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In: Echo, Recreation

The Keweenaw Mountain Lodge in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula has been accepted into the International Dark-Sky Association, the third dark sky park in the state. Such areas are becoming more popular in the United States as people become more interested in ecotourism experiences.

The post Northern Michigan resort promotes dark skies first appeared on Great Lakes Echo.

Original Article

Great Lakes Echo

Great Lakes Echo

http://greatlakesecho.org/2022/11/18/northern-michigan-resort-promotes-dark-skies/

Guest Contributor

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In: Echo, Recreation

The National Park Foundation has given $1.7 million to 41 nonprofits across the country, including in the Great Lake Basin states, to help parks meet their current needs and become stronger and more resilient in the future.

The post National Park Foundation boosts North Country Trail hikers, Minnesota students first appeared on Great Lakes Echo.

Original Article

Great Lakes Echo

Great Lakes Echo

http://greatlakesecho.org/2022/10/24/national-park-foundation-boosts-north-country-trail-hikers-minnesota-students/

Guest Contributor

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In: Commentary, Echo, Michigan, Recreation

Located on a strip of land that separates two of Michigan’s largest lakes, Elk and Torch, Maplehurst Natural Area is an unexpected delight to anybody who stumbles across it. The former summer camp is now a protected area of land thanks to a collaboration between Milton Township and the Grand Traverse Regional Land Conservancy.

The post Camp Maplehurst’s enduring legacy first appeared on Great Lakes Echo.

Original Article

Great Lakes Echo

Great Lakes Echo

http://greatlakesecho.org/2022/09/30/camp-maplehursts-enduring-legacy/

Guest Contributor

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In: Beaches, Boating, Paddle Sports and Sailing, Detroit, Feature Detroit, Food, Latest News, Michigan, News, Ontario, Recreation, Recreation and Tourism, Sandra Svoboda, Toronto, Tourism
Detroit and Toronto among Time Magazine’s “50 Greatest Places”

Two Great Lakes cities are among “The World’s 50 Greatest Places of 2022” as compiled by Time magazine.

Detroit and Toronto made the list along with destinations on all the continents and in outer space. The magazine said the list came from its “international network of correspondents and contributors, with an eye toward those (destinations) offering new and exciting experiences.”

What puts these key Great Lakes cities in such company?

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2022/07/detroit-toronto-time-50-greatest-places/

Sandra Svoboda

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In: AP, Beaches, Beaches, Boating, Paddle Sports and Sailing, Lake Michigan, Latest News, News, Politics, Politics, Policy, Environmental Justice, Recreation, Recreation and Tourism, Tourism, Wisconsin
Wisconsin court bats down challenge to Kohler golf course

By Harm Venhuizen, Associated Press/Report for America

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Conservatives on the Wisconsin Supreme Court ruled June 30 that a conservation group couldn’t challenge an agency’s decision to sell state park land for the construction of a high-end golf course along the shores of Lake Michigan.

Opponents said the ruling will make it much harder for the public to challenge decisions of state agencies.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2022/07/ap-wisconsin-court-kohler-golf-course/

The Associated Press

On:
In: Michigan, Recreation, Wildlife

Starting this year, hunters in Michigan will have to report their deer harvest online. Wildlife officials presented the plan to the state Natural Resources Commission and said online reporting will provide more accurate information about what kinds of deer are being taken and provide it more quickly.

The post Deer kill count moves online first appeared on Great Lakes Echo.

Original Article

Great Lakes Echo

Great Lakes Echo

http://greatlakesecho.org/2022/06/07/deer-kill-count-moves-online/

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In: Commentary, Recreation, Wildlife

Academic research increasingly documents how interaction with green space has a positive impact on mental health. But not everybody has access to quality green space.

The post Commentary: A green outlook on mental health is a privilege not all can access first appeared on Great Lakes Echo.

Original Article

Great Lakes Echo

Great Lakes Echo

http://greatlakesecho.org/2022/05/11/commentary-a-green-outlook-on-mental-health-is-a-privilege-not-all-can-access/

Guest Contributor

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In: Commentary, Echo, Recreation

There are debates on social media about the harm of disclosing favorite hiking locations: Does sharing favorite locations on social media cause more harm than good? Turns out, there's a lot to consider.

The post Commentary: Does social media threaten our special places? first appeared on Great Lakes Echo.

Original Article

Great Lakes Echo

Great Lakes Echo

http://greatlakesecho.org/2022/04/28/commentary-does-social-media-threaten-our-special-places/

Guest Contributor

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In: Climate change, Commentary, Echo, Recreation

Suburban ponds are experiencing ecosystem changes due to fertilizers, lawn treatments, and human waste and population. Climate change could also play a role.

The post Commentary: Suburban ponds threaten dog walkers and water quality first appeared on Great Lakes Echo.

Original Article

Great Lakes Echo

Great Lakes Echo

http://greatlakesecho.org/2022/04/26/commentary-suburban-ponds-threaten-dog-walkers-and-water-quality/

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In: Echo, Recreation, water

The lifeguard shortage is expected to continue this summer, leading many local recreation leaders to combat inadequate staffing with increased wages or other incentives.

The post Lifeguard staffing struggles to stay afloat in 2022 first appeared on Great Lakes Echo.

Original Article

Great Lakes Echo

Great Lakes Echo

http://greatlakesecho.org/2022/04/14/lifeguard-staffing-struggles-to-stay-afloat-in-2022/

Guest Contributor

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In: Capital News Service, Great Lakes, Recreation

After a two-year hiatus, Great Lakes cruise ships are back, and the industry is trying to prepare itself. Cruise companies will start expeditions in May and end them in October.

The post Cruise ships return to the Great Lakes first appeared on Great Lakes Echo.

Original Article

Great Lakes Echo

Great Lakes Echo

http://greatlakesecho.org/2022/04/13/cruise-ships-return-to-the-great-lakes/

Guest Contributor

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In: Recreation

Some trails break out of the woods at a lake. Some climb a dune to a sweeping view. And many – more than you probably thought – lead to a shipwreck with a story on a beach. 

The post Shoreline shipwreck viewing predicted to be excellent first appeared on Great Lakes Echo.

Original Article

Great Lakes Echo

Great Lakes Echo

http://greatlakesecho.org/2022/04/11/shoreline-shipwreck-viewing-predicted-to-be-excellent/

Guest Contributor

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In: Echo, golf, Recreation

At the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, there wasn’t much for many people to do other than sit at home. But as restrictions slowly lifted toward the end of spring 2020, many people turned, or returned, to a popular sport – golf – to fill their time. Since then, its popularity has increased. 

The post Golf management jobs on upswing first appeared on Great Lakes Echo.

Original Article

Great Lakes Echo

Great Lakes Echo

http://greatlakesecho.org/2022/04/04/golf-management-jobs-on-upswing/

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In: Beaches, Boating, Paddle Sports and Sailing, community, Feature Homepage, lake erie, Lake Ontario, News, Ontario, Politics, Policy, Environmental Justice, Recreation, Recreation and Tourism, Sharon Oosthoek, sports, Toronto, Tourism
Surfing the Great Lakes: ‘What? People do that here?’

On a cool fall day in 2007, Robin Pacquing slipped on a wetsuit, grabbed a surfboard and headed into Lake Ontario.

As a teenager, Pacquing had been a huge Baywatch fan and learned to love surfing during a family trip to Hawaii. As an adult, she went on to surf the waves off Tofino, British Colombia, never dreaming she might do the same just outside her door.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2022/03/surfing-great-lakes/

Sharon Oosthoek

On:
In: Recreation

New legislation in Ontario can result in a fine if boats are not cleaned properly when they are moved from one body of water and into another. Boaters are now required to drain water from their boat and equipment and remove aquatic plants, animals and algae from boats, equipment, vehicles and trailers, according to the new rules. It is now illegal to place a boat in any body of water if there are aquatic weeds, animals or algae still on it.

The post New Ontario watercraft regulations fight invasive species first appeared on Great Lakes Echo.

Original Article

Great Lakes Echo

Great Lakes Echo

http://greatlakesecho.org/2022/03/03/new-ontario-watercraft-regulations-fight-invasive-species/

Guest Contributor

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In: Capital News Service, Echo, Recreation

Last year, the U.S. ski industry had its fifth-busiest season, according to the National Ski Areas Association, and interest in the slopes shows no signs of slowing down in Michigan for the 2021-22 season.

The post Downhill ski business booming in Michigan first appeared on Great Lakes Echo.

Original Article

Great Lakes Echo

Great Lakes Echo

http://greatlakesecho.org/2022/02/28/downhill-ski-business-booming-in-michigan/

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In: Hunting, poaching, Recreation

Reports of wildlife crime have reached their highest levels on record while related arrests are trending downward, according to new data from the Michigan Department of Natural Resources. 

The post Illegal hunting complaints reach record numbers during pandemic, arrests down first appeared on Great Lakes Echo.

Original Article

Great Lakes Echo

Great Lakes Echo

http://greatlakesecho.org/2022/01/13/illegal-hunting-complaints-reach-record-numbers-during-pandemic-arrests-down/

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In: Hunting, Recreation

According to the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, the number of hunters is down this year about 4.5% compared to 2020. But at the Buck Pole in Mancelona, the turnout was better than last year.

The post Mancelona Buck Pole more than just a competition first appeared on Great Lakes Echo.

Original Article

Great Lakes Echo

Great Lakes Echo

http://greatlakesecho.org/2021/11/18/mancelona-buck-pole-more-than-just-a-competition/

Guest Contributor

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In: Detroit, parks, Recreation, windsor

Parks Canada and Windsor are exploring the possibilities of turning some of the city’s most ecologically sensitive areas into a new national urban park.

The post Parks Canada and Windsor explore possible new national urban park first appeared on Great Lakes Echo.

Original Article

Great Lakes Echo

Great Lakes Echo

http://greatlakesecho.org/2021/11/11/parks-canada-and-windsor-explore-possible-new-national-urban-park/

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In: elk, Hunting, Recreation

More than 49,000 hunters applied to hunt Michigan elk in 2021, a record that is part of a steady decade-long rise, state wildlife officials say.

The post Record elk hunting applications fuel conservation efforts first appeared on Great Lakes Echo.

Original Article

Great Lakes Echo

Great Lakes Echo

http://greatlakesecho.org/2021/11/04/record-elk-hunting-applications-fuel-conservation-efforts/

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In: Hunting, Recreation

National declines of hunting license sales and the need for additional wildlife conservation funding have prompted proposals to fill the fiscal gap, including one that’s stalled in Congress despite bipartisan support.

The post Wildlife habitat projects look for new funding as hunting licenses decline first appeared on Great Lakes Echo.

Original Article

Great Lakes Echo

Great Lakes Echo

http://greatlakesecho.org/2021/10/29/wildlife-habitat-projects-look-for-new-funding-as-hunting-licenses-decline/

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In: fishing, Recreation, salmon, trout run

The salmon run is a popular time for anglers in Michigan. Snagging isn't allowed, but some think it should be.

The post Salmon run in northern Michigan highlights differing views on snagging first appeared on Great Lakes Echo.

Original Article

Great Lakes Echo

Great Lakes Echo

http://greatlakesecho.org/2021/10/22/salmon-run-in-northern-michigan-highlights-differing-views-on-snagging/

Guest Contributor

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In: Recreation, snowmobiling, sports, winter

Off-road vehicle and snowmobile riders who are claustrophobic would not have to wear a helmet if a series of bills are passed by the Michigan Legislature.

The post Snowmobile helmet exemption proposed just in time for winter first appeared on Great Lakes Echo.

Original Article

Great Lakes Echo

Great Lakes Echo

http://greatlakesecho.org/2021/10/13/snowmobile-helmet-exemption-proposed-just-in-time-for-winter/

Guest Contributor

On:
In: Michigan, Recreation, State Parks

Trails that can accommodate strollers, wheelchairs with tank treads and baby changing stations in men’s bathrooms are part of a push to accommodate a surge of new visitors at Michigan state parks.

The post Michigan DNR expanding accessibility for more visitors first appeared on Great Lakes Echo.

Original Article

Great Lakes Echo

Great Lakes Echo

http://greatlakesecho.org/2021/10/01/michigan-dnr-expanding-accessibility-for-more-visitors/

Guest Contributor

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In: Beaches, Boating, Paddle Sports and Sailing, Boating, COVID-19, Feature Homepage, Great Lakes, James Proffitt, lake erie, Lake Huron, Lake Michigan, Lake Ontario, Lake Superior, Latest News, Recreation
Great Lakes Breakdowns: There’s a thin line between affordable and not for boat tows

When the COVID-19 pandemic struck, millions of Americans suddenly found themselves out of work or working remotely, their recreational options severely limited with the closure of bars, eateries, gyms and countless public spaces.

So what better way to spend time with family while remaining socially distanced than buying a boat and hitting the water?

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/09/great-lakes-boat-tow-affordable-expensive/

James Proffitt

On:
In: COVID-19, Recreation

Parks around the Great Lakes are expecting a spike in visitation this season as the United States and Canada continue to distribute COVID-19 vaccines. 

The post Second Spike: Great Lakes parks anticipate increased visitation this summer first appeared on Great Lakes Echo.

Original Article

Great Lakes Echo

Great Lakes Echo

http://greatlakesecho.org/2021/07/28/second-spike-great-lakes-parks-anticipate-increased-visitation-this-summer/

Guest Contributor

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In: AP, Beaches, Beaches, Boating, Paddle Sports and Sailing, Lake Superior, Michigan, News, Recreation, Recreation and Tourism
Marquette gets 1,000 feet of Great Lakes beach from utility

MARQUETTE, Mich. (AP) — The largest city in the Upper Peninsula is getting 1,000 feet of valuable shoreline along Lake Superior.

The Marquette City Commission recently voted to accept the land at no cost from We Energies, a utility, the Mining Journal reported.

“There’s no contamination that we’re aware of and we’re not taking on a problem area.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/06/ap-marquette-1000-feet-great-lakes-beach/

The Associated Press

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In: AP, Habitat Restoration, Lake Michigan, Michigan, News, Recreation, Recreation and Tourism
Conservation corridor planned for Michigan’s western UP

MICHIGAMME TOWNSHIP, Mich. (AP) — A conservation corridor with links to existing protected areas is planned for a remote region in Michigan’s western Upper Peninsula.

The nonprofit Nature Conservancy said the 6,172-acre (2,497-hectare) Wilderness Lakes Reserve in the Michigamme Highlands area is being expanded by 4,854 acres (1,964 hectares) of forest and wetlands.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/06/ap-conservation-corridor-planned-michigan/

The Associated Press

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In: Collaboration, Lake Michigan, Latest News, Michigan, News, Recreation, Recreation and Tourism
Great Lakes trails become friendlier for users with disabilities

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

By Jim DuFresne, Great Lakes Echo

At some point in our lives, we all can use a little help down the trail — aging baby boomers, a toddler, a parent pushing a stroller, an expectant mother, somebody who walks with a cane, somebody else who suffers from asthma.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/05/great-lakes-trails-friendlier-disabilities/

Great Lakes Echo

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In: Beaches, Boating, Paddle Sports and Sailing, canada, Feature Homepage, Lake Ontario, Latest News, olympics, Ontario, Recreation, Recreation and Tourism, sailing, sports, Toronto
Sarah Douglas: From Lake Ontario to the Tokyo Olympics

Canada has nine sailors heading to the Olympics, six of which hail from the Great Lakes. Sarah Douglas is one of them.

“I’m excited, you know, I’m trying to treat it like any other competition,” Douglas said, “I think with the restrictions that we have, it’s going to be easier, the less distractions, but I’m just going out there to race.”

Douglas, a Toronto native who grew up in Barbados, will be competing in the Laser class in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/05/douglas-lake-ontario-tokyo-olympics/

GLN Editor

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In: COVID-19, Feature Homepage, James Proffitt, lake erie, Lake Huron, Lake Michigan, Lake Ontario, Latest News, Michigan, New York, News, Niagara Falls, Ohio, Recreation, Recreation and Tourism, Tourism, Wisconsin
Open Doors: Great Lakes tourist destinations make 2021 a new start

A little more than a year ago the nation’s media outlets, including Great Lakes Now, were reporting on the widespread closures and restrictions being enacted across Great Lakes states. There were complete or partial closures and restrictions at nearly all public parks, preserves and other lakes-related facilities. Bars, restaurants and many stores and businesses were locking their doors.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/05/great-lakes-tourism-recreation-covid-19-2021/

James Proffitt

On:
In: invasive species, Recreation

More fishing trips could cause more damage to native fish populations in the Canadian portion of the Great Lakes than aquatic invasive species, according to a recent study.

The post New anglers could depress Great Lakes fish populations more than invasive species first appeared on Great Lakes Echo.

Original Article

Great Lakes Echo

Great Lakes Echo

http://greatlakesecho.org/2021/05/25/new-anglers-could-depress-great-lakes-fish-populations-more-than-invasive-species/

Guest Contributor

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In: culture, diving, Feature Homepage, History and Culture, Lake Huron, Lake Michigan, Lake Ontario, Latest News, Lighthouses, Museums and Cultural Institutions, Michigan, Natasha Blakely, New York, News, News Director's Pick-of-the-Week, Recreation, Recreation and Tourism, Tourism, Wisconsin
Great Lakes Sanctuaries: Two more National Marine Sanctuaries in the region see the finish line

Growing up in Alpena, Audrey Garant could not wait to leave her hometown in Michigan’s northeast Lower Peninsula. But years later, moving back, seeing the Great Lakes Maritime Heritage Center built and getting to experience it changed things for her.

“It’s my place to kind of disappear,” she said.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/04/great-lakes-national-marine-sanctuaries/

Natasha Blakely

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In: Earth Day, Earth Week, Feature Homepage, History and Culture, Latest News, Natasha Blakely, News, outdoor recreation, Recreation, Recreation and Tourism
Earth Day 2021: What can you do and where?

The COVID-19 vaccine is still rolling out and making its way to people all around the world. How comfortable people feel about participating in events and group activities is extremely varied.

But that doesn’t have to stop anyone interested in taking part in Earth Day this year, whether they do it indoors, outdoors, around other people or alone.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/04/earth-day-2021-events-around-the-region/

Natasha Blakely

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In: Beaches, Beaches, Boating, Paddle Sports and Sailing, Feature Homepage, Lake Huron, Lake Michigan, Lake Ontario, Latest News, News, Recreation, Recreation and Tourism, Research, Research, Data and Technology, Science, Technology, Research
Drownings Increase: Research shows possible connection between COVID-19 restrictions and Great Lakes drownings

As COVID-19 changed the pattern of life around the Great Lakes region in 2020, it also altered the pattern of Great Lakes drownings in unfortunate if predictable ways.

With larger than normal crowds and a fatigue with restrictions, the rise in drownings isn’t a surprise.

“You get no lifeguards, heavier beach crowds, more people who were just escaping their house in the heat, going to the beach, and you’re putting more people into a dangerous situation,” said Chris Houser, a professor in the school of environment at University of Windsor.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/04/drownings-increase-research-connection-covid-19-restrictions/

Andrew Blok

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In: AP, Beaches, Boating, Paddle Sports and Sailing, Lake Michigan, Michigan, News, Recreation, Recreation and Tourism, Tourism, Waterfront Development
Lake Michigan town installing lights to improve beach safety

FRANKFORT, Mich. (AP) — A popular summer town along Lake Michigan is trying to improve beach safety through technology.

Frankfort will use cellular phone networks and weather data to regularly update lights installed at the beach entrance and at the pier, 9 & 10 News reported.

Signs will explain the different lights and beach conditions.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/04/ap-lake-michigan-town-lights-beach-safety/

The Associated Press

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In: Beaches, Boating, Paddle Sports and Sailing, Detroit, Feature Detroit, Feature Homepage, History and Culture, John Hartig, lake erie, Lake Huron, Latest News, Lighthouses, Museums and Cultural Institutions, Michigan, News, Recreation, Recreation and Tourism, Recreational Hunting and Fishing, Tourism, Waterfront Development
Great Lakes Moment: A Great Lakes Way stretching from southern Lake Huron through Western Lake Erie

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.

The Eastern Seaboard has the Appalachian Trail, the Western Seaboard has the Pacific Rim Trail, and the Rocky Mountains has the Continental Divide Trail.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/04/great-lakes-way-southern-lake-huron-western-lake-erie/

John Hartig

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In: boardman dam, Charles Stewart Mott Foundation Partnership, Collaboration, dams, Feature Homepage, infrastructure, invasive species, Latest News, Michigan, News, Recreation, Recreation and Tourism, Research, Data and Technology, Traverse City
Last dam standing: Traverse City fish restoration project on the ropes

By Kelly House, Bridge Michigan, through the Institute for Nonprofit News network

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/2021/03/dam-traverse-city-fish-restoration-project/

Bridge Michigan

On:
In: fishing, Recreation

Some anglers and conservationists oppose a controversial catfishing bill introduced in the Michigan Legislature.

The post Conservation experts wary of legalizing trotlines and juglines first appeared on Great Lakes Echo.

Original Article

Great Lakes Echo

Great Lakes Echo

http://greatlakesecho.org/2021/03/11/conservation-experts-wary-of-legalizing-trotlines-and-juglines/

Guest Contributor