On:
In: Uncategorized

The Alliance is happy to announce our Lakes Chat Summer Series. Every Tuesday at 1 pm, we’ll Live stream our chat with a special guest about Great Lakes issues and what it all means for you and your community.

In June, we chatted about Washington, DC updates on infrastructure policy and funding, 50 Years of the Alliance for the Great Lakes, Invasive Carp, and the Adopt-a-Beach program.

Want to join in on the conversation? Be sure to join our Linkedin registration event page to receive notifications about upcoming chats.

Or, you can tune into our Facebook page or Youtube channel.

So, dive into timely topics with The Alliance and special guests, and feel free to contribute questions to the live video discussion.

Upcoming Lakes Chat Episodes for July

July 13: Ships, Invasive Species & the Great Lakes
Special Guest: Molly Flanagan Chief Operating Officer & Vice President for Programs

July 20: Environmental Justice
Special Guest: Crystal M.C. Davis Vice President of Policy and Strategic Engagement

July 27: Water Levels
Special Guest: Joel Brammeier President & CEO

If you can’t join live, no worries, we’ll share previously recorded episodes here.

The post Dive into Our Lakes Chat Summer Series appeared first on Alliance for the Great Lakes.

Original Article

News – Alliance for the Great Lakes

News – Alliance for the Great Lakes

https://greatlakes.org/2021/07/dive-into-our-lakes-chat-summer-series/

Michelle Farley

On:
In: Uncategorized

Over the summer, the Alliance hosted our Lakes Chat Summer Series. We chatted with a special guest each week about Great Lakes issues ranging from infrastructure to water levels – and what it all means for you and your community.

Go ahead, dive into some timely topics below.

Water Infrastructure Funding – View from DC: We chatted with Don Jodrey, the Alliance’s Director of Federal Government Relations, about updates from Washington, DC on infrastructure policy and funding.
50th Anniversary & Great Blue Benefit: We chatted with Joel Brammeier, Alliance for the Great Lakes President & CEO, about the Alliance’s history.
Invasive Carp: Invasive carp have been a looming threat for years, steadily moving up Illinois waterways toward Lake Michigan. At the same time, the federal government and Great Lakes states have been debating options for preventing these harmful fish from getting into the lakes. We chatted with Anna-Lisa Castle, the Alliance’s Water Policy Manager. She leads the Alliance’s policy campaign to keep invasive carp out of the Great Lakes.
Enjoy a Plastic-Free 4th of July: The Alliance’s Volunteer Engagement Coordinator, Olivia Reda, shared how to keep plastic off our beaches and out of the Great Lakes.
Harmful Algal Blooms: Each year, a harmful algal bloom forms in western Lake Erie that grows so big that it can be seen from outer space. Todd Brennan, the Alliance’s Senior Policy Manager, walked us through what causes harmful algal blooms and what can be done to fix the problem.
Ships, Invasive Species, & The Great Lakes: Molly Flanagan, the Alliance’s Chief Operating Officer and Vice President for Programs dug into the connections between ships, aquatic invasive species, and the Great Lakes – and what’s being done to fix the problem.
Environmental Justice: Here at the Alliance, we feel that the Great Lakes region has an opportunity to lead the way and showcase how environmental justice can be achieved. Crystal M.C. Davis, the Alliance’s Vice President for Policy and Strategic Engagement, leads much of the Alliance’s water policy work. She also leads the Alliance’s commitment to diverse engagement of Great Lakes communities.
Water Levels: Joel Brammeier, the Alliance’s President and CEO, talked about high water levels and how climate change plays a part.

The post Dive into Our Lakes Chat Summer Series appeared first on Alliance for the Great Lakes.

Original Article

News – Alliance for the Great Lakes

News – Alliance for the Great Lakes

https://greatlakes.org/2021/10/dive-into-our-lakes-chat-summer-series/

Judy Freed

On:
In: Commercial Fishing, Feature Homepage, fish, Fish, Birds and Animals, invasive species, lake erie, Lake Michigan, Latest News, Michigan, News, recreational fishing, Recreational Hunting and Fishing, Wisconsin
Low but Stable: Yellow perch populations in Great Lakes’ bays and open waters

On first attempt to reach Michigan Department of Natural Resources Fisheries Research Biologist David Fielder, he wasn’t monitoring fish populations or water quality. He was busy with a perch basket lunch.

The yellow perch is a staple of Great Lakes commercial and recreational fishing, and Friday fish fries.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/07/yellow-perch-low-populations-wisconsin-michigan-fishing/

John McCracken

On:
In: Echo, podcasts

Scientists from the W.K. Kellogg Biological Station first noticed an invasive population of zebra mussels in Gull Lake in the mid-1990s.

The post Researchers find relationship between invasive zebra mussels, toxic algae first appeared on Great Lakes Echo.

Original Article

Great Lakes Echo

Great Lakes Echo

http://greatlakesecho.org/2021/07/08/researchers-find-relationship-between-invasive-zebra-mussels-toxic-algae/

Guest Contributor

On:
In: Budget, COVID-19, Feature Homepage, Latest News, Michigan, News, Ohio, outdoor recreation, Recreation and Tourism, Tourism
Great Lakes Trails: Relief funds spark new investments into outdoor recreation

With a rebounding economy and plenty of federal relief funds, states across the country are finding themselves with extra money to spend.

Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer yesterday announced a proposal to spend $150 million of relief funds from the American Rescue Plan on state and local parks and trails.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/07/great-lakes-trails-new-planned-recreation/

Noah Bock

On:
In: Daily News

A partnership between the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Cities Initiative will use federal funds to deal with erosion and high water levels along Lake Michigan. Read the full story by the Holland Sentinel.

Original Article

Great Lakes Commission

Great Lakes Commission

https://www.glc.org/dailynews/20210707-partnership

Jill Estrada

On:
In: Daily News

The Milwaukee Estuary is moving a step closer to clean water and space for recreation, thanks to partial approval of funding for a sediment containment facility. Read the full story by the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.

Original Article

Great Lakes Commission

Great Lakes Commission

https://www.glc.org/dailynews/20210707-estuary

Jill Estrada

On:
In: Daily News

The International Lake Ontario-St. Lawrence River Board recently announced the river and the Great Lakes have experienced drought conditions through the spring. And it’s expected to remain that way for the summer. Read the full story by Spectrum News 1.

Original Article

Great Lakes Commission

Great Lakes Commission

https://www.glc.org/dailynews/20210707-erie-drought

Jill Estrada

On:
In: caviar, Lake sturgeon, Shark week, sturgeon sounds

A surgeon. Image credit: Brenna Hernandez, Shedd Aquarium

The Discovery Channel’s Shark Week kicks off on July 11. As the spotlight turns to that species, the Great Lakes can’t boast any of those sandpaper-y-skinned creatures, but coursing through its waters is another cartilaginous beast, the lake sturgeon. Here are five facts about the fish.

Jumbo-sized, just not in the teeth department

The lake sturgeon is the largest fish in the Great Lakes. It can grow to a weight of more than 300 pounds and reach a length of 9 feet. A lake sturgeon’s skeleton is made up of cartilage—like a shark—but they lack a shark’s fearsome allotment of choppers. The fish have a soft mouth and no teeth, relying on dangling organs called barbels to sense their meals of invertebrates, small clams and insect larvae, which are sucked into the mouth, sand and all. Everything but the food is then expelled through side gill slits. Instead of the shark’s trademark, and some would say ominous, fin, sturgeon have rows of scutes running the length of their bodies. These bony pointed plates smooth out with age.

Brontosaurus, stegosaurus, lake sturgeon

Lake sturgeon are considered a living fossil because the species has survived—virtually unchanged—for more than 150 million years. Sturgeon were around during the time of the dinosaurs. It hasn’t been easy, though. Today, because of overfishing, pollution and a loss of habitat, lake sturgeon are struggling to survive. For example, in Lake Michigan, scientists estimate only 5,000 adult sturgeon remain, well below 1% of the most conservative estimates of historic numbers.

Wisconsin is home to more than just Bucky Badger

Wisconsin’s Lake Winnebago is home to the world’s largest population of lake sturgeon. The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources has been managing the population in that lake since 1903. Wisconsin Sea Grant lends a hand through its support for Fred Binkowski at the School of Freshwater Sciences at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. He has reared youngsters in his lab, assisted in the field and even extended his devotion to daily communication. Binkowski’s email address incorporates the word “sturgeon” instead of his own moniker.

Fine dining from fresh water

In the late 1800s, caviar made from the eggs of Great Lakes sturgeon was sold to enterprising Europeans who relabeled it as “Russian caviar” and shipped the delicacy back to socially climbing Americans eager to serve it at swanky functions. 

Sing a song of sturgeon

Using an underwater microphone on the Wolf River in 2012, a Wisconsin Sea Grant staffer was the first ever to capture the “song of the sturgeon.” Really, it is a slightly muffled clicking and booming sound (hear it here) that biologists think it is a way for a girl sturgeon and a boy sturgeon to call to each other during the spring mating season.

To learn more, check out this video and test your knowledge with a worksheet.

The post Shark and sturgeon synchronicity first appeared on Wisconsin Sea Grant.

Original Article

Blog | Wisconsin Sea Grant

Blog | Wisconsin Sea Grant

https://www.seagrant.wisc.edu/blog/shark-and-sturgeon-synchronicity/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=shark-and-sturgeon-synchronicity

Moira Harrington

On:
In: Uncategorized
SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WATCH 338 REMAINS VALID UNTIL 10 PM CDT THIS EVENING FOR THE FOLLOWING AREAS IN WISCONSIN THIS WATCH INCLUDES 8 COUNTIES IN CENTRAL WISCONSIN WAUSHARA IN EAST CENTRAL WISCONSIN

Original Article

Current Watches, Warnings and Advisories for Brown (WIC009) Wisconsin Issued by the National Weather Service

Current Watches, Warnings and Advisories for Brown (WIC009) Wisconsin Issued by the National Weather Service

https://alerts.weather.gov/cap/wwacapget.php?x=WI1261AC02FFD8.SevereThunderstormWatch.1261AC035FF0WI.GRBWCNGRB.126e6520b9b367d99f6ba3f2d40dfd5f

w-nws.webmaster@noaa.gov

On:
In: aquaculture, aquaponics, fish farming, Fred Binkowski, Ryan Newton, technical briefs

If you’re interested in aquaculture, Wisconsin Sea Grant has released a new publication for you.

Dr. Ryan Newton (Photo: UW-Milwaukee School of Freshwater Sciences)

Written by Ryan Newton, an assistant professor at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee School of Freshwater Sciences (SFS), this 20-page paper describes the importance of microorganisms in freshwater aquaponics. It’s the first in a series of aquaculture technical briefs produced by Fred Binkowski, senior scientist at SFS and aquaculture outreach specialist at Wisconsin Sea Grant.

Titled “Microorganisms in Intensive Aquaponics,” the paper starts with an explanation of exactly what microorganisms are and then covers the diversity of roles they play in aquaponics systems. Although they may not be the first part of an aquaponics system that comes to mind, microbes are crucial to the healthy functioning of the system. The paper includes suggestions for biosecurity and suggestions about pre- and probiotics. A table of common freshwater fish pathogens is also included.

Binkowski said, “This is a great resource for fish farmers because it provides a clear picture and understanding of the function of the invisible workers — the bacteria – that form one of the most important components of a healthy and productive aquaponics system.”

The paper is available for free download at Wisconsin Sea Grant’s online publications store at publications.aqua.wisc.edu.

The post New aquaculture paper produced; will be first in a series first appeared on Wisconsin Sea Grant.

Original Article

News Releases | Wisconsin Sea Grant

News Releases | Wisconsin Sea Grant

https://www.seagrant.wisc.edu/news/new-aquaculture-paper-produced-will-be-first-in-a-series/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=new-aquaculture-paper-produced-will-be-first-in-a-series

Jennifer Smith

On:
In: CCO Meeting, FEMA Region 5, Lake Michigan, Michigan, Open House, Presentations, Public Meetings

Delta County, Michigan
CCO Meeting – CCO Meeting Presentation [.pdf]
Monday, June 28, 2021
The CCO meeting was held online.


Original Article

Great Lakes Coastal Flood Study

Great Lakes Coastal Flood Study

https://www.greatlakescoast.org/2021/07/06/lake-michigan-community-consultation-officers-meeting-and-open-house-for-delta-county-michigan/

Great Lakes Coast

On:
In: Uncategorized
SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WATCH 338 IS IN EFFECT UNTIL 1000 PM CDT FOR THE FOLLOWING LOCATIONS WI . WISCONSIN COUNTIES INCLUDED ARE ADAMS BROWN BUFFALO CALUMET CLARK COLUMBIA

Original Article

Current Watches, Warnings and Advisories for Brown (WIC009) Wisconsin Issued by the National Weather Service

Current Watches, Warnings and Advisories for Brown (WIC009) Wisconsin Issued by the National Weather Service

https://alerts.weather.gov/cap/wwacapget.php?x=WI1261ABF67E48.SevereThunderstormWatch.1261AC035FF0WI.WNSWOU8.594c87ca0f5506d06b9ad484729f3177

w-nws.webmaster@noaa.gov

On:
In: Uncategorized
...SIGNIFICANT WEATHER ADVISORY FOR BROWN...KEWAUNEE...SOUTHERN DOOR...CALUMET...SOUTHEASTERN MENOMINEE...WINNEBAGO...EASTERN WAUSHARA...EASTERN WAUPACA...SOUTHERN OCONTO...OUTAGAMIE...EASTERN SHAWANO AND MANITOWOC COUNTIES UNTIL 230 PM CDT... At 133 PM CDT, Doppler radar was tracking strong thunderstorms scattered around northeast and east central Wisconsin. The strongest

Original Article

Current Watches, Warnings and Advisories for Brown (WIC009) Wisconsin Issued by the National Weather Service

Current Watches, Warnings and Advisories for Brown (WIC009) Wisconsin Issued by the National Weather Service

https://alerts.weather.gov/cap/wwacapget.php?x=WI1261ABF675B0.SpecialWeatherStatement.1261ABF69A68WI.GRBSPSGRB.6aa5f2eed3e702ea40d8087602c74917

w-nws.webmaster@noaa.gov

On:
In: Charles Stewart Mott Foundation Partnership, Drinking Water, forever chemicals, Forever Chemicals Featured, Groundwater Contamination, Latest News, News, PFAS, Research, Data and Technology, Science, Technology, Research, Water quality, Water Quality and Restoration Efforts
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

On:
In: AP, Beaches, Beaches, Boating, Paddle Sports and Sailing, lake erie, Lake Huron, Lake Michigan, Lake Ontario, Latest News, News, outdoor recreation, Recreation and Tourism
Nonprofit: Number of drownings in Great Lakes jumps in 2021

HOMEWOOD, Ill. (AP) — More drownings have been reported in the Great Lakes so far in 2021 than by this time last year, prompting officials to urge swimmers to practice water safety measures.

As of July 2, there were 32 drownings in the Great Lakes, compared to 25 as of July 4, 2020, according to data collected by the Great Lakes Surf Rescue Project.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/07/ap-nonprofit-drownings-great-lakes-jumps-2021/

The Associated Press

On:
In: AP, Detroit, Feature Detroit, infrastructure, Michigan, News
Water authority: Pumping stations did not fail during storm

By Corey Williams, Associated Press

DETROIT (AP) — Two water pumping stations in Detroit experienced power-related problems but did not fail during a heavy rainstorm last week that left basements, streets and even freeways flooded, the head of a regional water and wastewater agency said Friday.

Great Lakes Water Authority Chief Executive Sue McCormick told reporters that due to an electrical service issue only three of six pumps at one station were able to be brought online, while a power outage at a second station slowed efforts to turn three of its pumps on as the rain poured.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/07/ap-detroit-water-authority-pumping-stations-storm/

The Associated Press

On:
In: Detroit, Environmental Justice, Equity and Environmental Justice, Feature Detroit, Feature Homepage, industry, Industry, Energy, Economic Development, John Hartig, Latest News, Michigan, News, pollution
Great Lakes Moment: Ecosystem restoration needs more environmental justice

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.

In southwest Detroit, evidence of environmental injustice can be found nearly everywhere, and communities of color and low wealth feel that polluting companies and government officials are not doing enough to address many long-standing environmental problems.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/07/ecosystem-restoration-environmental-justice-southwest-detroit/

John Hartig

On:
In: Catch of the Day, contaminants, Echo, Law, pollution

A former supervisor of a Pittsburgh Water and Sewer Authority plant is expected to plead guilty to a felony charge for allegedly ordering employees to discharge sludge into the Allegheny River.

The post Guilty plea expected in Allegheny River pollution case first appeared on Great Lakes Echo.

Original Article

Great Lakes Echo

Great Lakes Echo

http://greatlakesecho.org/2021/07/06/guilty-plea-expected-in-allegheny-river-pollution-case/

Eric Freedman

On:
In: Uncategorized
...THUNDERSTORMS MOVING INTO THE FOX VALLEY... At 820 PM CDT, Doppler radar was tracking strong thunderstorms along a line extending from near Black Creek to New London to 7 miles north of Fremont. Movement was southeast at 20 mph. Pea size hail and winds in excess of 30 mph will be possible with these storms. A gust front ahead of the line could produce gusty

Original Article

Current Watches, Warnings and Advisories for Brown (WIC009) Wisconsin Issued by the National Weather Service

Current Watches, Warnings and Advisories for Brown (WIC009) Wisconsin Issued by the National Weather Service

https://alerts.weather.gov/cap/wwacapget.php?x=WI1261ABF3D88C.SpecialWeatherStatement.1261ABF3FC7CWI.GRBSPSGRB.5181c8a3d11c8ccdb1bb7d7b409bd95f

w-nws.webmaster@noaa.gov

On:
In: Uncategorized
...SIGNIFICANT WEATHER ADVISORY FOR SOUTHERN BROWN AND NORTHEASTERN OUTAGAMIE COUNTIES UNTIL 630 PM CDT... At 547 PM CDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm 7 miles east of Black Creek, or 15 miles west of Green Bay, moving southeast at 25 mph. Winds gusts to 40 mph will be possible with this storm.

Original Article

Current Watches, Warnings and Advisories for Brown (WIC009) Wisconsin Issued by the National Weather Service

Current Watches, Warnings and Advisories for Brown (WIC009) Wisconsin Issued by the National Weather Service

https://alerts.weather.gov/cap/wwacapget.php?x=WI1261ABE7D460.SpecialWeatherStatement.1261ABE7F468WI.GRBSPSGRB.1b36d356db7c1151673472c0a7c25cef

w-nws.webmaster@noaa.gov

On:
In: Daily News

With heavy rain and flooding in certain areas over the past few days, officials are asking people to take precautions when heading out to the beach this holiday weekend. High rain and flooding can quickly cause the lake to load up with bacteria. The rain can also contribute to high water and wave levels, which can make it unsafe to swim or go boating. Read the full story by Erie News Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Commission

Great Lakes Commission

https://www.glc.org/dailynews/20210702-flooding

Ken Gibbons

On:
In: Daily News

Port Milwaukee director Adam Tindall-Schlicht said the $31 million investment is the largest one-time investment into Port Milwaukee since the 1950s and going forward it will be instrumental to the port’s continued growth. Read the full story by the Milwaukee Business Journal.

Original Article

Great Lakes Commission

Great Lakes Commission

https://www.glc.org/dailynews/20210702-milwaukee-port

Ken Gibbons

On:
In: Daily News

A 425-mile paddling expedition is giving voice to the Great Lakes and the people who seek its protection. Three participants will paddle from the Mackinaw Bridge to Lansing to rally political forces on behalf of the lakes. Read the full story by the Traverse City Record-Eagle.

Original Article

Great Lakes Commission

Great Lakes Commission

https://www.glc.org/dailynews/20210702-paddling-journey

Ken Gibbons

On:
In: Daily News

U.S. Sen. Ron Johnson and two Republican members of the state’s congressional delegation are calling for state-led assessments of a recently designated marine sanctuary in Lake Michigan. Read the full story by the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.

Original Article

Great Lakes Commission

Great Lakes Commission

https://www.glc.org/dailynews/20210702-marine-sanctuary

Ken Gibbons

On:
In: Daily News

The EPA’s floating laboratory – Lake Guardian – was spotted upbound in St. Mary’s River North Channel. The Research Vessel Lake Guardian is the largest research vessel in the E.P.A. fleet and the largest research vessel operating on the Great Lakes. Read the full story by Lake Superior News.

Original Article

Great Lakes Commission

Great Lakes Commission

https://www.glc.org/dailynews/20210702-floating-lab

Ken Gibbons

On:
In: Daily News

Six inches of rain battered the Detroit metro area last weekend, a deluge that overwhelmed the region’s drainage system. Hundreds of basements flooded, cars floated on freeways, and the usually-packed Interstate 94 looked more like a river than a roadway. Read the full story by Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Commission

Great Lakes Commission

https://www.glc.org/dailynews/20210702-flooding-detroit

Ken Gibbons

On:
In: Daily News

The city of Waukesha, Wisconsin got official news Wednesday that it can pipe Lake Michigan water to residents, replacing their radium-tainted supply. Some still question whether Waukesha should be granted a diversion under the Great Lakes Compact. Read the full story by WUWM- Milwaukee, WI.

Original Article

Great Lakes Commission

Great Lakes Commission

https://www.glc.org/dailynews/20210702-waukesha

Ken Gibbons

On:
In: Daily News

The city of Waukesha, Wisconsin got official news Wednesday that it can pipe Lake Michigan water to residents, replacing their radium-tainted supply. Some still question whether Waukesha should be granted a diversion under the Great Lakes Compact. Read the full story by WUWM- Milwaukee, WI.

Original Article

Great Lakes Commission

Great Lakes Commission

https://www.glc.org/dailynews/20210702-waukesha

Ken Gibbons

On:
In: Agriculture, Algae Blooms, Beaches, Boating, Paddle Sports and Sailing, Feature Homepage, harmful algal blooms, James Proffitt, lake erie, Latest News, News, Ohio, recreational fishing, Recreational Hunting and Fishing, Research, Research, Data and Technology, science, Science, Technology, Research, Tourism
Good News for Lake Erie: 2021 algal bloom severity forecast is 3

For the second year in a row, scientists predict the annual Lake Erie cyanobacteria bloom will be smaller than it has been in the past decade.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s forecast, assembled with the help of multiple partners, indicates an expected bloom severity index of 3 on a scale of 10.5.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/07/2021-harmful-algal-blooms-toxic-algae/

James Proffitt

On:
In: Echo, native plants, pollinators

In an effort to battle invasive species, Michigan State University is becoming a more welcoming place for bees, butterflies and other native pollinators.

The post Campus works to become more pollinator-friendly first appeared on Great Lakes Echo.

Original Article

Great Lakes Echo

Great Lakes Echo

http://greatlakesecho.org/2021/07/02/campus-works-to-become-more-pollinator-friendly/

Guest Contributor

On:
In: Beer, birds, Feature Homepage, Fish, Birds and Animals, Latest News, News
Birds and Brews: Pour one out for the piping plover

Piping plovers, a small white-and-gray shorebird with striking orange legs, are making a comeback this summer – on the beach and at the bar.

The plover has been on the federal endangered species list since 1985, when the Great Lakes plover population dropped to about a dozen pairs.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/07/birds-brews-piping-plover-conservation-beer/

Rachel Duckett

On:
In: Press Releases, Washington Update

ANN ARBOR, MICH. (July 1, 2021) – Today, House Appropriators approved the fiscal year 2022 Interior and Environment funding legislation, advancing historic funding levels for key agencies and providing robust funding for clean water and Great Lakes restoration programs. The Healing Our Waters-Great Lakes Coalition is pleased to see the House respond to bi-partisan support for the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative (GLRI), proposing funding the program at $375 million in the new fiscal year. The committee also approved historic funding levels for the EPA, proposing a much-needed funding increase for the agency of almost 23% to $11.4 billion for fiscal year 2022.

On June 21, the Coalition and 93 of its members sent a letter to Congress advocating for full funding of the GLRI. Laura Rubin, director of the Coalition stated, “We are glad to see that such an effort did not go unnoticed. The GLRI has improved the lives of millions in the region and more funding will allow for more efforts to move forward in protecting and preserving the region, its communities, and its residents.”

Key Great Lakes and clean water programs funded under this proposal include:

  • Great Lakes Protection and Restoration
    • Great Lakes Restoration Initiative: $375 million – a $45 million increase over fiscal year 2021 enacted
    • Invasive Carp funding: $36.6 million across US Fish and Wildlife Service and US Geological Survey programs – a $1 million increase over fiscal year 2021 enacted
  • Water Infrastructure
    • Clean Water State Revolving Fund: $1.87 billion – a $232 million increase over fiscal year 2021 enacted
    • Drinking Water State Revolving Fund: $1.36 billion – a $232 million increase over fiscal year 2021 enacted
    • Sewer Overflow Grants: $60 million – a $20 million increase over fiscal year 2021 enacted
    • Reducing Lead in Drinking Water: $81.5 million – a $60 million increase over fiscal year 2021 enacted
  • Clean Water Protection
    • Clean water state grants: $235 million – a $5 million increase over fiscal year 2021 enacted
    • Nonpoint pollution grants: $180 million – a $3 million increase over fiscal year 2021 enacted

The Interior and Environment funding bill now heads to the full House of Representatives for consideration. The House is expected to vote on the bill later this month.

Since 2004, the Healing Our Waters-Great Lakes Coalition has been harnessing the collective power of more than 160 groups representing millions of people, whose common goal is to restore and protect the Great Lakes. Learn more at HealthyLakes.org or follow us on Twitter @HealthyLakes.

Contact for media: Lindsey Bacigal, BacigalL@nwf.org, (734) 887-7113

Contact for policy: Alexis J. Lopez-Cepero, Senior Legislative Analyst, lopez-cepero@npca.org

The post Coalition Pleased to See Full Funding of GLRI Proposed appeared first on Healing Our Waters Coalition.

Original Article

Healing Our Waters Coalition

Healing Our Waters Coalition

https://healthylakes.org/coalition-pleased-to-see-full-funding-of-glri-proposed/

Lindsey Bacigal

On:
In: Charles Stewart Mott Foundation Partnership, Climate change, Collaboration, Detroit, Feature Detroit, Feature Homepage, infrastructure, Latest News, Michigan, News
Detroit Flooding Previews Risks from a Warming Climate

By Laura Gersony, 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/2021/07/detroit-flooding-risks-warming-climate/

Circle of Blue

On:
In: Press Releases, Washington Update

ANN ARBOR, MICH. (July 1, 2021) – Today, the House of Representatives passed comprehensive infrastructure legislation, advancing work to bring billions of dollars of new investment to communities across the Great Lakes region. H.R. 3684, the Investing in a New Vision for the Environment and Surface Transportation (INVEST) in America Act, which passed the House by a 221-201 vote, would provide over $168 billion for drinking water and wastewater infrastructure and affordability measures over the next 10 years. The Healing Our Waters-Great Lakes Coalition applauds the House for taking this important step forward, and in a letter sent earlier this week, the Coalition urged members of the House to ensure legislation to address the region’s water infrastructure crisis reaches the President’s desk this summer.

There is a nationwide water infrastructure crisis impacting the health and safety of people and communities. For the Great Lakes region states of Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin, a staggering $188 billion over the next 20 years is needed to improve, upgrade, and repair drinking water and wastewater systems. This work is increasingly unaffordable for communities and residents, as the federal contribution to water infrastructure has declined precipitously over the last four decades, falling from 63 percent of water infrastructure spending to 9 percent today. Too often these costs are being passed on to those who can least afford it, disproportionately impacting communities that have historically borne the brunt of environmental injustice with water utility bills doubling or tripling over the last decade.

Coupled with the threat of climate change, failing infrastructure will only continue to get worse and more expensive the longer it takes to be fixed. We are already seeing these disastrous effects, as evidenced by the recent flooding in areas across the basin.

“Fixing our region’s failing infrastructure will put people to work, revitalize our communities’ economies, and ensure safe, clean, and affordable water is available to all,” stated Laura Rubin, director of the Coalition. “Our communities need action now.”

The INVEST in America Act is a good step for addressing our regional and nationwide needs. In particular, the bill:

  • Reauthorizes EPA’s Clean Water and Drinking Water State Revolving Funds, increasing program authorizations up to $8 billion and $5.5 billion annually (respectively), expanding subsidization for our most disadvantaged communities, workforce development, and prioritizing investments in resilient and natural wastewater and stormwater infrastructure solutions.
  • Reauthorizes EPA’s Sec. 221 Sewer Overflow and Storm Reuse Municipal Grants at $400 million annually, enhancing assistance to financially distressed cities.
  • Establishes a Household Wastewater Grant Program, providing $100 million annually for EPA to address the threat of wastewater pollution from failing or overwhelmed systems.
  • Authorizes $45 billion over 10 years to for full lead service line replacements.
  • Establishes water rate assistance programs for low-income households and promotes near-term debt relief for households that have borne the economic brunt of the pandemic.
  • Reauthorizes and increases funding for additional programs that further support the operation of public drinking water systems, state implementation of clean water protections, address the threat of toxic contaminants including PFAS, and enhances water system resilience.

The Coalition applauds the efforts of the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee and the Energy and Commerce Committee for getting these robust investments to the floor. With the passage of the House bill, Congressional and Administration leadership must now move ahead with negotiations on a final package. News of an agreement between the Senate and Administration last week provides hope for ongoing efforts to reach a final agreement in the coming months.

Since 2004, the Healing Our Waters-Great Lakes Coalition has been harnessing the collective power of more than 160 groups representing millions of people, whose common goal is to restore and protect the Great Lakes. Learn more at HealthyLakes.org or follow us on Twitter @HealthyLakes.

Contact for media: Lindsey Bacigal, BacigalL@nwf.org, (734) 887-7113

Contact for policy: Alexis J. Lopez-Cepero, Senior Legislative Analyst, lopez-cepero@npca.org

The post House Passes Comprehensive Infrastructure Legislation appeared first on Healing Our Waters Coalition.

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Healing Our Waters Coalition

Healing Our Waters Coalition

https://healthylakes.org/house-passes-comprehensive-infrastructure-legislation/

Lindsey Bacigal

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In: Freshwater Weekly

THIS WEEK:  Freshwater Future Awards Water Protection Grants + Federal Infrastructure Funds Targeted for Water Systems in Michigan + 750 Homes Losing Water After Water Shutoff Moratorium Expired + Campaign Targets Boaters to Prevent Spread of Invasive Species

Freshwater Future Awards Water Protection Grants

This spring, Freshwater Future has awarded five groups with Project Grants to provide financial assistance for projects that promote water protection. These grants range from $500 to $5,000 and were awarded to community groups working to promote river, lake, shoreline, wetland, groundwater, and drinking water protection within the Great Lakes Basin. Learn more about these important projects.

Federal Infrastructure Funds Targeted for Water Systems in Michigan

Michigan proposed that Federal infrastructure funds will be targeted for the following  improvements to water systems:

  • $700 million to upgrade local drinking water and wastewater facilities
  • $600 million for the replacement of lead pipes across the state through a matching grant program
  • $85 million to install filtered water stations inside schools
  • $100 million in grants to cleanup pollution sites without current owners
  • $290 million in bonds to assist communities with upgrading and replacing water treatment infrastructure
  • $680 million for dam repairs

Contact your Michigan legislators today to ask them to spend more on drinking water to keep Michigan’s residents safe.

In other states, let us know if you hear specifics about water infrastructure spending, and contact your legislators to let them know your priorities.

750 Homes Losing Water After Water Shutoff Moratorium Expired

After the Michigan statewide moratorium on water shutoffs expired June 15th, the City of Saginaw water department underwent mass water shutoffs, cutting off water to as many as 750 homes. These efforts are inexplicable given that funding for water arrearages is coming from the federal government, and COVID has already proven the need to always permit running water in homes. Water affordability programs are the proven way for municipalities to recoup revenue for water service and water shutoffs are proven to be more costly.   

Campaign Targets Boaters to Prevent Spread of Invasive Species

Over 185 aquatic invasive species like the zebra mussel and Eurasian water milfoil have been introduced to the Great Lakes.  Invasive species harm our natural water ecosystems by disrupting the food web, negatively impacting recreation and economy requiring billions on control measures.  Before the summer holiday weekend, Canada and the eight Great Lakes states joined forces on the Landing Blitz campaign that enforces and encourages boaters to clean their boats from any debris that may have tagged along for the ride.

Summer Community Events

Freshwater Future’s Own Jill Ryan Speaks at Bay View

Freshwater Future’s Executive Director, Jill Ryan, will be a special guest speaker for Bay View Association ‘Scarrow Friday Forum’ on July 9th. The discussion will talk about the special qualities of the Great Lakes that make them so important, as well as highlighting issues of concern in the region and the solutions Freshwater Future brings to those concerns. Topics will include: rebuilding trust in water in Flint and beyond; pushing for faster notification of residents when water contamination is found; ensuring protections are enforced to protect our rivers, lakes and wetlands from acid mine drainage; and more.  If you are in northern Michigan, please join us!

Water Celebration – Menominee River

Water Celebration on July 16th, 2021 is a gathering in Stephenson Island, Wisconsin to support protection from mining contamination of the Menominee River. Great speeches and fun activities are featured at this outdoor event. Learn more here.

Water is Life Festival September 4, 2021

The Water is Life Festival is an annual event that celebrates our connection to the water and builds power through community so we can work towards living in a holistic way with water and protect it from those who seek to exploit or endanger it. The festival is held Saturday, September 4th before Labor Day in Mackinaw City, Michigan. 

Original Article

Blog – Freshwater Future

Blog – Freshwater Future

https://freshwaterfuture.org/freshwater-weekly/freshwater-future-weekly-july-1-2021/

Freshwater Future