, Recreation, Recreation, Tourism and Culture, shipwreck, shipwrecks, Wisconsin
Shipwreck Life: How fish and other aquatic species utilize Great Lakes shipwrecks

All that remained of the schooner was a bit of its hull – a tightly-packed row of wooden planks stretching 40 feet across the bottom of Lake Huron. Sunbeams easily penetrated the 20 feet of clear lake water above the wreck.

The site appeared lifeless.

There were no schools of emerald shiners, black-striped minnows or yellow perch in sight.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

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Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/10/shipwreck-ecosystem-fish-great-lakes-species/

Kathy Johnson

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In: AP, Illinois, Indiana, Lake Michigan, Latest News, Michigan, News, Recreation, Recreation, Tourism and Culture
Lake Michigan drownings surge to new high in 2020

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (AP) — Drownings in Lake Michigan have reached record levels with at least 53 people dead so far this year, according to a water safety advocacy group.

The Great Lakes Surf Rescue Project, a nonprofit that tracks Great Lakes drownings, said that compares with 48 drownings in 2019 and 42 in 2018.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

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Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/10/ap-lake-michigan-drownings-new-high-2020/

The Associated Press

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In: 2020 election, Chicago, Climate change, Drinking Water, Environmental Justice, Equity and Environmental Justice, Feature-Chicago, flint, Gary Wilson, Illinois, Latest News, Michigan, News, outdoor recreation, Policy, Politics, Policy, Environmental Justice, Recreation, Tourism and Culture, U.S. and Canadian Federal Governments, Water Quality and Restoration Efforts, Wisconsin
Policy Expert Q&A: Keep advocating with elected officials for safe drinking water

The Flint water crisis that made national and international headlines was a failure on many levels, according to University of Chicago Professor Sabina Shaikh.

Particularly, it was a public policy failure, Shaikh told Great Lakes Now in an interview, and the failure in Flint put a spotlight on environmental injustices.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

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Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/09/policy-expert-advocating-elected-officials-safe-drinking-water/

Gary Wilson

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In: Art, Books, Authors, Art and Music, COVID-19, Detroit, detroit river, Feature Detroit, Green Bay, Latest News, Lighthouses, Museums and Cultural Institutions, Michigan, microplastics, Natasha Blakely, News, plastic, Recreation, Tourism and Culture, south haven, Wisconsin
Trash Fish: Marine debris becomes sculptures at Great Lakes aquariums and museums

An array of more than 80 marine-debris-turned-art works will be making another Great Lakes stop, adding a lake sturgeon sculpture when it’s installed at a Wisconsin site next year.

Made entirely of plastic trash, these larger-than-life figures have realistic designs. They come as part of the traveling exhibit, Washed Ashore, which aims to educate people about plastic pollution.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

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Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/09/trash-fish-marine-debris-sculptures-great-lakes-aquariums-museums/

Natasha Blakely

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In: Collaboration, culture, flooding, high water, indigenous communities, Latest News, Michigan, News, Recreation, Tourism and Culture
In Michigan, rising lake levels disturb sacred ground

By Elena Bruess, Circle of Blue

At the shoreline, between lake and land, Melissa Wiatrolik reflects on those who were here before Michigan became Michigan. She had been raised in a community that honored the dead, that understood that their ancestors were always present. As a child, she had watched her own family clean the gravestones of those before her.

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Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/09/michigan-rising-lake-levels-sacred-ground/

GLN Editor

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In: canada, culture, Gary Wilson, indigenous communities, Lake Huron, Latest News, News, Recreation, Tourism and Culture
The Best Part of Us: Great Lakes author tackles conflict and culture in new novel

Generations of a family led by a strong patriarch clash over the future of a treasured Canadian vacation home. The local Ojibwe chief threatens to claim the land.

And a pristine but foreboding lake north of Lake Huron is an omnipresent part of the drama.

That’s the setting for The Best Part of Us, the debut novel by former international Great Lakes executive, Sally Cole-Misch.

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Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/09/great-lakes-author-conflict-culture-novel/

Gary Wilson

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In: Island Basketball, Island Basketball - Feature, Latest News, News, Recreation, Tourism and Culture
Travel Teams: How do Great Lakes island schools get their athletes to games?

Just getting to and from away basketball games can be a challenge.

Great Lakes Now followed four teams at the Great Lakes Islands Basketball Tournament  last year. See the multimodal transportation it takes to get them to the hard court:

But will the 2020 tournament happen?

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Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/08/travel-great-lakes-island-schools-games/

GLN Editor

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Announcer: Put-in-Bay School basketball team plays in honor of beloved announcer

When the Put-In-Bay School girls and boys basketball teams played this past season, it was without one of their biggest fans.

A few months earlier, the community’s beloved announcer, Patrick Myers, took his own life.

“He’s the reason that we play so hard,” said Senior Hannah Lentz, who told Great Lakes Now about him during the second annual Great Lakes Islands Basketball Tournament, a competition between four small island schools.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

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Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/08/put-in-bay-school-basketball-team-beloved-announcer/

GLN Editor

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Multi-million dollar grant funds study of Great Lakes aquaculture

This article was republished here with permission from Great Lakes Echo.

By Carin Tunney, Great Lakes Now

A million-dollar grant to study aquaculture aims to boost the number of fish farms in the Great Lakes region.

Aquaculture refers to raising fish both to eat and to stock streams and lakes.

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Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/07/grant-great-lakes-aquaculture/

Great Lakes Echo

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Outdoor Escape: Visitors flock to parks, beaches, lakes as states reopen

Great Lakes states and provinces have opened up their parks to overnight campers again now that COVID-19 closures have been lifted.

In March, national parks were closed in Canada, along with Ontario provincial parks. In the U.S., while parks remained open to visitors, facilities and many campgrounds were closed to the public.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

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Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/07/visitors-flock-parks-beaches-lakes-provinces-states-reopen/

Emily Simroth

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In: AP, Climate change, Lake Michigan, News, Recreation, Recreation, Tourism and Culture
Hot summer warming up Lake Michigan, experts say

TRAVERSE CITY, Mich. (AP) — Lake Michigan is having a warm summer.

The average surface water temperature was 75.3 degrees on July 9, setting a record for the month based on 26 years of record keeping, government scientists said.

The summer high is 75.6 degrees recorded in August 2016, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration or NOAA.

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Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/07/ap-hot-summer-lake-michigan/

The Associated Press

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In: AP, COVID-19, Lake Michigan, Michigan, Recreation, Tourism and Culture, Tourism
July Fourth weekend will test Americans’ discipline

By John Seewer, Associated Press Writer

The U.S. headed into the Fourth of July weekend with many parades and fireworks displays canceled, beaches and bars closed, and health authorities warning that this will be a crucial test of Americans’ self-control that could determine the trajectory of the surging coronavirus outbreak.

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Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/07/ap-july-fourth-weekend-covid-19/

The Associated Press

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In: beaver island, COVID-19, lake erie, Lake Michigan, Latest News, Michigan, News, Ohio, put-in-bay, Recreation, Tourism and Culture, Tourism, washington island, Wisconsin
Hope and Resilience: Great Lakes islanders continue to adapt to COVID-19 conditions

Angel Welke and her husband Paul own and operate Island Airways, the committed aviation service provider for Beaver Island. As such, the Welkes run the air ambulance that serves the island, which is located in the northern part of Lake Michigan and is home to about 600 year-round residents. When the island had a possible COVID-19 patient earlier this year, it was Paul Welke piloting the air ambulance. 

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

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Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/07/great-lakes-islanders-adapt-covid-19/

Samantha Cantie

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In: Beaches, Boating, Paddle Sports and Sailing, charter boats, COVID-19, Gary Wilson, Industry, Energy, Economic Development, Latest News, Michigan, News, Ohio, Ontario, Recreation, Tourism and Culture, recreational fishing, Recreational Hunting and Fishing, Research, Research, Data and Technology, Science, Technology, Research, shipping, Shipping and Ports, Tourism, U.S. and Canadian Federal Governments
COVID-19 Comeback: Great Lakes businesses and scientists bounce back

In March, COVID-19 brought the Great Lakes economy and society in general to a grinding halt.

Three months later, it’s not yet business as usual and challenges remain.

That’s the consensus of a group of Great Lakes industries and scientific researchers Great Lakes Now first spoke with in April.

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Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/06/covid-19-great-lakes-shipping-charter-boats-research/

Gary Wilson

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Conflicted Over Copper: Technological advances clash with environmental concerns in Twin Metals case

This is the third in a three-part series that will explore the history of Lake Superior and the Boundary waters, the communities affected by two proposed copper mines, the arguments in favor and against the mines, and what the mines might mean for the future of the Great Lakes.

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Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/06/twin-metals-copper-mine-minnesota/

Lorraine Boissoneault

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In: Cruise Ships, Gary Abud Jr., Great Lakes, Great Lakes Learning, lake erie, Lake Huron, Lake Michigan, Lake Ontario, Lake Superior, Latest News, News, Recreation, Tourism and Culture
Great Lakes Learning: Take a cruise and learn about the lakes

As the author of Great Lakes Now’s Collection of Lesson Plans, educational consultant Gary Abud Jr. is now providing more support for parents, teachers and caregivers who want to incorporate Great Lakes learning into their time with children and students. His series of writings can be found HERE along with the lesson plans and a Virtual Field Trip.

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Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/06/great-lakes-learning-cruises/

Gary Abud Jr.

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In: COVID-19, Cruise Ships, cruises, Great Lakes, Ian Wendrow, Latest News, News, ports, Recreation, Tourism and Culture, Shipping and Ports, Tourism
COVID-19 Cruise Cut: Great Lakes cruise season postpones trips until 2021

Once left ambiguously up in the air, the rest of the 2020 cruising season in the Great Lakes has been officially postponed until 2021, due largely to preventative measures taken by both American and Canadian ports restricting cruise ship docking to halt the spread of COVID-19. 

When one of the largest players in the Great Lakes cruising industry, Victory Cruises, announced it would be cancelling its 2020 itinerary at the end of May, it became much more likely that others would follow suit.

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Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/06/covid-19-cruise-great-lakes-season-2021/

Ian Wendrow

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Day in the Life: How are Shedd Aquarium’s animals coping in the absence of visitors?

Chicago’s Shedd Aquarium is one of the more popular, well-known aquariums around the country with 2 million visitors every year.

But the COVID-19 pandemic has closed it to the public, which is a big change for the penguins, whales, fish and other creatures that live in the Shedd’s various habitats.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

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Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/05/covid-19-shedd-aquarium-visitors/

Natasha Blakely

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In: COVID-19, Detroit, Feature Detroit, fish, Fish, Birds and Animals, Latest News, Lighthouses, Museums and Cultural Institutions, Michigan, museums, News, Recreation, Tourism and Culture, Tourism
COVID-19 Connection: Pandemic provides an opportunity for fish and insects to bond

There are cockroaches roaming the aquarium at the Belle Isle Conservancy.

But don’t worry, they’re supposed to be there.

Unlike the smaller, more common roaches you might find in a dirty or old building, these cockroaches are Madagascar hissing cockroaches, who have their own exhibit at the conservancy and were given a chance to say hello to some fish while the aquarium is closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

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Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/05/covid-19-belle-isle-fish-and-insects-visitors/

Natasha Blakely

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In: animals, COVID-19, fish, Fish, Birds and Animals, Latest News, News, Ontario, Recreation, Tourism and Culture, Tourism
Huge Interest: Aquatarium finds its feet during COVID-19 with virtual engagement

Masks or no, the otters at the Aquatarium at Tall Ships Landing in Brockville, Ontario, know exactly who’s in their den space.

“They really recognize us more by our smell and our boots,” said Jennipher Carter, senior aquarist at the Aquatarium. For the otters at least, adjusting to their caretakers all wearing masks didn’t take long.

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https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/05/ontario-aquatarium-covid-19-virtual-engagement/

Natasha Blakely

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In: AP, COVID-19, isle royale, Michigan, News, Recreation, Recreation, Tourism and Culture, Tourism
Virus upsets summer plans for Isle Royale park

HOUGHTON, Mich. (AP) — Wolves and moose won’t notice much human company at Isle Royale National Park.

The remote island in Lake Superior said it’s delaying the summer opening because of coronavirus restrictions. Camping might become available by late June or July but there will be no ferry service.

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https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/05/ap-isle-royale-covid-19/

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Indiana Dunes starts beach parking information line

PORTER, Ind. (AP) — Indiana Dunes National Park has started an information line to help visitors find an open beach with available parking amid severe shoreline erosion along Lake Michigan and the need for social distancing.

Beginning Saturday morning, visitors can call 219-395-1003 to hear recorded information on available parking at Indiana Dunes National Park beaches and nearby Indiana Dunes State Park.

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https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/05/ap-indiana-dunes-covid-19-beach-parking/

The Associated Press

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Virus threat creates unease in Michigan summer tourism haven

By John Flesher, Associated Press Writer

TRAVERSE CITY, Mich. (AP) — Clare Nagrant earns her living from tourism, so she’s taken a beating during the coronavirus-imposed shutdown. A few months ago, she was juggling four jobs. Now she’s down to one part-time gig with a distillery that stayed open by adding hand sanitizer to its product line.

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https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/05/ap-coronavirus-covid-19-michigan-traverse-city-tourism/

The Associated Press

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COVID-19 Next Steps: Great Lakes outdoor recreation begins move toward normalcy

After nearly two months of reduced access, various levels of restrictions and outright closures, thousands of national, state, provincial and municipal parks, boating ramps, wildlife areas and other outdoor recreation areas are making their return from COVID-19.

Officials are hoping the move will help push life closer to normal for millions of people.

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https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/05/coronavirus-covid-19-great-lakes-outdoor-recreation-reopening/

James Proffitt

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In: AP, Buffalo, COVID-19, Latest News, New York, News, outdoor recreation, Recreation, Tourism and Culture
Locked down along with NYC, upstate areas prepare to reopen

By Mary Esch and Michael Hill, Associated Press Writers

ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) — As New York City confirms more than 1,000 new COVID-19 cases a day, bucolic Essex County four hours north tallied its 32nd case since the outbreak. But the mountainous corner of upstate New York is under the same statewide lockdown rules as the pandemic-besieged city.

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https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/05/ap-coronavirus-new-york-city-upstate-areas-reopen/

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Minnesotans urged to fish close to home to slow COVID-19

By Steve Karnowski, Associated Press

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Minnesotans should fish close to home to help curb the coronavirus pandemic when the walleye season opens this weekend, avoiding overnight stays and driving no further than they can go on one tank of gas, Department of Natural Resources officials said Wednesday.

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Fishing and Freighters: Great Lakes industries take COVID-19 economic hit

Lake Erie fishing charters reel from stay at home orders, and lake freighters idle due to industry shutdowns.

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https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/04/covid-19-coronavirus-fishing-freighters-great-lakes-industries/

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From Rust to Resilience: Climate change brings new challenges and opportunities

Great Lakes Now is sharing work from our partners in a project on what climate change means for Great Lakes cities. Here is the initial piece in the series.

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https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/04/rust-resilience-climate-change-great-lakes-cities/

Ensia

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COVID-19 Complaints: Out-of-towners coming to fish in spite of stay home orders

Residents and locals aren't happy with the number of non-residents coming to town to fish without adhering to social distancing measures.

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https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/04/covid-19-coronavirus-complaints-anglers-out-of-towners/

James Proffitt

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Sporting Uncertainty: COVID-19 casts shadow over Great Lakes sports events

Events around the lakes are being canceled, postponed or put on hold until more information comes out.

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https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/04/covid-19-coronavirus-sports-recreation-events-canceled/

Gary Wilson

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Cruises Continue Amid COVID-19: Uncertainty mars Great Lakes cruises without stopping them

Cruise season is expected to continue as normal for the Great Lakes region, even as ports and cruise lines grapple with how to protect passengers and crew.

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https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/04/coronavirus-covid-19-cruises-continue/

Ian Wendrow

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COVID-19 Catches: Social distancing doesn’t stop Great Lakes fishing

Stay at home orders aren’t stopping people from fishing in the lakes.

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https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/03/covid-19-coronavirus-great-lakes-fishing/

James Proffitt