City and state officials in Cleveland, Ohio, are planning to build a series of islands along the coast of Lake Erie near Cleveland to restore natural habitat and hydrology to the area. Read the full story by The Plain Dealer.

Original Article

Great Lakes Commission

Great Lakes Commission

https://www.glc.org/dailynews/20210421-metroparks

Ceci Weibert

A new study found that mercury in the sediment of the St. Louis River estuary in Duluth, Minnesota, was left by industry decades ago. Mercury in these sediments accumulates in the fish that live in the estuary, making the fish unsafe to eat. Read the full story by the Mitchell Republic.

Original Article

Great Lakes Commission

Great Lakes Commission

https://www.glc.org/dailynews/20210421-mercury

Ceci Weibert

The Lake Michigan Circle Tour road-signs around Lake Michigan take travelers on a tour that covers four states and 105 lighthouses – and will also lead travelers to miles of beaches, quaint harbor towns, parks and natural areas, unique attractions and across the Mackinac Bridge. Read the full story by MLive.

Original Article

Great Lakes Commission

Great Lakes Commission

https://www.glc.org/dailynews/20210421-lighthouse

Ceci Weibert

How Microfishing Took the Angling World by (Very Small) Storm

By Ben Goldfarb, Hakai Magazine

This story originally appeared in Hakai Magazine and is republished here as part of Covering Climate Now, a global journalism collaboration strengthening coverage of the climate story.

In the world of competitive sportfishing, the name Arostegui is royalty.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/04/microfishing-angling-recreational-fishing/

Hakai Magazine

Bipartisan House lawmakers from several Great Lakes states are asking the Biden administration to prioritize funding in the next budget for projects that would prevent the spread of Asian carp and make overdue improvements to the Soo Locks. Read the full story by The Detroit News.

Original Article

Great Lakes Commission

Great Lakes Commission

https://www.glc.org/dailynews/20210421-carp

Ceci Weibert

Great Lakes ports remain vitally important to the well-being of communities but are ineligible for many of the recently enacted relief programs due to their unique governing structures. To support Great Lakes coastal communities, the new American Jobs Plan should include support for port infrastructure. Read the full story by The Post-Standard.

Original Article

Great Lakes Commission

Great Lakes Commission

https://www.glc.org/dailynews/20210421-ports

Ceci Weibert

Great Lakes ports remain vitally important to the well-being of communities but are ineligible for many of the recently enacted relief programs due to their unique governing structures. To support Great Lakes coastal communities, the new American Jobs Plan should include support for port infrastructure. Read the full story by The Post-Standard.

Original Article

Great Lakes Commission

Great Lakes Commission

https://www.glc.org/dailynews/20210421-ports

Ceci Weibert

Upgrading and repairing Ohio’s water infrastructure is critical to protecting the health and wellbeing of vulnerable communities and to growing the Ohio economy. Read the full story by The Plain Dealer.

Original Article

Great Lakes Commission

Great Lakes Commission

https://www.glc.org/dailynews/20210421-water-infrastructure

Ceci Weibert

...LIGHT SNOW CAUSING SOME ACCIDENTS ON OVERPASSES... An area of light snow moving slowly south across Brown, Kewaunee and Manitowoc counties was producing a small accumulation of snow that were making some bridges and overpasses icy. Some accidents have been reported in Green Bay early this morning. Travel with care, especially when on elevated surfaces such as overpasses.

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=WI12619AF87290.SpecialWeatherStatement.12619AF8A684WI.GRBSPSGRB.940d7b3678472919033e33d5c588d613

w-nws.webmaster@noaa.gov

...LIGHT SNOW MOVING ACROSS EAST CENTRAL WISCONSIN... An area of light snow was moving slowly south across Brown, Kewaunee and Manitowoc counties. The snow could whiten the grass and perhaps produce slippery roads and sidewalks.

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=WI12619AF823A8.SpecialWeatherStatement.12619AF873BCWI.GRBSPSGRB.940d7b3678472919033e33d5c588d613

w-nws.webmaster@noaa.gov

The EPA’s largest research vessel, The Lake Guardian, has made a stop in Duluth for supplies. During the spring and summer months, the crew gathers data about the physical, chemical, and biological conditions of the Great Lakes. Read the full story by KQDS-TV – Duluth, MN.

Original Article

Great Lakes Commission

Great Lakes Commission

https://www.glc.org/dailynews/20210420-duluth-research-ship

Patrick Canniff

The Royal Canadian Mounted Police reported that a collaborative enforcement effort involving Windsor police and the Canada Border Services Agency responded to a report of U.S. charter fishing boats violating the border ban on the Detroit River. Read the full story by the Windsor Star.

Original Article

Great Lakes Commission

Great Lakes Commission

https://www.glc.org/dailynews/20210420-detroit-river

Patrick Canniff

The decision by U.S. District Court Judge Philip P. Simon addressed air pollution in the Chicago area and revolved around the results of nine pollution tests BP provided to the Indiana Department of Environmental Management between 2015 and 2018. Read the full story by Indiana Environmental Reporter.

Original Article

Great Lakes Commission

Great Lakes Commission

https://www.glc.org/dailynews/20210420-pollution

Patrick Canniff

A northern Wisconsin couple planned to bottle and sell water from a well on their land near Lake Superior, but the proposal was shot down after concerns were raised over whether it violated the intent of a landmark agreement that aims to prevent water diversions outside the Great Lakes basin. Read the full story by Wisconsin Public Radio.

Original Article

Great Lakes Commission

Great Lakes Commission

https://www.glc.org/dailynews/20210420-lake-superior-water

Patrick Canniff

Supporters hope a reserve will bring a national spotlight to the bay to spur further research and look for new solutions to water quality issues. Read the full story by Green Bay Press-Gazette.

Original Article

Great Lakes Commission

Great Lakes Commission

https://www.glc.org/dailynews/20210420-wisconsin-green-bay

Patrick Canniff

Even before the pandemic, Chicago had a moratorium on water shutoffs. Though thousands of households are still without water, showing just how difficult ensuring water access can be. The situation also underscores the water security crisis that has long existed in many Great Lakes communities, which may get worse as shutoff moratoria imposed during the pandemic expire. Read the full story by Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Commission

Great Lakes Commission

https://www.glc.org/dailynews/20210420-water-access

Patrick Canniff

The group came up with a blueprint, Clean Drinking Water and Resilient Farms by 2030, released earlier this month. It proposes funding to address contaminated private wells and creating financial incentives for farmers who plant cover crops, or crops grown to protect and enrich the soil. Read and listen to the full story by NPR.

Original Article

Great Lakes Commission

Great Lakes Commission

https://www.glc.org/dailynews/20210420-wisconsin-farming

Patrick Canniff

Moira Harrington, Wisconsin Sea Grant’s assistant director for communications, spent time outdoors during the pandemic with a friend (6 feet apart) as did many other Wisconsinites. Image credit: Moira Harrington

The coronavirus will provide plenty to study for decades to come as biological, social and physical scientists collect data and analyze its fallout. As we approach the 51st Earth Day, happening this Thursday, I would like to offer preliminary results in one area—what it has meant to embrace the outdoors in this time when indoor spaces have been vector zones for the deadly virus. My own take is a narrow review, very narrow, of the past year’s empirical, humorous and anecdotal looks at nature in the time of COVID. 

Empirical: One study I bumped into showed 23% of Wisconsinites reported increasing their time spent in parks from January 2020 to March 2021. In the same time frame and as part of the same study, Harvard and Brown universities (tracktherecovery.org) drilled deeper into three Lake Michigan counties and found 45.5% of Sheboygan County residents, 21.1% of Ozaukee County residents and 18.7% of Milwaukee residents increased their out-of-doors pandemic respite time.

Humorous: In 2020, comedian Samantha Bee went into the open air for recordings of her show. It was a literal presentation of: we have nice natural things and let’s get out there and appreciate them. Although, her take was not always a paean to Mother Nature and could be sprinkled with obscenities. 

A view from the Indian Lake Trail. Image credit: Moira Harrington

Anecdotal: Like many of you, I ranged far afield over the last year. I visited spots I had always intended to frequent and now seemed the time! One was the Kettle Morraine Forest Southern Unit. Having a close friend join me made it more special. As we trekked, we traded stories and deepened our bond.

I also trekked closer to home. One memorable day, I hit a favorite county park when a significant event was marked in the woods. That Saturday morning, a companion got a cell-phone ping bearing news of who won the presidential race in Pennsylvania, sealing the deal for our current White House occupant. Plus, plans are afoot to keep up the visits. For trips along the coast, I plan to turn to my colleague David Hart’s Wisconsin Coastal Guide for ideas, and I hope you will, too.

If you end up in the outdoors this Earth Day, know that you’ll be in good company.

The post Earth Day and embracing the outdoors during a pandemic first appeared on Wisconsin Sea Grant.

Original Article

Blog – Wisconsin Sea Grant

Blog – Wisconsin Sea Grant

https://www.seagrant.wisc.edu/blog/earth-day-and-embracing-the-outdoors-during-a-pandemic/

Moira Harrington

Water Access: As moratoria on shutoffs end, old problems return to the forefront

As moratoria expire across the Great Lakes region, advocates say ongoing affordability and debt relief are key.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/04/water-shutoffs-debt-infrastructure/

Kari Lydersen

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

Michigan tribe seeks cultural property protection in path of Line 5 project

By Patrick Shea, Energy News Network

The discovery of a potential archaeological site in the Straits of Mackinac last fall has opened the door for a Michigan tribe to pursue a new, longshot legal strategy to stop the planned Line 5 pipeline tunnel project.

The Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa Indians passed a resolution in January instructing its historic preservation office to begin compiling research for an application to classify the straits as a Traditional Cultural Property, a rarely used federal designation under the National Register of Historic Places.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/04/cultural-property-protection-michigan-line-5/

Energy News Network

In Michigan, rural town managers are balancing immediate needs for new water pipes and treatment works with the financial constraints of a resident population that is shrinking, poorer, and older than the rest of Michigan. New legislation approved in Washington could help by awarding additional water infrastructure grants to rural towns. At the same time, the state’s changing climate opens another level of concern and calculation. Read the full story by Michigan Radio/Circle of Blue.

Original Article

Great Lakes Commission

Great Lakes Commission

https://www.glc.org/dailynews/20210419-rural

Beth Wanamaker

A new study has found that the primary reason St. Louis River estuary walleyes carry so much toxic mercury is because of decades-old legacy mercury in the sediment. Efforts to clean up that sediment may help lower the mercury levels in fish. The St. Louis River enters Lake Superior at the twin ports of Duluth, Minnesota and Superior, Wisconsin. Read the full story by Forum News Service.

Original Article

Great Lakes Commission

Great Lakes Commission

https://www.glc.org/dailynews/20210419-mercury

Beth Wanamaker

A northern Wisconsin couple planned to bottle and sell water from a well on their land near Lake Superior, but their proposal was shot down over concerns about whether it violated the intent of a landmark agreement that aims to prevent water diversions outside the Great Lakes basin. Read the full story by Wisconsin Public Radio.

Original Article

Great Lakes Commission

Great Lakes Commission

https://www.glc.org/dailynews/20210419-bottle

Beth Wanamaker

Some 100 miles of lead service lines supply water to homes in Buffalo. That’s why environmentalists and health advocates are thrilled with one of the most ambitious proposals in President Biden’s sprawling $2 trillion infrastructure bill: a $45 billion promise to replace all the lead service lines in the country. Read the full story by the Buffalo News.

Original Article

Great Lakes Commission

Great Lakes Commission

https://www.glc.org/dailynews/20210419-lead

Beth Wanamaker

Two coastal communities in Southwest Michigan – South Haven and Chikaming Township – are part of a two-year Michigan State University study that will detail how erosion and changing weather patterns in the past several years affects Michigan’s shoreline communities. Read the full story by the South Haven Tribune.

Original Article

Great Lakes Commission

Great Lakes Commission

https://www.glc.org/dailynews/20210419-erosion

Beth Wanamaker

The Sweden-flagged Ramelia was launched in 2019 and made its maiden voyage on the St. Lawrence Seaway this month. The liquid natural gas-powered vessel, a rarity on the Seaway, attracted the attention of ship watchers. Read the full story by Watertown Daily News.

Original Article

Great Lakes Commission

Great Lakes Commission

https://www.glc.org/dailynews/20210419-lng

Beth Wanamaker

Solar rooftop programs have been growing in Michigan, but they’ve hit a cap on customer participation.

The post Michigan lawmakers look at more solar panels for homeowners, businesses first appeared on Great Lakes Echo.

Original Article

Great Lakes Echo

Great Lakes Echo

http://greatlakesecho.org/2021/04/19/michigan-lawmakers-look-at-more-solar-panels-for-homeowners-businesses/

Guest Contributor

The Upper Peninsula Energy Task Force is calling for Michigan to invest in more electric vehicle charging stations. 

The post State promotes more electric car charging stations in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula first appeared on Great Lakes Echo.

Original Article

Great Lakes Echo

Great Lakes Echo

http://greatlakesecho.org/2021/04/19/state-promotes-more-electric-car-charging-stations-in-michigans-upper-peninsula/

Guest Contributor

...ELEVATED FIRE WEATHER CONDITIONS EXPECTED THIS AFTERNOON... Low relative humidity, mild temperatures and southwest winds gusting to around 15 mph will result in elevated fire weather conditions this afternoon. Fires could start easily and spread in these conditions, so avoid outdoor burning and report any wildfires to local authorities.

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=WI12619ACAABD0.SpecialWeatherStatement.12619AD862C0WI.GRBSPSGRB.c7af4845f2e9eb88e57e1747a63d15f5

w-nws.webmaster@noaa.gov

A big fight in Lansing over fishing rules on the Great Lakes

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/2021/04/michigan-fishing-rules-dnr-great-lakes/

Bridge Michigan

The problem within: Biden targets lead pipes, pushes equity

CHICAGO (AP) — In the modest bungalows and two-flats of Chicago’s Little Village neighborhood, there’s never a shortage of needed home repairs staring residents in the face. And then there is the less obvious but more ominous problem lurking in their pipes.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/04/the-problem-within-biden-targets-lead-pipes-pushes-equity/

The Associated Press

April 16, 2021

In preparation for Earth Day next weekthis issue brings opportunities for celebration and action.

This week: PFAS Action Act Would Set Drinking Water Standards + Don’t Miss the Celebration + Keep Water On–Restore the Prohibition on Water Shutoffs! + High Levels of Lead in Drinking Water – We Need Faster Action


National PFAS Action Act Would Set Drinking Water Standards 

The PFAS Action Act, introduced into the U.S. Congress with bipartisan support, will set drinking water standards for some PFAS chemicals and give authority to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to direct cleanup of contamination. Federal drinking water standards for these toxic chemicals are needed to protect public health. Stay tuned for updates on this important issue and opportunities to take action.


Don’t Miss The Celebration–Register today for the Freshwater Hero Virtual Ceremony

Please join us on Earth Day, Thursday, April 22 from 12:00-12:45 pm to recognize our 2020 Freshwater Hero Award Recipients. Now more than ever, we need to take the time to celebrate the good news happening in our communities. This short event will inspire you and give you hope as we share stories of a few people, organizations, and communities throughout the Great Lakes Region who are making a positive difference. This live virtual celebration is free, but pre-registration is required. 


ACTION ITEM-Keep Water Flowing in New York and Michigan!

Last week we shared that a moratoria to keep water on for people was ending in New York and Michigan. COVID-19 cases are rapidly increasing and having access to running water for hand washing and drinking is vital. If you live in New York or Michigan please use our easy system to ask your state decision-makers to reinstate the moratoria today!


High Levels of Lead in Drinking Water – We Need Faster Action

As high levels of lead continue to pop up across the country, and in many cases drag on for long periods of time, we have an opportunity to take action due to pandemic relief infrastructure funding coming to states from the federal government. Now is the time to talk with your local city officials and encourage them to ask your state for dollars to help resolve issues such as removing lead pipes so that we can finally remove this scourge from our communities! Check out this resource for what you can do.

Original Article

Blog – Freshwater Future

Blog – Freshwater Future

https://freshwaterfuture.org/freshwater-weekly/freshwater-weekly-april-16-2021/

Freshwater Future

Nearly a year and a half into the drawdown of the Forestville Millpond in Door County, Wisconsin, residents’ frustrations since last summer have not lessened. The drawdown started as a way to improve water quality, reduce the invasive carp population and encourage native plant diversity. Read the full story by the Green Bay Press-Gazette.

Original Article

Great Lakes Commission

Great Lakes Commission

https://www.glc.org/dailynews/20210416-millpond

Laura Andrews

Migratory bird patterns are shifting as temperatures increase in North America, according to a new study. Researchers say some birds arrive in Michigan earlier than normal because of “false springs,” a consequence of climate change. Read the full story by Great Lakes Echo.

Original Article

Great Lakes Commission

Great Lakes Commission

https://www.glc.org/dailynews/20210416-migration

Laura Andrews

As the COVID-19 pandemic has upended much business as usual in the last year, charter fishing ventures on the Great Lakes say they’ve experienced higher demand for their services and look to this summer with anticipation. Read the full story by Great Lakes Echo.

Original Article

Great Lakes Commission

Great Lakes Commission

https://www.glc.org/dailynews/20210416-charterboats

Laura Andrews

Since its inception in 1934 when Franklin D. Roosevelt signed the Migratory Bird Hunting and Conservation Stamp Act into law, the duck stamp (as it’s commonly known) has garnered more than $1 billion for habitat conservation in the national wildlife refuge system. Read the full story by Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Commission

Great Lakes Commission

https://www.glc.org/dailynews/20210416-duckstamp

Laura Andrews