Great Lakes water levels are shattering high records and the experts agree there is rather little that can be done to change that — the environment is almost entirely in control. Read the full story by the Traverse City Record-Eagle.
Great Lakes Commission
https://www.glc.org/dailynews/20200518-water-levels
ALPENA, Mich. (AP) — Some small Michigan communities aren’t giving up on summer traditions despite the coronavirus.
The Alpena Municipal Council is giving people time to raise money for a July 4 fireworks show along Lake Huron in the northern Lower Peninsula.
Lafarge North America, which operates a cement plant in Alpena, will match donations up to $12,000, the Alpena News reported.
Great Lakes Now
https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/05/ap-coronavirus-alpena-michigan-fireworks/
Boats have a long history on the Great Lakes. From the first birchbark canoes, to the schooners and steamships of the 1800s, to the massive freighters of today, people have used boats to fish for food and to transport goods and people.
This week students will explore some of the boats used in the region. They’ll also learn an important skill that all sailors use: knot tying.
This activity will take between 30 minutes and an hour.
You’ll need:
Watch the video below to learn about boats on the Great Lakes.
Ask your kids: What types of boats have you been on? Have you seen different types of boats on the Great Lakes or in movies? What is happening on those vessels? Who works on those boats?
Learn to tie the knots that Captain Todd showed us by watching the three videos below. You can re-watch and practice along with Captain Todd as many times as you need.
Parents: Take a photo or video of your knot, and share it on social media. Tag us in your creations, and we may share it with others!
Want to learn more? Check out these resources!
Find more Great Lakes lessons at H.O.M.E.School.
The post H.O.M.E.School Week 7: Boating and Knots appeared first on Alliance for the Great Lakes.
News – Alliance for the Great Lakes
News – Alliance for the Great Lakes
https://greatlakes.org/2020/05/homeschool-boating-knots/
Joint Press Release from Alliance for the Great Lakes, Freshwater Future, and Ohio Environmental Council Action Fund
May 14, 2020 (Columbus, OH) – On Thursday, Representative Erica Crawley (D-Columbus) introduced legislation that will ensure clean, safe, affordable water for everyone in Ohio.
Nationwide, more than a third of all households will not be able to pay their water bill by the end of 2022 according to a report out of Michigan State University. A report on water and sewer affordability in Ohio found that in nearly 80 percent of Ohio communities, a month of basic water and sewer service requires more than eight hours of labor at minimum wage. The Ohio report found that water costs are disproportionately felt in communities of color which have been redlined and disinvested in for decades and in rural communities with a small rate base.
“Freshwater Future applauds Representative Crawley for her leadership to ensure everyone has access to clean, safe, and affordable water,” said Kristy Meyer, Associate Director at Freshwater Future. “As water rates and economic inequality rise, many Ohioans are losing access to water, a basic human need. Hard decisions are being made between rent, food, medical care, electricity and water- the necessities for life. Without clean, safe water flowing into homes, people cannot wash their hands and keep good hygiene, leading to public health issues that also impact our economy.”
In 2016, more than 15 million Americans, or 1 out of every 20 households, had their water shut off due to being unable to pay their water bill. Thousands across the state last year had to make the hard decision between putting food on the table and paying their water bill. When water is cut off to a house, a parent could lose custody of their child due to perceived neglect. Kids going to school with poor hygiene have reported being bullied, which can lead to grades slipping.
“Families should not have to choose between paying their water and sewer bills and putting food on the table,” said Alliance for the Great Lakes Director of Policy and Strategic Engagement Crystal M.C. Davis. “In a water-rich state located along Lake Erie, it is unacceptable that people around Ohio cannot afford clean, safe drinking water in their homes. The Alliance for the Great Lakes applauds Representative Crawley for introducing legislation to address water affordability in Ohio.”
“The coronavirus pandemic has shown us how fragile water security is for many Ohioans. As water rates have risen steeply in recent years, vulnerable Ohioans have been affected the most. All Ohioans should have access to clean, safe drinking water regardless of where they live or how much money they make,” said Melanie Houston, Drinking Water Director for the Ohio Environmental Council (OEC) Action Fund. “We thank Representative Crawley for introducing this legislation and look forward to continuing to work with her to ensure clean, safe water is available to all Ohio families.”
The legislation specifically:
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About the Alliance for the Great Lakes: The Alliance for the Great Lakes is a nonpartisan nonprofit working across the region to protect our most precious resource: the fresh, clean and natural waters of the Great Lakes. Learn more at www.greatlakes.org.
About Freshwater Future: Freshwater Future builds a strong and effective environmental community working to protect and restore the waters of the Great Lakes by involving residents in civic decision-making.
About Ohio Environmental Council (OEC) Action Fund: The OEC Action Fund is committed to protecting and enhancing the environment and the health of all Ohio communities. We will continue to fight for Ohio’s access to clean water, healthy air, vibrant public lands and a strong democracy. Learn more at www.theoecactionfund.org/.
Media Contacts:
Jennifer Caddick, Alliance for the Great Lakes at jcaddick@greatlakes.org or 312-445-9760
Kristy Meyer, Freshwater Future at Kristy@FreshwaterFuture.org or 614-638-8948
Emily Bacha, Ohio Environmental Council Action Fund at ebacha@theoec.org or 216-533-8637
The post Groups Applaud the Introduction of Water For All Legislation appeared first on Alliance for the Great Lakes.
News – Alliance for the Great Lakes
News – Alliance for the Great Lakes
https://greatlakes.org/2020/05/groups-applaud-the-introduction-of-water-for-all-legislation/
The virus can be detected in infected people’s feces – sometimes even before they begin exhibiting symptoms.
Great Lakes Now
https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/05/sewage-check-researchers-look-to-wastewater-for-data-on-covid-19/
Current Watches, Warnings and Advisories for Brown (WIC009) Wisconsin Issued by the National Weather Service
https://alerts.weather.gov/cap/wwacapget.php?x=WI125F4CB49228.FloodWarning.125F4CC355D8WI.GRBFLWGRB.7137172b37f67e1dfabf9d5523c269a0
Green Bay, WI
https://www.weather.gov/www.weather.gov/safety/safeboating-week
Current Watches, Warnings and Advisories for Brown (WIC009) Wisconsin Issued by the National Weather Service
https://alerts.weather.gov/cap/wwacapget.php?x=WI125F4CB47F68.LakeshoreFloodWarning.125F4CC43480WI.GRBCFWGRB.3f6808462c93760669ff25d8344f2212
Current Watches, Warnings and Advisories for Brown (WIC009) Wisconsin Issued by the National Weather Service
https://alerts.weather.gov/cap/wwacapget.php?x=WI125F4CB412D0.FloodAdvisory.125F4CC355D8WI.GRBFLSGRB.4630b7d4f21bfab49af7626218f3fd36
LANSING, Mich. (AP) — A crayfish that reproduces by cloning has been added to Michigan’s prohibited species list.
All known specimens of marbled crayfish are genetically identical females that can produce up to 700 eggs per reproductive cycle without the need for fertilization, according to the state Department of Natural Resources.
Great Lakes Now
https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/05/ap-marbled-crayfish-michigans-prohibited-species/
Great Lakes Echo
http://greatlakesecho.org/2020/05/18/commercial-fishing-in-michigan-is-critical-infrastructure-will-it-survive-covid-19/
Current Watches, Warnings and Advisories for Brown (WIC009) Wisconsin Issued by the National Weather Service
https://alerts.weather.gov/cap/wwacapget.php?x=WI125F4CB3794C.LakeshoreFloodWarning.125F4CC25FC0WI.GRBCFWGRB.3f6808462c93760669ff25d8344f2212
Current Watches, Warnings and Advisories for Brown (WIC009) Wisconsin Issued by the National Weather Service
https://alerts.weather.gov/cap/wwacapget.php?x=WI125F4CB34490.WindAdvisory.125F4CB47D10WI.GRBNPWGRB.f2827a1667e623f6c2e34e36c12c205f
Current Watches, Warnings and Advisories for Brown (WIC009) Wisconsin Issued by the National Weather Service
https://alerts.weather.gov/cap/wwacapget.php?x=WI125F4CA6FDFC.FloodAdvisory.125F4CB37758WI.GRBFLSGRB.2a00c700fb5c942470873b3047fb827a
Current Watches, Warnings and Advisories for Brown (WIC009) Wisconsin Issued by the National Weather Service
https://alerts.weather.gov/cap/wwacapget.php?x=WI125F4CA6EC68.LakeshoreFloodWarning.125F4CC25FC0WI.GRBCFWGRB.3f6808462c93760669ff25d8344f2212
Current Watches, Warnings and Advisories for Brown (WIC009) Wisconsin Issued by the National Weather Service
https://alerts.weather.gov/cap/wwacapget.php?x=WI125F4CA64FC4.LakeshoreFloodWarning.125F4CC25FC0WI.GRBCFWGRB.3f6808462c93760669ff25d8344f2212
Current Watches, Warnings and Advisories for Brown (WIC009) Wisconsin Issued by the National Weather Service
https://alerts.weather.gov/cap/wwacapget.php?x=WI125F4CA63340.FloodWatch.125F4CC25FC0WI.GRBFFAGRB.0e9b4daacce3c1e8991a630b7e5f3d71
The new chair of the Fox River Navigational System Authority is no stranger to the organization. We welcome back former board member Ron Van De Hey to serve as board chairman. He was appointed by Gov. Evers to fill out the remainder of Tim Rose’s term due to his passing. Ron previously served on the board of directors and ended his term in 2014. From 1982-1992 he served as mayor of Kaukauna (and is still affectionately known as Mayor Vandy) and worked for many years in the insurance industry. We are honored to have his leadership in our organization again!
Blog – Fox Locks
http://foxlocks.org/2020/05/17/2954/
Current Watches, Warnings and Advisories for Brown (WIC009) Wisconsin Issued by the National Weather Service
https://alerts.weather.gov/cap/wwacapget.php?x=WI125F4CA51DE8.LakeshoreFloodWarning.125F4CC25FC0WI.GRBCFWGRB.3f6808462c93760669ff25d8344f2212
Current Watches, Warnings and Advisories for Brown (WIC009) Wisconsin Issued by the National Weather Service
https://alerts.weather.gov/cap/wwacapget.php?x=WI125F4CA4F4E4.FloodWatch.125F4CC25FC0WI.GRBFFAGRB.0e9b4daacce3c1e8991a630b7e5f3d71
Current Watches, Warnings and Advisories for Brown (WIC009) Wisconsin Issued by the National Weather Service
https://alerts.weather.gov/cap/wwacapget.php?x=WI125F4CA43644.LakeshoreFloodWarning.125F4CC25FC0WI.GRBCFWGRB.3f6808462c93760669ff25d8344f2212
Current Watches, Warnings and Advisories for Brown (WIC009) Wisconsin Issued by the National Weather Service
https://alerts.weather.gov/cap/wwacapget.php?x=WI125F4C97A960.LakeshoreFloodWarning.125F4CC25FC0WI.GRBCFWGRB.3f6808462c93760669ff25d8344f2212
Current Watches, Warnings and Advisories for Brown (WIC009) Wisconsin Issued by the National Weather Service
https://alerts.weather.gov/cap/wwacapget.php?x=WI125F4C970CBC.LakeshoreFloodWatch.125F4CB56770WI.GRBCFWGRB.61416f6958ed8a33a906f01917d20791
Current Watches, Warnings and Advisories for Brown (WIC009) Wisconsin Issued by the National Weather Service
https://alerts.weather.gov/cap/wwacapget.php?x=WI125F4C95DA18.LakeshoreFloodWatch.125F4CB56770WI.GRBCFWGRB.61416f6958ed8a33a906f01917d20791
Current Watches, Warnings and Advisories for Brown (WIC009) Wisconsin Issued by the National Weather Service
https://alerts.weather.gov/cap/wwacapget.php?x=WI125F4C94EF54.SpecialWeatherStatement.125F4C961FA0WI.GRBSPSGRB.a14d03d9658392d2940ac7a2ae4f8715
Current Watches, Warnings and Advisories for Brown (WIC009) Wisconsin Issued by the National Weather Service
https://alerts.weather.gov/cap/wwacapget.php?x=WI125F4C94AC24.SpecialWeatherStatement.125F4C953540WI.GRBSPSGRB.a14d03d9658392d2940ac7a2ae4f8715
Current Watches, Warnings and Advisories for Brown (WIC009) Wisconsin Issued by the National Weather Service
https://alerts.weather.gov/cap/wwacapget.php?x=WI125F4C88D994.SpecialWeatherStatement.125F4C94ECFCWI.GRBSPSGRB.a14d03d9658392d2940ac7a2ae4f8715
By Oliver Morrison, PublicSource, through the Institute for Nonprofit News network
COVID-19 cost jobs, closed businesses and limited travel. But the economic ruin has also led to record low levels of pollution and huge reductions in climate change emissions globally.
Some of the changes, such as remote work, could have lasting benefits for the environment, even after the economy restarts.
Great Lakes Now
https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/05/coronavirus-covid-19-pennsylvania-climate-change-pollution-oil-waste/
For Immediate Release
May 15, 2020
Media Contact:
Kristy Meyer, Associate Director
Freshwater Future
614-638-8948
Columbus, OH – On Thursday May 15, 2020, Representative Erica Crawley (D-Columbus) introduced state legislation that will ensure clean, safe, affordable water for everyone in Ohio.
Nationwide, more than a third of all households will not be able to pay their water bill by the end of 2022 according to a report out of Michigan State University. In Ohio, a report on water and sewer affordability found that in nearly 80 percent of Ohio communities, a month of basic water and sewer service requires more than eight hours of labor at minimum wage. The report also found that water costs are disproportionately felt in communities of color which have been redlined and disinvested in for decades along with rural communities that do not have enough people to pay for maintaining and upgrading the water infrastructure.
“Freshwater Future applauds Representative Crawley for her leadership to ensure everyone has access to clean, safe, and affordable water,” said Kristy Meyer, Associate Director at Freshwater Future. “As water rates and economic inequality rise, many Ohioans are losing access to water, a basic human need. Hard decisions are being made between rent, food, medical care, electricity and water – the necessities for life. Without clean, safe water flowing into homes, people cannot wash their hands and keep good hygiene, possibly leading to public health issues that also impact our economy, kids being bullied at school, and families being torn apart.”
In 2016, more than 15 million Americans, or 1 out of every 20 households, had their water shutoff due to inability to pay their water bill. Thousands across the state last year had to make the hard decision between putting food on the table and paying their water bill. COVID-19 has further illuminated how important it is to have access to running water in homes. When Ohioans do not have access to water in their homes, they cannot follow the CDC’s number one recommendation for preventing the spread of COVID-19 – washing hands.
The legislation specifically:
###
About Freshwater Future: Freshwater Future builds a strong and effective environmental community working to protect and restore the waters of the Great Lakes by involving residents in civic decision-making. Learn more at freshwaterfuture.org
Blog – Freshwater Future
https://freshwaterfuture.org/uncategorized/11578/
Great Lakes Echo
http://greatlakesecho.org/2020/05/15/professor-misses-lab/
Park rangers with the Indiana Dunes National Park Service in Northwest Indiana are working hard to connect people with nature, virtually. They have recorded a series of videos, which can be found on the Facebook page and website. Read the full story by The Chicago Tribune.
Great Lakes Commission
https://www.glc.org/dailynews/20200515-virtual-hikes
A letter this week signed by Minnesota’s St. Louis County’s four rural-most commissioners is calling for immediate action to address solid-waste leachate discharged into Lake Superior. The local authority, meanwhile, the Western Lake Superior Sanitary District, defended itself, saying there was no basis for the outburst of concern. Read the full story by the Duluth News Tribune.
Great Lakes Commission
https://www.glc.org/dailynews/20200515-landfill-discharge
The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy announced that it has proposed to deny Macomb County’s application to modify its discharge permit to allow for an open-air sewage structure off Lake St. Clair. Read the full story by WDIV-TV – Detroit, MI.
Great Lakes Commission
https://www.glc.org/dailynews/20200515-water-sewage-storage
Scientists from the University of Toledo, Bowling Green State University, Ohio State University, and the University of Akron are splitting another $2.08 million in state higher education grants announced Thursday for harmful algal bloom research. Read the full story by The Toledo Blade.
Great Lakes Commission
https://www.glc.org/dailynews/20200515-algae-research-grant
Shrinking Michigan beaches and the need for social distancing are making it difficult for people to safely visit beaches across the state. Read the full story by the Bridge Magazine.
Great Lakes Commission
https://www.glc.org/dailynews/20200515-beachgoers
The Mayor of Port Clinton, OH asked the City Council for authorization of a project that is solely focused on burying the exposed cable at the city beach and encasing it in concrete. That project is estimated to cost a total of just under $100,000. Read the full story by the Port Clinton News Herald.
Great Lakes Commission
https://www.glc.org/dailynews/20200515-port-clinton-beach
Scientists with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration are forecasting a relatively small harmful algal bloom in western Lake Erie this year, one that will be smaller than last year’s. Read the full story by the Sandusky Register.
Great Lakes Commission
https://www.glc.org/dailynews/20200515-algal-bloom-smaller
Approximately 55,000 cubic yards of sand are being removed from the mouth of the Grand River channel and deposited into the Grand Haven State Park Beach in west Michigan, to help replace lost sand. Read the full story by the Grand Haven Tribune.
Great Lakes Commission
https://www.glc.org/dailynews/20200515-river-dredging
With restrictions slowly being lifted, tourism leaders are hopeful since most of Ohio’s tourism industry traditionally picks up after Memorial Day. Read the full story by WTOL-TV – Toledo, OH.
Great Lakes Commission
https://www.glc.org/dailynews/20200515-lake-erie-toursim-industry
Lake Erie set a new monthly mean water level during April based on records dating back more than 100 years. Read the full story by The Monroe News.
Great Lakes Commission
https://www.glc.org/dailynews/20200515-lake-erie-water-record
Current Watches, Warnings and Advisories for Brown (WIC009) Wisconsin Issued by the National Weather Service
https://alerts.weather.gov/cap/wwacapget.php?x=WI125F4C872EA0.SpecialWeatherStatement.125F4C87A68CWI.GRBSPSGRB.c3da79325a2463a7a02d5f2192f4955c
Current Watches, Warnings and Advisories for Brown (WIC009) Wisconsin Issued by the National Weather Service
https://alerts.weather.gov/cap/wwacapget.php?x=WI125F4C86BF4C.DenseFogAdvisory.125F4C8779A0WI.GRBNPWGRB.6d98a56548f9a564541d3e264a40582c
Current Watches, Warnings and Advisories for Brown (WIC009) Wisconsin Issued by the National Weather Service
https://alerts.weather.gov/cap/wwacapget.php?x=WI125F4C864A1C.SpecialWeatherStatement.125F4C86DD60WI.GRBSPSGRB.6ceefba79f5a4dabb3f61f1a7a7ffef0
Great Lakes Echo
http://greatlakesecho.org/2020/05/15/greater-appreciation-for-shipping-among-the-consequences-of-quarantine/
In Erie, Pennsylvania, a multimillion-dollar dose of relief and protection is coming to East Dobbins Landing’s shoreline. Construction has begun on a new $2.65 million dock wall along the edge of Presque Isle Bay. Read the full story by the Erie Times-News.
Great Lakes Commission
https://www.glc.org/dailynews/20200514-portauthority
Sobering new research out of New York’s Rochester Institute of Technology is deepening our understanding of the extent of Lake Erie plastic pollution. Read the full story by the Erie Times-News.
Great Lakes Commission
https://www.glc.org/dailynews/20200514-lakeerieplastic
As Lake Michigan’s waves relentlessly pound sea walls in Ogden Dunes, Indiana, emergency repairs have begun. Now the question is how the town can pay for all the work. Read the full story by The Times of Northwest Indiana.
Great Lakes Commission
https://www.glc.org/dailynews/20200514-ogdendunes
Ohio’s Department of Natural Resources asked residents to help take a census of bald eagle nests in the state — the first such eagle census since 2012. The results: Ohio is now home to more than 700 eagle nests, up from 281 in 2012, and just four nesting pairs in 1979. Read the full story by The Toledo Blade.
Great Lakes Commission
https://www.glc.org/dailynews/20200514-savetheeagles
In Duluth, Minnesota, city parks and beaches could look a bit different this summer due to new guidelines to prevent disease transmission as well as drastic cuts to maintenance staff. Read the full story by the Star Tribune.
Great Lakes Commission
https://www.glc.org/dailynews/20200514-duluthparks
As if shoreline erosion wasn’t enough, communities and property owners on Lake Michigan are now dealing with another problem due to record high water levels — trash. Up and down the lake, large amounts of it are washing up on shore. Read the full story by Interlochen Public Radio.
Great Lakes Commission
https://www.glc.org/dailynews/20200514-debris
