This month’s species spotlight shines light on a native lamprey species of the Winnebago System: Chestnut Lampreys (Ichthyomyzon castaneus). There are other native species of lamprey in the Winnebago System too. These are the Silver, American Brook, and Northern Brook lampreys. Chestnut and silver lampreys are parasitic as adults, feeding on fish. However, this usually does not kill the fish. Despite the scary looking sucker disks, native lampreys are an important part of the ecosystem.

Chesnut Lamprey (young) Photo Source: Cal Yonce/USFWS

However, there is a non-native lamprey species to be aware of too: the sea lamprey. The sea lamprey is an aquatic invasive species has not invaded the Winnebago System, but is present in the Great Lakes. If the sea lamprey were to invade the Winnebago System, it is likely they would cause major issues for the ecosystem. We must work hard to keep this aquatic invasive species out of the Winnebago System. Though a bit creepy looking, the chestnut lamprey (and Silver, American Brook, and Northern Brook lampreys) are native to this region.

Chestnut lampreys are parasitic as adults but not as larvae. The adult chestnut lamprey attaches to a fish, then scrapes a hole in the body and sucks out blood and tissue fluids for nutrients. After feeding on a fish for several days, the lamprey drops off. Usually, the fish is not killed directly by the attack, but may die due to infections from the wound.

Chestnut lampreys have a skeleton made of cartilage with no true vertebrae. They technically do not have a jaw. This makes lampreys different from eels, which have a bony skeleton and jaws. Lamprey bodies are long and cylindrical. Chestnut lamprey adults range in length from 5-11 inches. The mouth of adult chestnut lampreys is as wide or wider than the head, and contains sharp teeth that each have two points (bicuspid). Along their back, chestnut lampreys have one continuous fin. Adults are usually dark brown, gray, or olive-green on the top, with a lighter coloration of yellow or tan on the stomach. During spawning, they can appear blue-black. Younger lampreys tend to be lighter in color.

The native range of the chestnut lamprey is as far north as the Hudson Bay in Canada and as far South as the Gulf of Mexico. The Mississippi and Missouri River networks help with this large range, as the lampreys move with their host fishes.

Chestnut Lamprey (bottom; native) vs. Sea Lamprey (top; non-native; NOT found in Lake Winnebago)

Photo Source: Bobbie Halchishak/USFWS

Chestnut lampreys spawn in late spring when the water temperature is about 50ۧ°F. Chestnut lampreys stay in the larval phase for 3 – 7 years. Chestnut lamprey larva do not have eyes. When they hatch, chestnut lampreys move downstream and bury themselves at the bottom of the water body they’re living in. For the next few years, they filter feed on tiny algae particles and tiny organisms before beginning to develop their sucking disk. This disk develops teeth which allows for parasitic feeding. Once Chestnut Lampreys are adults, they can suck blood and other nutrients from host fish. Chestnut lampreys can feed on many different fish species including carp, trout, pike, sturgeon, catfish, sunfish, and paddlefish. They live another one to two years as adults, for a total lifespan of about 6 – 9 years.

Chestnut lampreys are primarily nocturnal, meaning they are most active at night. This is often why we don’t see them unless they are attached to fish we catch! During the day, they rest under rocks and along river banks. Adult chestnut lampreys are not known to have predators, but the larval lampreys are preyed upon by burbot and brown trout.

Though we tend to think of parasites as “bad”, they play an important role in the ecosystem including helping to remove weaker fish from the population. The lamprey population may become large when they have plenty of fish to feed on, but then decrease as host populations decrease. This cycle is normal in the ecosystem. Aquatic invasive species like the sea lamprey are a cause for concern because they interfere with normal population dynamics.

Winnebago Waterways is a Fox-Wolf Watershed Alliance recovery initiative. Contact us at wwinfo@fwwa.org

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Original Article

Fox-Wolf Watershed Alliance

Fox-Wolf Watershed Alliance

https://fwwa.org/2023/08/25/species-spotlight-chestnut_lamprey/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=species-spotlight-chestnut_lamprey

Katie Reed

Amendment to Clean Water Act improves Great Lakes through critical observation, collaboration

From fishing to enjoying a summer day at the beach, the Great Lakes provide enjoyment, comfort and a sense of home to the region. But these bodies of water were not always secure, as the lakes and connecting rivers were considered dangerous due to high pollution spots. 

The Great Lakes region has seen some of the most historic river fires.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2023/08/amendment-to-clean-water-act-improves-great-lakes-through-critical-observation-collaboration/

Jada Vasser

“It’s a good thing”: Fishflies in Great Lakes region signify healthy water

Summertime calls for good vibes, much-needed time in the sun and a creature many aren’t fans of — fishflies. 

These insects are no stranger to the Great Lakes region. Fishflies, also known as mayflies, spend most of their lives in the water and are only seen on land once they enter their adult stage.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2023/07/fishflies-great-lakes-signify-healthy-water/

Jada Vasser

Our wonderful water quality monitoring volunteers have kicked off the 2023 monitoring season!

Volunteers are monitoring sites located throughout the Winnebago Waterways Recovery Area. During the growing season, volunteers monitor once a month for physical, chemical, and biological data as part of the Winnebago Waterways Water Quality Monitoring Program. Their hard work and effort results in data that allows us to monitor the water quality from month to month and year to year. Already this season, they’ve faced dry, rainy, and smoky/hazy conditions. Thank you for all you do water quality monitoring volunteers!!

Read more about the Winnebago Waterways Water Quality Monitoring Program by clicking here!

Winnebago Waterways is a Fox-Wolf Watershed Alliance recovery initiative. Contact us at wwinfo@fwwa.org

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Fox-Wolf Watershed Alliance

Fox-Wolf Watershed Alliance

https://fwwa.org/2023/06/29/ww-wq-volunteers-2023-season-start/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=ww-wq-volunteers-2023-season-start

Katie Reed

This month’s species spotlight highlights Wisconsin’s largest and only aquatic salamander: the mudpuppy (Necturus maculosus)! This brown or grayish salamander typically has dark spots and deep red, feathery gills. These salamanders have a finned tail too. Mudpuppies can grow up to 16 inches (1.33 feet) long!

Mudpuppy – USFWS National Digital Library

The skin of mudpuppies is very slimy, though the rumors that mudpuppies are poisonous are not true. It is still best to avoid touching them and leave them be if you find one because they have sensitive, permeable skin.

Habitat & Diet

Mudpuppies live their whole lives in the water of lakes and rivers. They prefer areas with large flat docks and will live in underwater holes. Mudpuppies eat aquatic invertebrates (animals in the water without a backbone) such as worms and insect larvae. They will also eat small fish and other amphibians.

Behavior & Population Info

Mudpuppies breed in late fall and spawn in June. Eggs hatch in July or August. It is estimated mudpuppies can live up to 20 years old.

Mudpuppies are typically nocturnal, meaning they are most active at night. They may be more active during the day if the live in murky/muddy water but are tricky to spot and study. Currently, Wisconsin’s mudpuppy populations have not been extensively studied, so it is unknown how the species’ population is faring in Wisconsin. Their status is listed as common, but have recently been listed as a species of special concern in Minnesota, and are threatened in Iowa and Illinois. It is known that mudpuppies in Wisconsin are the only host of the Salamander Mussel, a state threatened species. In the winter, mudpuppies may be a common bycatch during the ice-fishing season, and in 2022 the Wisconsin DNR asked for help documenting mudpuppy observations. Mudpuppies are active year round, even under winter ice!

Mudpuppy – iNaturalist – thismia – CC BY-SA 4.0

Winnebago Waterways is a Fox-Wolf Watershed Alliance recovery initiative. Contact us at wwinfo@fwwa.org

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Original Article

Fox-Wolf Watershed Alliance

Fox-Wolf Watershed Alliance

https://fwwa.org/2023/06/28/species-spotlight-mudpuppy/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=species-spotlight-mudpuppy

Katie Reed

Nessel: $10B PFAS settlement with 3M doesn’t resolve Michigan’s claims

By Kelly House Bridge Michigan

The Great Lakes News Collaborative includes Bridge Michigan; Circle of Blue; Great Lakes Now at Detroit Public Television; and Michigan Radio, Michigan’s NPR News Leader; who work together to bring audiences news and information about the impact of climate change, pollution, and aging infrastructure on the Great Lakes and drinking water.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2023/06/nessel-10b-pfas-settlement-with-3m-doesnt-resolve-michigans-claims/

Bridge Michigan

GIS Analyst – Full-Time

In support of Fox-Wolf Watershed Alliance (Fox-Wolf)’s mission, the GIS Analyst is responsible for providing technical support to further the awareness of Fox-Wolf’s work to advance water quality. Duties include but are not limited to a wide range of work including: needs assessments, database design, application design, data development, software development and installation, cartographic mapping, user training, acceptance testing, rollout support, and technical support. The successful candidate will utilize project management principles to manage projects within time, scope and budget, work effectively with partners, and coordinate tasks with multi-faceted project teams. We are looking for a self-motivated, independent and detail-oriented individual who is passionate about the mission of Fox-Wolf.

This position reports to the Winnebago Waterways Director and will work on the following tasks:

● Design, monitor, and maintain the structure and integrity of the Fox-Wolf GIS database

● Own GIS data creation (compilation, editing, conversion of non-spatial data, digitization) and data management

(organization and structure, quality control) tasks

● Work closely with program directors to create systems to collect, analyze, and visualize a variety of data metrics to

show progress in implementation of water quality efforts

● Facilitate partner Land and Water Conservation Department staff in tracking and reporting adoption and

environmental and financial outcomes resulting from the adoption of climate smart agricultural practices

● Maintain and build relationships with conservation partners by providing training and support for conservation staff

● Support the Lower Fox Director in managing the Climate Smart Commodities grant project including standardized data collection, management, and reporting




Full Position Description

To apply, email resume and cover letter to jessica@fwwa.org

The post GIS Analyst appeared first on Fox-Wolf Watershed Alliance.

Original Article

Fox-Wolf Watershed Alliance

Fox-Wolf Watershed Alliance

https://fwwa.org/2023/06/26/gis-analyst/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=gis-analyst

Sharon Cook

The Fox-Wolf Watershed Alliance is growing! Join Us!

The Fox-Wolf Watershed Alliance is currently seeking the right person to join our team as Agriculture Outreach Coordinator!

Ag Outreach Coordinator – Full-Time

In support of Fox-Wolf Watershed Alliance’s mission, the Ag Outreach Coordinator is responsible for providing outreach support to further the awareness of Fox-Wolf’s work to advance water quality through agricultural initiatives and supporting the Climate Smart Commodities grant project. This position requires a motivated individual with an ability to develop outreach materials that connect with their intended audience. We are looking for a self-motivated, independent and detail-oriented individual who is passionate about the mission of Fox-Wolf.

This position reports to the Lower Fox Director and will work on the following tasks:

● Engage members of the public in water quality efforts to increase community knowledge of water quality issues and the impact of agriculture

● Work closely with Fox-Wolf agriculture team to further the adoption of soil health practices across the region

● Support partner Land and Water Conservation Department staff in tracking and reporting adoption and environmental and financial outcomes resulting from the adoption of climate smart agricultural practices

● Maintain and build relationships with conservation partners by providing training and support for conservation staff, documenting partner achievements, and promoting the importance of boots on the ground

● Support the Lower Fox Director in managing the Climate Smart Commodities grant project including data collection and management and commodity market development



Full Position Description

To apply, email resume and cover letter to jessica@fwwa.org

The post Now hiring! Agriculture Outreach Coordinator appeared first on Fox-Wolf Watershed Alliance.

Original Article

Fox-Wolf Watershed Alliance

Fox-Wolf Watershed Alliance

https://fwwa.org/2023/06/21/ag-outreach-coordinator/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=ag-outreach-coordinator

Sharon Cook

Library

Strengthening Our Water-Based Economy: Project Archive

This project has ended. Archived project materials are available below.

The GLC is supporting research, disseminating information, and collaborating with regional leaders to quantify the economic value of Great Lakes water resources, the return on investments in environmental restoration and water-related infrastructure, and the ecosystem benefits and services generated by the Great Lakes. These and related efforts are aimed at advancing the “Blue Economy” and ensuring that businesses, communities and agriculture are able to leverage our region’s abundant water resources to support strong economies and a high quality of life for residents.

The GLC will support the work of the Conference of Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Governors and Premiers’ regional economic task force, and collaborate with other partners such as the Council of Great Lakes Industries and the Great Lakes Metro Chambers Coalition, to advance policies, programs and funding to strengthen water-related infrastructure, industries and commerce and facilitate a cooperative approach to improve regional economic performance and competitiveness.

Learn More about Strengthening Our Water-Based Economy

The Great Lakes and the abundant freshwater resources they provide fueled our region’s early development and economic growth. Waterfront areas historically served as centers of economic activity and the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence River provided a maritime transportation system that facilitated the efficient movement of goods and commodities, supporting industries such as manufacturing, steel production, agribusiness and power generation. Recreational boating and other water-based activities drive a vibrant tourism and outdoor recreation sector centered on the Great Lakes and their tributaries.

Currently, many Great Lakes coastal communities are working to restore and reclaim degraded or under-utilized waterfronts and leverage them to support economic development, recreation and other purposes. The Great Lakes Restoration Initiative (GLRI) is accelerating this process, particularly in the Areas of Concern.

Regional leaders have recognized the potential of fresh water and the “Blue Economy” to promote economic growth, attract and retain talent, support water-dependent industries, and sustain a high quality of life in the Great Lakes region. Numerous reports in recent years have showcased challenges and opportunities for the binational U.S.-Canadian Great Lakes regional economy, the potential to leverage the region’s unique freshwater resources, and the need to build on clusters of economic activity. The Great Lakes governors and premiers have created a regional economic task force to tackle long-term challenges, including promoting cross-border trade, supporting key economic sectors and boosting regional productivity.

The Great Lakes Commission is collaborating with regional leaders to strengthen the economy and promote the Great Lakes region as a global center for research and development of technologies to utilize and manage freshwater resources. Some specific areas for collaborative research include quantifying the economic value of Great Lakes water resources, the return on investments in environmental restoration and water-related infrastructure, and the ecosystem benefits and services generated by the Great Lakes. Other Commission activities are supporting efforts to strengthen the Great Lakes maritime transportation system, clean up degraded or underutilized waterfront areas, and revitalize coastal communities.

For More Information

Eric Brown
Senior Advisor for External Relations, Great Lakes Commission
734-971-9135
ebrown@glc.org

Original Article

Great Lakes Commission

Great Lakes Commission

https://www.glc.org/work/waterfront

Laura Andrews

Library

Revitalizing Waterfront Communities: Project Archive

This project has ended. Archived project materials are available below.

Many Great Lakes coastal communities are working to restore and reclaim degraded or under-utilized waterfronts and leverage them to support economic development, recreation and other purposes. The Great Lakes Restoration Initiative is accelerating this process, particularly in the Areas of Concern. As these and other areas are cleaned up, communities are starting to consider how to build on successful remediation and restoration to advance economic and social revitalization in waterfront areas. This is part of a broader recognition among regional leaders of the potential of fresh water and the “Blue Economy” to promote economic growth, attract and retain talent, support water-dependent industries, and sustain a high quality of life in the Great Lakes region.

Learn More about Revitalizing Waterfront Communities

The Great Lakes Commission is well suited to develop tools and support strategies to revitalize waterfront communities and strengthen the “Blue Economy” through research, policy development, information exchange and technology transfer, and stakeholder collaboration. The GLC supports programs, such as the Coastal Zone Management Program as implemented by the states, that facilitate healthy and sustainable coastal development, and advocates for policies and legislation that strengthen state leadership; promote the exchange of best practices; emphasize sustainability and resiliency to impacts from climate change; and balance multiple benefits such as recreation, fish and wildlife, commercial navigation, and water-dependent industries.

Waterfront areas in the Great Lakes historically have been centers of economic activity for coastal communities, supporting industries with fresh water, energy, and access to waterborne networks for shipping raw materials and finished goods. The industrial era left a legacy of contamination and habitat degradation in many shoreline areas and the decline in heavy industry in the Great Lakes region has left many waterfronts vacant or underutilized.

Many coastal communities are working to clean up and reclaim waterfront areas and align them with new plans for economic development, public access, recreation, habitat restoration and other uses, along with continued support for commercial navigation. Progress in cleaning up and restoring degraded shorelines has accelerated significantly in recent years with support from the Great Lakes Legacy Act, the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative (GLRI) and other state, provincial and federal programs, particularly in Areas of Concern designated under the Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement.

Multiple state, provincial and federal programs support healthy and sustainable coastal development, including the GLRI, Coastal Zone Management Act, National Sea Grant College Program, and brownfields redevelopment programs. Some recent proposals have focused on promoting economic clusters, particularly those that depend on fresh water, and assisting communities in developing waterfront areas, balancing multiple uses, and strengthening resiliency to impacts from climate change.

The Great Lakes Commission’s work supports waterfront community revitalization by improving water quality, restoring degraded shorelines, enhancing valuable fish and wildlife resources, repairing water infrastructure, promoting commercial navigation, and facilitating collaboration and information exchange among policymakers and local leaders. The GLC will continue to identify and support opportunities to strengthen federal and state policies, programs and funding; facilitate state leadership; promote the exchange of best practices; emphasize sustainability and resiliency to impacts from climate change; and balance multiple benefits such as recreation, fish and wildlife, commercial navigation, and water-dependent industries.

For More Information

Eric Brown
Senior Advisor for External Relations, Great Lakes Commission
734-971-9135
ebrown@glc.org

Original Article

Great Lakes Commission

Great Lakes Commission

https://www.glc.org/work/waterfront

Laura Andrews

The Fox-Wolf Watershed Alliance is growing! Join Us!

The Fox-Wolf Watershed Alliance is currently seeking the right person to join our team as Winnebago Waterways Director!

Winnebago Waterways Director – Full-Time
The Winnebago Waterways (WW) Director is part of the management team of the Fox-Wolf Watershed Alliance (Fox-Wolf). The WW Director is responsible for advancing the mission of Fox-Wolf throughout the Winnebago Waterways Recovery Area. The successful Director will bring skills in partnership development, revenue generation and project management to advance watershed restoration goals. In addition to being responsible for the administration and advancement of the strategic plan of the Winnebago Waterways Recovery Effort, the key duties include regional coordination, overseeing program staff, working with the organization’s management team to advance organization-wide fundraising, marketing, and community outreach efforts.

While reporting directly to the Executive Director, the Development Director will work closely with other Directors and all program staff to build support for organizational initiatives.

Full Position Description

To apply, email resume and cover letter to jessica@fwwa.org

The post Now hiring! Winnebago Waterways Director appeared first on Fox-Wolf Watershed Alliance.

Original Article

Fox-Wolf Watershed Alliance

Fox-Wolf Watershed Alliance

https://fwwa.org/2023/05/26/wwdirector/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=wwdirector

Sharon Cook

It’s May in the Winnebago area, which means everyone’s favorite mother’s day tradition is back: Lake Flies (Chironomids)! These non-biting midges typically hatch around Mother’s Day in late May, though this time frame can shift depending on winter conditions. A second, smaller hatch of lake flies often occurs in late summer.

Lake flies seen around Lake Winnebago are a collection of different midge species, the most numerous likely Chironomus plumosus, also known as the buzzer midge. During the large May hatch, you can easily tell how this species got their common name – there is a low hum from the sheer number of the midges.

Alexsuchy - CC BY-SA 4.0

These flies have wing lengths around 6 mm, and bodies as long as 13 mm. When they emerge to create mating swarms, adults live for only 3 – 11 days. Since they do not have functional mouthparts, they do not bite or even eat! The location and size of swarms are highly dependent on the wind, and are often concentrated on areas that contrast with the background. Females lay masses of eggs on the water surface, which then absorb water and sink to the lake bottom. These eggs hatch shortly after and become midge larvae. The larvae undergo 4 stages, the first of which is free swimming. During the following three stages, the larvae make and live in a tube, collecting food at the bottom of the lake. Then the lake flies emerge in May or late summer and start the cycle over again.

Many species eat lake fly larvae and adults are therefore very important for the food web in Lake Winnebago. In fact, lake fly larvae help support the sturgeon population and contribute to our large self-sustaining lake sturgeon population. Other fish species eat the larvae stages and birds including purple martins and warblers eat the flying adults. Though the large hatching event can be a nuisance for us, they are critical for the food webs of the Winnebago Lakes. Remember, though they can be very annoying, they only last about 2 weeks! Their impact on the rest of the system lasts for much longer.

Winnebago Waterways is a Fox-Wolf Watershed Alliance recovery initiative. Contact us at wwinfo@fwwa.org

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Original Article

Fox-Wolf Watershed Alliance

Fox-Wolf Watershed Alliance

https://fwwa.org/2023/05/25/species-spotlight-american-white-pelican-2/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=species-spotlight-american-white-pelican-2

Katie Reed

EPA wants Native American tribes to implement water quality standards equivalent to the Clean Water Act’s requirements

By Lester Graham, Michigan Radio

The Great Lakes News Collaborative includes Bridge Michigan; Circle of Blue; Great Lakes Now at Detroit Public Television; and Michigan Radio, Michigan’s NPR News Leader; who work together to bring audiences news and information about the impact of climate change, pollution, and aging infrastructure on the Great Lakes and drinking water.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2023/05/epa-native-american-tribes-implement-water-quality-standards-clean-water-acts-requirements/

Michigan Radio

Once beset by industrial pollution, Rouge River on a slow path to recovery

By Kelly House, Bridge Michigan

The Great Lakes News Collaborative includes Bridge Michigan; Circle of Blue; Great Lakes Now at Detroit Public Television; and Michigan Radio, Michigan’s NPR News Leader; who work together to bring audiences news and information about the impact of climate change, pollution, and aging infrastructure on the Great Lakes and drinking water.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2023/05/once-beset-industrial-pollution-rouge-river-slow-path-recovery/

Bridge Michigan

PFAS News Roundup: West Michigan is showing PFAS levels higher than the national average

PFAS, short for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, are a group of widespread man-made chemicals that don’t break down in the environment or the human body and have been flagged as a major contaminant in sources of water across the country.

Keep up with PFAS-related developments in the Great Lakes area.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2023/05/pfas-news-roundup-west-michigan-pfas-levels-higher-than-national-average/

Kathy Johnson

Ice out on Lake Winnebago was officially called by the Army Corps of Engineers on April 6, 2023 as determined by MODIS satellite imagery. Ice out (aka ice off) is when ALL ice is gone from the lake surface as observed by satellite.  This is important because ice out marks the date that the Army Corps transitions their management of Lake Winnebago from maintaining winter pool to focus on spring refill.

Ice out dates for Lake Winnebago 2006 to 2023 (Source: ACOE)

The Army Corps of Engineers – Chicago District manages water levels for Lake Winnebago by regulating outflow at the dams in Menasha and Neenah under the Federal Marshall Order of 1886. The Marshall Order is intended for flood risk management.

The Marshall Order defines the limits of regulation for Lake Winnebago:

  • May 1st to October 1st (navigation season):
    • High end of limit: 3.45 ft.
    • Low end of limit: 0.18 ft.
  • October 2nd to April 30th:
    • High end of limit: 3.45 ft.
    • Low end of limit: 1.68 ft

While meeting their mission of flood risk management is the priority, the Army Corps also tries to meet the needs of various stakeholders within their operating limits. This requires finding a reasonable balance among multiple competing interests. Each year, with stakeholder input, the Army Corps sets their annual regulation strategy which guides their daily management decisions.

Their annual regulation strategy represents that balance and can be broken down by certain times of the year: fall drawdown, winter pool, spring refill, and summer pool. Water level targets are set along this strategy in a schedule. These targets are listed in the Army Corps 2022 – 2023 Lake Winnebago Regulation Strategy (shown in the image below). The green band in the annual strategy represents the “target band”. The Army Corps tries to hold water levels within this band. The dotted lines represents the average lake level across all years as noted in the key.

Average Water Level for Lake Winnebago

Lake level for Lake Winnebago is an average of readings from four gages located around the lake and is in reference to the Oshkosh Datum.

Fall Drawdown: As of the 2021/2022 regulation strategy, fall drawdown has been scheduled to begin between Sept 1 and Oct 1 each year at the discretion of the Army Corps through an adaptive decision making process.

Winter Pool: Each February, the Army Corps evaluates basin conditions and the forecast to determine their winter drawdown target.

The Army Corps draws down Lake Winnebago every winter to reduce the risk of damage caused by ice shoves, protect shoreline properties, and provide enough space within the lake to hold excess water that flows into Lake Winnebago each spring (snow melt and rain storm runoff from a 5,900 square mile watershed). The 2023 winter drawdown target operating band for Lake Winnebago this year was 1.25 ft to 1.3 ft.

Spring refill: When the Army Corps determines ice out has occurred on Lake Winnebago based on satellite imagery, spring refill is triggered. For many boaters, people interested in habitat protection, and stakeholders working to restore the lakes, refill is of particular interest. According to the most recent annual strategy, refill targets are as follows:

  • May 1st – 2.5 ft (Operating band: 2.4 to 3.6 ft)
  • June 1st – 2.8 ft (Operating band: 2.7 to 3.9 ft)
  • June 15th – 2.9 ft (Operating band: 2.8 to 3.0 ft)

Summer Pool: The Army Corps tries to maintain the lake within a target band for summer recreation navigation.

The total seasonal water elevation change is typically about 1.8 ft in a given year.

Recent conditions:

Despite having all available gates open at the dams since March 6, 2023, the average level of Lake Winnebago has been well above the target band since the beginning of April. This is likely due to the lake not being drawn down far enough or early enough to accommodate spring runoff from snow melt and precipitation. When inflows to Lake Winnebago exceed outflow capacity of the gates, the lake begins to rise uncontrolled. Overshooting the target band increases risk of flooding, significantly damages habitat and limits water quality restoration gains (among other impacts).

A graph from April 21, 2023 shows the recent average lake level (dashed line). Hopefully, precipitation will ease up and the Army Corps will be able to regain control before too much damage is done to the wetlands and aquatic habitat.

Additional Water Level Related Information:

1.) Water Level Management for the Winnebago Waterways: This report describes water level management including the process of developing an annual strategy, the considerations for the strategy, and the reason the strategy (schedule) is in its current form. CLICK HERE for the report.

This report is part of a larger planning effort for the Winnebago Lakes. The rest of the lake plan can be found here: https://fwwa.org/lake-management-planning-2/

2.) Winnebago Water Level Assessment Team (WWLAT): This is a stakeholder group that holds discussions about water levels independent of the Army Corps public input process. The website for the Team provides information about the background, past recommendations, and more. Interested stakeholders are welcome to participate. Link: https://fwwa.org/winnebago-waterways/wwlat/

3.) The Army Corps provides access to a lot of data and information through their Lake Winnebago webpage: CLICK HERE

Winnebago Waterways is a Fox-Wolf Watershed Alliance recovery initiative. Contact us at wwinfo@fwwa.org

The post Ice-Out officially called for Lake Winnebago – April 6, 2023 appeared first on Fox-Wolf Watershed Alliance.

Original Article

Fox-Wolf Watershed Alliance

Fox-Wolf Watershed Alliance

https://fwwa.org/2023/04/27/ice-out-officially-called-for-lake-winnebago-april-6-2023/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=ice-out-officially-called-for-lake-winnebago-april-6-2023

Korin Doering

The American White Pelican (Pelecanus erythrorhynchos) used to be a rare sight in Wisconsin, now these birds, with wingspans up to 9 feet, are frequently spotted in large numbers in the Winnebago System! The American White Pelican has an orange, long, pouched bill (beak) that can grow a protrusions during the breeding season. The tips of their bills have a small hook at the tip. Their necks are long, and their bodies are usually snowy white with black flight feathers. Their legs and feet are orange though younger birds’ can appear more gray-pink and darken with age, and their feet are webbed. Adult pelicans can weigh about 16 pounds, making them one of the heaviest flying bird species.

American White Pelicans are piscivorous, meaning they primarily eat fish. The American White Pelican forages for food mostly in shallow waters in open areas of marshes, lakes, rivers, and ponds but can forage in deeper water. American White Pelicans do not submerge or dive for food. Instead, they dip their bill into the water and scoop up prey into their pouch, then tip their bill above their head to swallow. A typical pelican can reach down to about 3 feet below the surface of the water, and can eat about 3 pounds of fish a day! In Wisconsin, pelicans have been recorded eating common carp, as well as other fish species. They can also eat amphibians like frogs and invertebrates like crayfish. Pelicans sometimes work together to forage for food. A group of pelicans can corral fish into shallow areas or to the center of a U formation or circle to more easily catch prey.

Adult American White Pelicans on Water (National Park Service)

Pelicans at a nesting colony (Winnebago Waterways User Submitted Photo)

Young Pelicans (USDA)

Pelicans start to breed when they reach about 3-6 years old and travel to their breeding colonies in March – May. These colonies are typically on islands. Nests are built on the ground in colonies with other pelicans, as well as other bird species like cormorants and gulls. Usually pelicans lay 2 eggs. The eggs and hatched young are vulnerable to predators like eagles, foxes, and raccoons. Studies show that pelicans can live up to 30 years.

Historically, American White Pelicans were found in Wisconsin but their population sharply declined in the late 1800s – 1900s due to hunting and habitat loss. In the last 20-25 years, their populations have grown tremendously in Wisconsin, prompted likely by loss of breeding grounds in the West but also due to habitat restoration projects and pollution cleanup. In the lower Green Bay area, the number of white pelicans grew from about 250 in 2005 to more than 3,000 in 2021. Protecting their habitat and water quality is important to their continued success in the Winnebago System.

Winnebago Waterways is a Fox-Wolf Watershed Alliance recovery initiative. Contact us at wwinfo@fwwa.org

The post Species Spotlight: American White Pelican appeared first on Fox-Wolf Watershed Alliance.

Original Article

Fox-Wolf Watershed Alliance

Fox-Wolf Watershed Alliance

https://fwwa.org/2023/04/26/species-spotlight-american-white-pelican/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=species-spotlight-american-white-pelican

Katie Reed

Forest to MI Faucet: Using trees to keep water sources pristine

By Lester Graham, Michigan Radio

The Great Lakes News Collaborative includes Bridge Michigan; Circle of Blue; Great Lakes Now at Detroit Public Television; and Michigan Radio, Michigan’s NPR News Leader; who work together to bring audiences news and information about the impact of climate change, pollution, and aging infrastructure on the Great Lakes and drinking water.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2023/04/forest-to-mi-faucet-using-trees-to-keep-water-sources-pristine/

Michigan Radio

Lifetime Business Member of Fox-Wolf Watershed Alliance.

A huge thank you to Rob and his team at Motto Inc. (pictured above), a locally owned and operated business, for their continued support of Fox-Wolf Watershed Alliance’s water quality initiatives in the Winnebago Waterways Recovery Area. Last year, Motto Inc. donated $18,262 to Fox-Wolf Watershed Alliance. This year they beat their own record by donating $25,000! Their donation will have an even bigger impact because a percentage was matched by the Greater Green Bay Community Foundation’s Give Big Green Bay program.

In addition to their generous donation, Motto Inc. has volunteered with Fox-Wolf Watershed Alliance. Last winter, the Motto Inc. team volunteered to sow native plants and take care of them over the winter. These plants will be used in our shoreline restoration projects!

Motto Inc. is also a business member of 1% for the Planet, which connects businesses and individuals who pledge to give 1% of their sales back to the planet each year with approved environmental nonprofits around the world. This partnership will help Fox-Wolf Watershed Alliance connect with more businesses who share the same values of promoting water quality and environmental stewardship.

Motto Inc. lives up to their commitment through quality branded products and their ongoing support of various causes that improve the community and environment. We invite you to learn more about this local business by visiting their website: www.mottoinc.com

Thank you to Rob and his Motto Inc. team for their continued support!

The Winnebago Waterways Program facilitates regional coordination and implementation of recovery efforts for the Winnebago Lakes and surrounding watersheds. Priority implementation projects are outlined in the Winnebago Waterways Lake Management Plan. Winnebago Waterways is a program of the Fox-Wolf Watershed Alliance. The Fox-Wolf Watershed Alliance is an independent non-profit organization that works to protect and restore the water resources of the Fox-Wolf River Basin. We are focused on finding cost effective, science-based solutions. To meet our goals, we work with partners to maximize efficiencies, bringing resources to those who are already doing great work while utilizing our strengths to fill gaps when needed.

About 1% for the Planet

1% for the Planet is a global organization that connects dollars and doers to accelerate smart environmental giving. Through business and individual memberships, 1% for the Planet inspires people to support environmental organizations through annual membership and everyday actions. The organization advises on giving strategies, certifies donations and amplifies the impact of the network.

Started in 2002 by Yvon Chouinard, founder of Patagonia, and Craig Mathews, founder of Blue Ribbon Flies, their members have given more than $250 million to environmental nonprofits to date. Today, 1% for the Planet is a network of more than 3,000 business members, an expanding core of individual members and thousands of nonprofit partners in more than 90 countries.

If you are interested in learning more about 1% for the Plant and how to become a business partner, please contact Korin at korin@fwwa.org.

Questions? Comments? Send us an email at wwinfo@fwwa.org.

Follow the Fox Wolf Watershed Alliance on social media: Winnebago Waterways on Facebook and @WinnWaterways on Twitter!

Winnebago Waterways is a Fox-Wolf Watershed Alliance program. The Fox-Wolf Watershed Alliance is an independent nonprofit organization that identifies and advocates effective policies and actions that protect, restore, and sustain water resources in the Fox-Wolf River Basin.

The post Local Business Continues Support of Water Quality Initiatives appeared first on Fox-Wolf Watershed Alliance.

Original Article

Fox-Wolf Watershed Alliance

Fox-Wolf Watershed Alliance

https://fwwa.org/2023/04/26/local-business-continues-support-of-water-quality-initiatives/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=local-business-continues-support-of-water-quality-initiatives

Katie Reed

Information from the Butte des Morts Conservation Club – original post here: Butte des Morts Conservation Club Facebook

Terrells Island Trails will be open to the public starting Monday, May 8th, 2023. Trails are open from sunrise until one hour before sunset, unless otherwise posted.
Please Note: Trail is no longer a loop. There is a turn around.
*Frank & Alice Kachur Trail is 2.1 miles one way
*Schoolhouse Trail is 1.5 miles one way
  • Please throw away all trash in receptacle at trail entrances
  • Pets should be leashed and remove/clean up all animal waste
  • Anglers – no fishing from bridge-leave no trash behind
Enjoy!

Winnebago Waterways is a Fox-Wolf Watershed Alliance recovery initiative. Contact us at wwinfo@fwwa.org

The post Terrells Island Trails to Open on May 8, 2023 appeared first on Fox-Wolf Watershed Alliance.

Original Article

Fox-Wolf Watershed Alliance

Fox-Wolf Watershed Alliance

https://fwwa.org/2023/04/25/terrells-island-trails-2023/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=terrells-island-trails-2023

Katie Reed

We are looking for 10-15 volunteers to help plant 2,720 plant plugs for a wetland restoration on the west side of Lake Winnebago.

Volunteers are needed May 5th, 6th, and possibly 7th at Kalbus Country Harbor in Oshkosh. Each day will start at 9:00 am. Volunteers are welcome to volunteer as much or as little as available.

To sign up, please contact John by May 1st at: 920-426-0062 (via text or call) or email kalbuscamping@gmail.com

We will have some tools available, but recommend bringing what you prefer to use with you, dress for the weather, and be prepared to get dirty. For those who sign-up, John will follow  up with additional details.

Read more about the Kalbus restoration project: CLICK HERE

Project site map

Project funding and partners:

Winnebago Waterways is a Fox-Wolf Watershed Alliance recovery initiative. Contact us at wwinfo@fwwa.org

The post Volunteers needed – Wetland Restoration Planting appeared first on Fox-Wolf Watershed Alliance.

Original Article

Fox-Wolf Watershed Alliance

Fox-Wolf Watershed Alliance

https://fwwa.org/2023/04/19/kalbus-wetland-project-volunteers/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=kalbus-wetland-project-volunteers

Korin Doering

Library

Joint Action Plan for Clean Water Infrastructure and Services in the Great Lakes Region: Project Archive

This project has ended. Archived project materials are available below. 

The Great Lakes Commission’s Clean Water Infrastructure and Services Working Group developed a Joint Action Plan for Clean Water Infrastructure and Services in the region that outlines actions to address a backlog in needed upgrades and repairs to water-related infrastructure in the eight Great Lakes states and two provinces over the next 20 years — everything from wastewater treatment plants to stormwater pipes and drinking-water filtration systems. This backlog is conservatively estimated to cost $271 billion, and many experts believe that figure is a significant underestimate. The plan also calls for a better understanding the state of regional water infrastructure and the true needs to achieve a 21st century system.

The Action plan was endorsed by the full Commission at its 2017 Annual Meeting.

• Joint Action Plan

• Appendices

GLC Resolution 

For More Information

Nicole Zacharda
Program Manager, Great Lakes Commission
734-971-9135
nzacharda@glc.org

Original Article

Great Lakes Commission

Great Lakes Commission

https://www.glc.org/work/water-infrastructure-action-plan

Laura Andrews

Library

ErieStat: Project Archive

This project has ended. Archived project materials are available below. For information about ongoing work in this area, please visit the Blue Accounting website: www.blueaccounting.org/issue/eriestat/

Excess phosphorus entering Lake Erie contributes to the formation of harmful algal blooms and dead zones, which can be dangerous for fish, wildlife and people. Under the Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement, the U.S. and Canada agreed to work together to reduce to amount of phosphorus entering the western and central basins of Lake Erie by 40 percent (from 2008 levels).  ErieStat is part of the Great Lakes Commission’s groundbreaking Blue Accounting program and brings together water quality experts to discuss and agree on methods to measure progress toward the 40% reduction goal.

The nutrient annex of the Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement (Annex 4) set the goal of a 40% reduction in the amount of total and dissolved reactive phosphorus entering the western and central basins of Lake Erie. ErieStat is a web-based platform, developed by a binational workgroup of water quality professionals and designed to track progress toward the binational phosphorus reduction goals. ErieStat also shares the strategies and investments intended to achieve the shared goal of phosphorus reduction in western and central Lake Erie.

Learn More about ErieStat

Tracking progress toward a healthier Lake Erie

Lake Erie has a significant social and economic impact on the surrounding region. Currently, harmful algal blooms (HABs) and seasonal hypoxia, which are thought to be the result of excessive phosphorus (P) loading, threaten the water quality and biodiversity of the lake. Recognizing the substantial threat HABs and hypoxia present to the surrounding region, governors and premieres agreed to reduce P loading by 40% (from 2008 loads) by 2025 in the 2015 Collaborative agreement. In the same year, the Great Lakes Commission’s own Lake Erie Nutrient Targets report established similar goals and a set of 10 steps to achieve the targets. Both of those efforts gained further support when the governments of Canada and the United States formally adopted a 40% reduction goal in February 2016 through Annex 4 of the 2012 Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement between the two nations.

ErieStat is a web-based platform for tracking progress toward the goal of a 40% reduction in phosphorus loads to the western and central basins of Lake Erie. ErieStat provides valuable services to the states of Indiana, Michigan, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and New York and the province of Ontario as these governments work to implement policies and programs to achieve the binational phosphorus reduction goal.

Reducing P loading is expected to substantially decrease the intensity and frequency of HABs while also reducing the areal extent of the hypoxic zone within the central basin, therefore improving water quality for surrounding communities that depend on Lake Erie for safe drinking water and the Lake’s ecosystem as a whole.

ErieStat was led by a team from the Great Lakes Commission. Guidance for ErieStat came from our Steering Committee and Content Advisory Group, which include members from state, provincial, and federal government; academic research institutions; nonprofit organizations; and other experts in the region.

Reducing Phosphorus into Lake Erie

Excess phosphorus entering Lake Erie contributes to the formation of harmful algal blooms and dead zones, and can be dangerous for fish, wildlife and people.

In June 2015, the Governors of Michigan and Ohio and Premier of Ontario signed a Collaborative Agreement to work together toward a 40% reduction in the amount of total and dissolved reactive phosphorus entering Lake Erie’s Western Basin by the year 2025, with an interim goal of a 20% reduction by 2020. In the same year, the Great Lakes Commission’s own Lake Erie Nutrient Targets report established similar goals and a set of 10 steps to achieve the targets. Both of those efforts gained further support when the governments of Canada and the United States formally adopted a 40% reduction goal for phosphorus in the western and central basins in February 2016 through Annex 4 of the 2012 Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement between the two nations. The Commission is working closely with Annex 4 in developing ErieStat.

Project Documents (password protected)

Project Documents (password protected)

These documents are archived for project team members only and are not available for public download.

 

For More Information

Nicole Zacharda
Program Manager, Great Lakes Commission
734-971-9135
nzacharda@glc.org

Original Article

Great Lakes Commission

Great Lakes Commission

https://www.glc.org/work/eriestat

Laura Andrews

For Ann Arbor water managers, ongoing battle to keep toxic chemicals at bay

By Kelly House, Bridge Michigan

This story is part of a Great Lakes News Collaborative series investigating the region’s water pollution challenges. Called Refresh, the series explores the Clean Water Act’s shortcomings in the Great Lakes, and how the region can more completely address water pollution in the next 50 years.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2023/02/for-ann-arbor-water-managers-ongoing-battle-to-keep-toxic-chemicals-at-bay/

Bridge Michigan

Until now, such a two-year water quality environmental technology degree was nonexistent.

The post New Northwestern Michigan College two-year degree readies students for water technology jobs first appeared on Great Lakes Echo.

Original Article

Great Lakes Echo

Great Lakes Echo

http://greatlakesecho.org/2023/01/13/new-northwestern-michigan-college-two-year-degree-readies-students-for-water-technology-jobs/

Guest Contributor

A Michigan State University study estimates that up to $5.9 million annually in economic activity is lost in Michigan’s small portion of Lake Erie due to harmful algal blooms.

The post Lake Erie algae mucks up fishing trips first appeared on Great Lakes Echo.

Original Article

Great Lakes Echo

Great Lakes Echo

http://greatlakesecho.org/2022/12/15/lake-erie-algae-mucks-up-fishing-trips/

Guest Contributor

Opposition to CAFOs Mounts Across the Nation

By Keith Schneider, Circle of Blue

The Great Lakes News Collaborative includes Bridge Michigan; Circle of Blue; Great Lakes Now at Detroit Public Television; and Michigan Radio, Michigan’s NPR News Leader; who work together to bring audiences news and information about the impact of climate change, pollution, and aging infrastructure on the Great Lakes and drinking water.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2022/12/opposition-to-cafos-mounts-across-nation/

Circle of Blue

The Ohio Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and Environmental Protection Agency have demonstrated a new technology designed to reduce harmful algal blooms as part of a wide range of efforts on both sides of the Canada-U.S. border to address the threat of Eutrophication on the Great Lakes and other inland bodies of water.

The post New technology provides hope for the Great Lakes’ polluted waters first appeared on Great Lakes Echo.

Original Article

Great Lakes Echo

Great Lakes Echo

http://greatlakesecho.org/2022/10/12/new-technology-provides-hope-for-the-great-lakes-polluted-waters/

Guest Contributor

In A Year of Water Quality Reckoning, National Imperative is Impeded

By Keith Schneider, Circle of Blue

The Great Lakes News Collaborative includes Bridge Michigan; Circle of Blue; Great Lakes Now at Detroit Public Television; and Michigan Radio, Michigan’s NPR News Leader; who work together to bring audiences news and information about the impact of climate change, pollution, and aging infrastructure on the Great Lakes and drinking water.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2022/09/year-of-water-quality-reckoning-national-imperative-impeded/

Circle of Blue

The Lake Michigan and Lake Huron waters governed by an 1836 treaty are at the heart of negotiations between Michigan, the federal government and Native American tribes to determine how much and what kinds of fish can be harvested by recreational, state-licensed and Native American commercial fishers. Much has changed since the treaty was signed, notably because of invasive mussels. But change created by human activity was underway even before the signatories to the Washington Treaty ink dried in Washington D.C. in March 1836. 

The post Water test: human impact on Great Lakes waters predates quagga mussel invasion first appeared on Great Lakes Echo.

Original Article

Great Lakes Echo

Great Lakes Echo

http://greatlakesecho.org/2022/06/24/water-test-human-impact-on-great-lakes-waters-predates-quagga-mussel-invasion/

Guest Contributor

Michigan watersheds are still wracked with pollution from decades ago, along with new runoff. Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s MI Healthy Climate Plan would make preserving land and water a statewide priority. 

The post Watershed groups fight decades-old pollution first appeared on Great Lakes Echo.

Original Article

Great Lakes Echo

Great Lakes Echo

http://greatlakesecho.org/2022/06/06/watershed-groups-fight-decades-old-pollution/

Guest Contributor

While forests are known to enhance the water quality of nearby watersheds, oftentimes people don’t recognize forests' role in providing clean drinking water, according to a new study from Michigan State University. The research was conducted at three watersheds in Michigan: the heavily urbanized Detroit River Watershed, the less populated and heavily forested Au Sable River Watershed and the more populated agricultural, forested and urban Lower Grand River Watershed.

The post Study finds need for public to see connection between forests and clean drinking water first appeared on Great Lakes Echo.

Original Article

Great Lakes Echo

Great Lakes Echo

http://greatlakesecho.org/2022/05/26/study-finds-need-for-public-to-see-connection-between-forests-and-clean-drinking-water/

Guest Contributor

Feb. 15, 2022

By Jennifer A. Smith

Winter in Wisconsin is road salt season, as workers try to ensure our roadways are as safe and non-slippery as possible during bouts of snow and ice.

Yet, as public information campaigns like Wisconsin Salt Wise point out, the application of road salt comes with trade-offs. Salt, or sodium chloride, can harm freshwater ecosystems. According to Salt Wise, “It only takes one teaspoon of salt to pollute five gallons of water to a level that is toxic to native aquatic organisms.” It can also impact drinking water.

And, as research currently underway at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee (UWM) is uncovering, increased levels of chloride from road salt can persist in surface waters even in the summer—when no salt is being applied—because it appears to be stored in groundwater.

Dr. Charles Paradis

The study, “Mass Discharge of Road Salt via Groundwater to Surface Waters in Southeastern Wisconsin,” is investigating two sites in Racine County along the Root River: one urban, the other rural. Led by Assistant Professor Charles Paradis, this work is being funded by the University of Wisconsin Water Resources Institute in its 2021-23 cycle.

Working with Paradis are graduate student Leah Dechant and, through UWM’s Support for Undergraduate Research Fellows (SURF) program, several undergraduate students.

Ultimately, the work that Paradis and his student team are doing can help policy makers make the best possible decisions when it comes to road salting practices. Said Paradis, “Clearly, road salt is good for public safety, but it may not be so good for environmental health, so where’s that balance? If we give this information to those who set that policy and practice road salt application, maybe they can do so in way that is best suited to balance public safety and environmental health.”

Paradis first became interested in the issue after a 2019 talk given by Cheryl Nenn of Milwaukee Riverkeeper about her annual Milwaukee river basin quality report. Nenn also pointed Paradis to a report put out by the Southeastern Wisconsin Regional Planning Commission (SEWRPC). Laura Herrick, a SEWRPC environmental engineer, had written about road salt in river water and noted elevated chloride concentrations in the Root River during the summertime.

As Paradis recalled, “They proposed the hypothesis that road salt is being stored in the groundwater that is connected to the river, and the groundwater serves as a continuous, long-term source for chloride to enter the river.”

One of two study sites along the Root River, pictured in the summertime. (Submitted photo)

What the SEWRPC observation needed was better testing, and Paradis was eager to dig further. He needed high-frequency samples of chloride and flow measurements at multiple locations along the Root River in the summer. That’s where graduate student Dechant and the undergraduates have been a major asset.

Field sampling began in July 2021. From July to September, surface water samples were collected three days per week. Moving into the fall, sampling shifted into a biweekly mode using the same locations and procedures.

Half of the samples undergo high-level isotopic and chemical analysis by Timothy Wahl, an associate investigator on the project, at the UWM School of Freshwater Sciences. The other half of the samples are subject to benchtop pH and alkalinity low-level testing in the Paradis lab.

UW-Milwaukee undergraduate Dylan Childs prepares water samples for analysis in the lab. (Submitted photo)

For Dylan Childs, one of the undergraduates who has worked on the project, the process has been rewarding. “’I’ve really come to enjoy the scientific method and research in general,” he said. “This was probably the first research project where I got to go out in the field, and it was a lot of fun having that hands-on experience, as well as going in to the lab, too. I felt so much more involved.”

Added Childs, a senior geology major from Stoughton, “Having this additional research experience as an undergrad has definitely helped me home in on what I want to do with my future.” Undergraduates Autumn Routson and Samuel Sellars have also contributed to the project.

In addition to people power, the research is aided by technology. United States Geological Survey (USGS) gauging stations are located at the study sites. These stations beam publicly accessible data, including flow data, to the internet. Continuous monitoring devices on loan from SEWRPC have also helped; these record temperature, conductivity—a proxy for chloride—and depth round the clock.

In the field, UW-Milwaukee graduate student Leah Dechant works with water samples collected from the Root River. (Submitted photo)

Through data collected from the USGS gauging stations, the loaned monitoring devices and water samples collected in the field, the team is capturing a much richer picture of what’s actually happening in the Root River. Paradis has noted that chloride concentrations in the river water have remained relatively constant—even when flow has increased and one might expect to see dilution as a result. This lends credence to the hypothesis that chloride is being stored in groundwater, providing a continuous source.

While almost a year and half of the project period still remains, Dechant will present the team’s findings so far in a poster session at this year’s conference for the Wisconsin Section of the American Water Resources Association (AWRA), which will take place March 10-11.

The post UW-Milwaukee researchers examine road salt’s year-round impact on Wisconsin rivers first appeared on WRI.

Original Article

News Release | WRI

News Release | WRI

https://www.wri.wisc.edu/news/uw-milwaukee-researchers-examine-road-salts-year-round-impact-on-wisconsin-rivers/

Jennifer Smith

Drinking Water News Roundup: Toxic algae blooms in Indiana, First Nations $8B settlement, Wisconsin lead pipe replacement funding

From lead pipes to PFAS, drinking water contamination is a major issue plaguing cities and towns all around the Great Lakes. Cleaning up contaminants and providing safe water to everyone is an ongoing public health struggle. 

Keep up with drinking water-related developments in the Great Lakes area. 

Click on the headline to read the full-story:

Indiana: 

  • More blue-green algae could drive up drinking water bills in Indiana’s larger cities —WFYI Indianapolis 

The increasingly warm air and heavy rain showers have caused a rise in toxic algae blooms, which has led to fish sickness, beach closures, and drinking water pollution.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2022/01/drinking-water-news-roundup-toxic-algae-blooms/

Maya Sundaresan

Library

Issue Brief: Mercury Contamination in the Great Lakes Basin

This summary proceedings provides a detailed report on the presentations and discussions that occurred during a 2021 symposium and workshop on exploring science-based strategies for environmental dredging windows in Lake Michigan. The document also includes a discussion of common themes, findings and next steps to inform future work in the area of environmental dredging windows.

Published October 2021  | Download PDF

Original Article

Great Lakes Commission

Great Lakes Commission

https://www.glc.org/library/2021-glc-issue-brief-mercury

Laura Andrews

Great Lakes Moment: Endangered catfish indicates improving health of the Detroit and St. Clair rivers

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.

A small catfish that is endangered in both Michigan and Ontario is making a comeback thanks to improved water quality and artificial reef construction in the Detroit and St.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/11/endangered-catfish-health-detroit-rivers/

John Hartig

The NOAA Great Lakes Environmental Research Laboratory (GLERL) and Michigan Technological University (MTU) Great Lakes Research Center recently teamed up on the deployment of a wave glider in Lake Superior. The chemical and biological data collected will help researchers understand … Continue reading

Original Article

NOAA Great Lakes Environmental Research Laboratory

NOAA Great Lakes Environmental Research Laboratory

https://noaaglerl.blog/2021/10/12/noaa-wave-glider-gathers-key-data-during-25-day-cruise-in-lake-superior/

Margaret Lansing

Great Lakes Moment: Lessons from the Ashtabula River cleanup

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.

When the Ashtabula River and Harbor was identified as a Great Lakes pollution hotspot, or Area of Concern, in 1985, few people thought the day would ever come when it was cleaned up and no longer a detriment to the community and Lake Erie.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/10/great-lakes-moment-lessons-ashtabula-cleanup/

John Hartig

Library

Exploring science-based strategies for environmental dredging windows in Lake Michigan

This summary proceedings provides a detailed report on the presentations and discussions that occurred during a 2021 symposium and workshop on exploring science-based strategies for environmental dredging windows in Lake Michigan. The document also includes a discussion of common themes, findings and next steps to inform future work in the area of environmental dredging windows.

Published October 2021  | Download PDF

Original Article

Great Lakes Commission

Great Lakes Commission

https://www.glc.org/library/2021-env-dredging-windows

Laura Andrews

Soil Erosion, Sedimentation and Water Quality in the Great Lakes Region: A report to the USDA – Soil Conservation Service

Soil Erosion, Sedimentation and Water Quality in the Great Lakes Region: A report to the USDA – Soil Conservation Service.

Published August 1988  |  Download PDF

Original Article

Great Lakes Commission

Great Lakes Commission

https://www.glc.org/library/1988-soil-erosion-sedimentation-water-quality-in-the-great-lakes-region

Laura Andrews

Four years ago, NOAA’s Great Lakes Environmental Research Laboratory (GLERL) and the Cooperative Institute for Great Lakes Research (CIGLR) began providing an Experimental Lake Erie Hypoxia Forecast Model to warn stakeholders of low-oxygen upwelling events that can cause water quality … Continue reading

Original Article

NOAA Great Lakes Environmental Research Laboratory

NOAA Great Lakes Environmental Research Laboratory

https://noaaglerl.blog/2021/09/14/from-safe-drinking-water-to-sustainable-fisheries-noaa-glerls-experimental-lake-erie-hypoxia-forecast-is-even-more-useful-than-anticipated/

Gabrielle Farina

Sensors provide a real-time glimpse at Chicago River quality

CHICAGO (AP) — Rowers, kayakers and other users of the Chicago River are getting a real-time look at one measure of water quality in the system that weaves through downtown and several neighborhoods.

Chicago nonprofit Current in 2019 installed three sensors in the river’s three main branches to continuously estimate the amount of bacteria from human and other warm-blooded animals’ waste.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/09/ap-sensors-chicago-river-quality/

The Associated Press

Great Lakes in Peril: Invasives, pollution, climate change

By Lester Graham, Michigan Radio

The Great Lakes News Collaborative includes Bridge Michigan; Circle of Blue; Great Lakes Now at Detroit Public Television; and Michigan Radio, Michigan’s NPR News Leader; who work together to bring audiences news and information about the impact of climate change, pollution, and aging infrastructure on the Great Lakes and drinking water.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/08/great-lakes-peril-invasives-pollution-climate-change/

Michigan Radio

Illinois sues owner of plant where fire prompted evacuations

CHICAGO (AP) — Illinois prosecutors on Friday sued the owner of a chemical plant where a fire last month sent dark smoke and ash into the air for days and prompted evacuations, saying the company should be held accountable for air and water pollution and hazards that still exist.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/07/ap-illinois-sues-owner-plant-fire-evacuations/

The Associated Press

Court: DNR can impose farm conditions, consider well impact

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Wisconsin regulators can impose operating conditions on factory farms and consider high-capacity wells’ cumulative environmental impacts when deciding whether to grant permits, the state Supreme Court ruled Thursday.

The decisions mark a major win for conservationists and clarify that the Department of Natural Resources has broad authority to protect Wisconsin’s waters.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/07/ap-dnr-farm-conditions-well-impact/

The Associated Press

Dealing with the soup of chemicals that can get into your drinking water

By Lester Graham, Michigan Radio

The Great Lakes News Collaborative includes Bridge Michigan; Circle of Blue; Great Lakes Now at Detroit Public Television; and Michigan Radio, Michigan’s NPR News Leader; who work together to bring audiences news and information about the impact of climate change, pollution, and aging infrastructure on the Great Lakes and drinking water.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/07/soup-chemicals-drinking-water/

Michigan Radio

Public Resource: Around the Great Lakes, everyday people help make science possible

Collecting data for scientific research across large geographic areas can be challenging, but researchers have found an easy solution – the public.

The Huron River watershed covers 900 square miles, and the Huron River Watershed Council has been collecting data from the watershed for years. Yet collection from such an expansive area would not have been possible without the help of an army of dedicated citizen, or community, scientists.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/06/great-lakes-everyday-people-science-public/

Noah Bock

Owner of closed power plant to remove toxic waste near river

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) — The owner of an abandoned power plant has agreed to clean up toxic waste dumped into the flood plain of the Vermilion River, boosting efforts to protest Illinois’ lone national scenic river.

Under a deal brokered by the Illinois attorney general’s office, Texas-based Vistra on Monday agreed to drain pits of water-soaked coal ash along the Middle Fork Vermilion River, about 120 miles (193.12 kilometers)south of Chicago.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/06/ap-closed-power-plant-toxic-waste-illinois-river/

The Associated Press