The next River Talk will be at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 8, with “Making Sense of Algal Blooms in the St. Louis River Estuary,” an in-person presentation by Euan Reavie with the Natural Resources Research Institute. His talk will be held at the Lake Superior Estuarium (3 Marina Dr., Superior, Wis.). Refreshments will be provided.

Euan Reavie. Image credit: Natural Resources Research Institute

Reavie will present what’s known so far about the evolving situation with algae and algal blooms in the river and harbor. He’ll also describe plans for a collaborative monitoring strategy with the Lake Superior Reserve to address current and future problems.

For accessibility accommodations related to sound, language and translation, mobility or anything else to make engagement possible, please contact Luciana at 715-399-4085 or Luciana.Ranelli@wisc.edu, as soon as possible.

In an abbreviation of the season, other River Talks will be held in 2024 on March 13 and April 10. For more information, visit the River Talks page: go.wisc.edu/4uz720.

The River Talks are sponsored by the Lake Superior National Estuarine Research Reserve and the Wisconsin Sea Grant Program.

The post Making Sense of Algal Blooms first appeared on Wisconsin Sea Grant.

Original Article

News Releases | Wisconsin Sea Grant

News Releases | Wisconsin Sea Grant

https://www.seagrant.wisc.edu/news/making-sense-of-algal-blooms/

Marie Zhuikov

Michigan is set to receive $20.4 million from a federal grant to improve passenger and freight railroads around the state, including a bridge project in Wexford County. 

The Manistee River Train Bridge replacement project is expected to begin in 2025 and be completed in 2027, according to MDOT.

The post Rail link upgrade expected to help northern Michigan businesses first appeared on Great Lakes Echo.

Original Article

Great Lakes Echo

Great Lakes Echo

http://greatlakesecho.org/2023/10/30/rail-link-upgrade-expected-to-help-northern-michigan-businesses/

Guest Contributor

The species spotlighted this month is Great Blue Lobelia (Lobelia siphilitica)! Also known as Blue Cardinal Flower, Great Blue Lobelia is a perennial wildflower native to Wisconsin that grows well along streams, springs, swamps, meadows and other places with sufficient moisture. This species grows up to 4 feet tall, with a leafy stalk on which blue/purple tubular flowers bloom in July – October. Great Blue Lobelia requires moist to wet soil and partial to full sun, and is resistant to deer browsing. This plant has a wide distribution in North America, found in wet ground from Main to Colorado and into Canada, and south to North Carolina and Texas.

The seedlings of Great Blue Lobelia are very tiny at first, before growing into the clump forming wildflower. This plant usually blooms in its first year. Seeds in October – November and in optimal conditions, this plant may self-seed, but is not overly prolific. It is not very drought tolerant, and requires moist soil.

Great Blue Lobelia is a great plant for shoreline plantings. Along with other native species, its roots are great for capturing and slowing down stormwater runoff, and for holding on to soil which helps prevent erosion. In addition, Great Blue Lobelia attacks hummingbirds and native bee species!

Image Credit: Aaron Carlson; www.wisflora.herbarium.wisc.edu; CC BY-SA 3.0

H. Zell; CC BY-SA 3.0

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

The post Species Spotlight: Great Blue Lobelia appeared first on Fox-Wolf Watershed Alliance.

Original Article

Fox-Wolf Watershed Alliance

Fox-Wolf Watershed Alliance

https://fwwa.org/2023/10/27/species-spotlight-great-blue-lobelia/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=species-spotlight-great-blue-lobelia

Katie Reed

Strikers have shut down a vital Great Lakes shipping artery for days, and negotiations are looming

By Steve Karnowski, Associated Press

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — A strike has shut down all shipping on the St. Lawrence Seaway, interrupting exports of grain and other goods from Canada and the United States via the Great Lakes to the rest of the world.

Around 360 workers in Ontario and Quebec with Unifor, Canada’s largest private-sector union, walked out early Sunday in a dispute over wages with the St.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2023/10/ap-strikers-shut-down-vital-great-lakes-shipping-artery-negotiations-looming/

The Associated Press

On Wednesday, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and local partners announced a new $100 million agreement to clean up nearly 875,000 cubic yards of contaminated sediment under the Cuyahoga River, marking the first step toward removing the Gorge Metro Park dam in Ohio. Read the full story by the Akron Beacon Journal.

Original Article

Great Lakes Commission

Great Lakes Commission

https://www.glc.org/dailynews/20231027-gorge-dam

Jill Estrada

An autonomous quiet research vessel called Saildrone just set a new milestone with its return to port after 60 days on the Great Lakes. The fleet of these surface vessels has traveled 1 million nautical miles at sea.  Read the full story by WPBN -TV – Traverse City, MI.

Original Article

Great Lakes Commission

Great Lakes Commission

https://www.glc.org/dailynews/20231027-saildrone

Jill Estrada

On Wednesday morning, Michigan legislators joined environmental advocates to break down the details of a newly introduced “polluter pay” package intended to bolster the state of Michigan’s environmental cleanup standards. Read the full story by Michigan Advance.

Original Article

Great Lakes Commission

Great Lakes Commission

https://www.glc.org/dailynews/20231027-pollution-bill

Jill Estrada

Residents of Biigtigong Nishnaabeg First Nation, on the north shore of Lake Superior in Ontario, are set to enjoy greatly improved access to clean water thanks to an expansion of water treatment services and water sourced from Lake Superior.  Read the full story by Northern Ontario Business.

Original Article

Great Lakes Commission

Great Lakes Commission

https://www.glc.org/dailynews/20231027-superior-water

Jill Estrada

New University of Michigan led initiative expands climate research across borders

When it comes to fostering resilience in the face of climate change in the waters that border the U.S. and Canada, hydrologist Drew Gronewold wants the region to be a “role model for the world.”

Gronewald is leading a new U.S. – Canada and sovereign nations effort to establish a research center designed to strengthen climate change resilience in communities that span international boundaries and jurisdictions.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2023/10/new-university-michigan-led-initiative-expands-climate-research-across-borders/

Gary Wilson

By Kara Eppard, Freshwater Collaborative summer research student

This summer, 31 students from across the country were chosen for the University of Wisconsin-Madison’s Freshwater@UW Summer Research Opportunities Program, which is affiliated with Wisconsin Sea Grant, the University of Wisconsin Water Resources Institute and the University of Wisconsin-Madison Graduate School. Many of the students provided reflections on what they learned. We’ll share several over the coming months. Here’s Kara Eppard, an undergraduate senior in chemistry and biology from Bridgewater College, Virginia.

Kara Eppard, Freshwater@UW Madison scholar, collecting water from Lake Mendota. Image credit: Grace Armstrong

Participation in the Freshwater@UW-Madison program allowed me to continue to develop my research skills, prepare for my future academic and career endeavors, as well as develop many professional and social relationships with my peers at the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) and within the Freshwater program, instilling connections that will last throughout my career.

Through this program, I worked on a project in conjunction between the university and the USGS. Under the supervision of Sarah Jensen, I studied the adsorption of mercury to microplastics. I was exposed to multiple laboratory instruments I had not previously worked with.

I used a Raman microscope to analyze different plastics and establish a brief spectral library of common plastics for the lab. I used that library to analyze the particles present in environmental microplastic samples that were provided by collaborators and determined what polymer types were present.

I then completed a series of incubations with microplastics (polystyrene, polyethylene, polymethyl acrylate and environmental microplastic samples) and inorganic mercury. These incubations were conducted in different matrix conditions that replicated freshwater environments. I used a buffer made in the lab and collected water from both Madison’s Lake Mendota and the Yahara River (a tributary of Mendota).  I used a Brooks-Rand MERX-T instrument to analyze inorganic mercury concentrations at 0 to 24 hours of incubation. The differences in mercury concentration of the matrix between the two times indicated if the microplastics were absorbing mercury or not, and if so, to what extent.

My research yielded interesting insights. I found that microplastics in some cases do absorb mercury, however, the specific polymer type and the matrix influences the sorption effects. The most interesting insight I found was that UV weathering of microplastics amplified their absorption effects!

Outside of my research time, the program also provided me many opportunities for professional development. Thanks to the hard work of program leader Ali Mikulyuk, each week I was able to attend professional development seminars. I gained insight into grad school admission processes, what to expect in grad school and the process of obtaining funding. I also got to learn about career opportunities present with federal employment. Science outreach and communication was one of the important topics we were able to discuss, learning the importance of the communications between scientists and the communities that have history and knowledge on their topics, or are affected by their research. I found this highly valuable.

Other development opportunities included a graduate fair for the college, rapid research exchange with German researchers and the poster presentations at the end of the program. 

I am so thankful for the Freshwater Program and all the knowledge and experiences it provided me! 

 

The post Mercury and microplastics research provides new experiences and scientific insights first appeared on Wisconsin Sea Grant.

Original Article

Blog | Wisconsin Sea Grant

Blog | Wisconsin Sea Grant

https://www.seagrant.wisc.edu/blog/mercury-and-microplastics-research-provides-new-experiences-and-scientific-insights/

Wisconsin Sea Grant

Contrary to the popular quote, author Douglas Wood says every man is an island. 

“Islands are connected, when you get deep enough, under the surface,” said Wood, a lifelong naturalist.

The post Author and naturalist guides readers to healing connection with nature first appeared on Great Lakes Echo.

Original Article

Great Lakes Echo

Great Lakes Echo

http://greatlakesecho.org/2023/10/27/author-and-naturalist-guides-readers-to-healing-connection-with-nature/

Shealyn Paulis

RESTON, Va. — The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) will invest more than $2 million to map critical mineral resources in central Minnesota in partnership with several Minnesota state partners.  

Original Article

Midcontinent Region

Midcontinent Region

https://www.usgs.gov/news/national-news-release/usgs-partners-minnesota-map-critical-mineral-potential-cutting-edge-0?utm_source=comms&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=news

apdemas@usgs.gov

RESTON, Va. — The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) will invest more than $2 million to map critical mineral resources in central Minnesota in partnership with several Minnesota state partners.  

Original Article

Midcontinent Region

Midcontinent Region

https://www.usgs.gov/news/national-news-release/usgs-partners-minnesota-map-critical-mineral-potential-cutting-edge-data?utm_source=comms&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=news

apdemas@usgs.gov

Great Lakes imports and exports halted by strike

A strike by about 350 members of UNIFOR, Canada’s largest private sector union, could cripple thousands of businesses and cause the loss of billions in economic activity if it continues, according to shipping officials.

“Every day is a critical time,” said Jayson Hron, communications director for Port of Duluth-Superior, the U.S.’ furthest inland seaport.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2023/10/great-lakes-imports-and-exports-halted-by-strike/

James Proffitt

Wins 2023 Wisconsin Library Association award

In a ceremony this evening at the Wisconsin Library Association (WLA) annual meeting, Anne Moser will accept the 2023 WLA President’s Volunteer Award.

“I am truly humbled to receive this award from the Wisconsin Library Association, and I share it with all the other dedicated librarians that contribute their time and passion to making WLA such a great organization,” Moser said.

Group of three people standing outside in the wind and looking at a piece of paper.

Anne Moser (center) works with Racine middle-school students on an activity designed to explain Lake Michigan coastal processes. Photo: Bonnie Willison

Moser is the senior special librarian for the Wisconsin Water Library, supported by Sea Grant and its sister organization, the University of Wisconsin Water Resources Institute. The Water Library holds a collection of more than 30,000 materials related to rivers, lakes, oceans and groundwater.

In addition to managing that collection, Moser engages in extensive outreach activities with a focus on science, technology, engineering, art and mathematics as a librarian as well as the Sea Grant education coordinator.  

In announcing the award, the WLA referred to Moser as “well known and well-loved among public librarians all around Wisconsin, and their patrons, for the cheerful, fun and educational programs she presents on STEM and water-related topics.” This reflects her tireless travels across the state to bring programming to places as far flung as the northwestern community of Deer Park (population 249), to Beloit in southern Wisconsin, then east to cities and towns along Lake Michigan.  

For her part, Moser credits the organization that is honoring her: “As a solo librarian, I have relied on WLA and other professional organizations for support, mentorship and friendship during my career. I encourage all new professionals to get involved!”

Moser herself supports new professionals through her work. Every year, she hosts a student from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, including students enrolled in the iSchool. In turn, she draws out skills from those students, including their contributions to one of Moser’s favorite projects—Maadagindan! Start Reading! It’s a book club focused on children’s literature written by Native authors, focused on Ojibwe culture and the Great Lakes. Educators, librarians and parents—in fact, all—are welcome to attend and discuss the book and learn from an invited honored Indigenous guest during these monthly virtual meetings. The club is a collaboration with the Great Lakes Indian Fish and Wildlife Commission and supported by a grant from the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative

The WLA also cites Moser’s skill at linking science and art. She has brought exhibits of stirring student underwater photography to libraries. Working with the Thelma Sadoff Center for the Arts in Fond du Lac to celebrate the sport and culture surrounding lake sturgeon, Moser led the effort to install “Ancient Survivors.” She partnered with the Chazen Museum of Art in Madison on programming to raise awareness about marine debris and plastic pollution.

Moser is a member of the Association of Wisconsin Special Libraries, a division of WLA, and is currently serving as past chair of the group. She has also served on the WLA Board of Directors and chaired the board’s Professional Development Committee.

The post Water librarian releases torrent of information, programming and goodwill first appeared on Wisconsin Sea Grant.

Original Article

News Releases | Wisconsin Sea Grant

News Releases | Wisconsin Sea Grant

https://www.seagrant.wisc.edu/news/water-librarian-releases-torrent-of-information-programming-and-goodwill/

Moira Harrington

Wins 2023 Wisconsin Library Association award

In a ceremony this evening at the Wisconsin Library Association (WLA) annual meeting, Anne Moser will accept the 2023 WLA President’s Volunteer Award.

“I am truly humbled to receive this award from the Wisconsin Library Association, and I share it with all the other dedicated librarians that contribute their time and passion to making WLA such a great organization,” Moser said.

Moser is the senior special librarian for the Wisconsin Water Library, supported by the Water Resources Institute and its sister organization Wisconsin Sea Grant. The Water Library holds a collection of more than 30,000 materials related to rivers, lakes, oceans and groundwater.

Person standing at a table filled with colorful teaching objects.
Anne Moser demonstrating how microplastics move through a wastewater treatment system. Photo: Sarah Congdon.

In addition to managing that collection, Moser engages in extensive outreach activities with a focus on science, technology, engineering, art and mathematics as a librarian as well as the Sea Grant education coordinator.

In announcing the award, the WLA referred to Moser as “well known and well-loved among public librarians all around Wisconsin, and their patrons, for the cheerful, fun and educational programs she presents on STEM and water-related topics.” This reflects her tireless travels across the state to bring programming to places as far flung as the northwestern community of Deer Park (population 249), to Beloit in southern Wisconsin, then east to cities and towns along Lake Michigan.

For her part, Moser credits the organization that is honoring her: “As a solo librarian, I have relied on WLA and other professional organizations for support, mentorship and friendship during my career. I encourage all new professionals to get involved!”

Moser herself supports new professionals through her work. Every year, she hosts a student from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, including students enrolled in the iSchool. In turn, she draws out skills from those students, including their contributions to one of Moser’s favorite projects—Maadagindan! Start Reading! It’s a book club focused on children’s literature written by Native authors, focused on Ojibwe culture and the Great Lakes. Educators, librarians and parents—in fact, all—are welcome to attend and discuss the book and learn from an invited honored Indigenous guest during these monthly virtual meetings. The club is a collaboration with the Great Lakes Indian Fish and Wildlife Commission and supported by a grant from the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative.

The WLA also cites Moser’s skill at linking science and art. She has brought exhibits of stirring student underwater photography to libraries. Working with the Thelma Sadoff Center for the Arts in Fond du Lac to celebrate the sport and culture surrounding lake sturgeon, Moser led the effort to install “Ancient Survivors.” She partnered with the Chazen Museum of Art in Madison on programming to raise awareness about marine debris and plastic pollution.

Moser is a member of the Association of Wisconsin Special Libraries, a division of WLA, and is currently serving as past chair of the group. She has also served on the WLA Board of Directors and chaired the board’s Professional Development Committee

The post Water librarian releases torrent of information, programming and goodwill first appeared on WRI.

Original Article

News Release | WRI

News Release | WRI

https://www.wri.wisc.edu/news/water-librarian-releases-torrent-of-information-programming-and-goodwill/

Moira Harrington

...PATCHY DENSE FOG EXPECTED THIS MORNING... Abundant low level moisture has led to rain, drizzle, and patchy dense fog across northeast Wisconsin this morning. Visibilities over much of the area is one mile or less, with some areas around one half of a mile. As steadier rain moves in across the region this morning, visibilities are expected to improve.

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=WI1266671F8008.SpecialWeatherStatement.126667201540WI.GRBSPSGRB.3b77a733acfe35fc01f412b80021d336

w-nws.webmaster@noaa.gov

The recent expansion of China-owned land in the U.S. is raising concerns about the food supply chain and affordable land in Michigan.

In the Midwest, Chinese entities own around 44,000 acres, which is about an eighth of such entity property holdings in the United States, according to the USDA.

The post Michigan eyeing foreign farmland ownership first appeared on Great Lakes Echo.

Original Article

Great Lakes Echo

Great Lakes Echo

http://greatlakesecho.org/2023/10/26/michigan-eyeing-foreign-farmland-ownership/

Guest Contributor

Michigan steps up dam removal in race against climate change

By Kelly House, Bridge Michigan

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

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2023/10/michigan-steps-up-dam-removal-in-race-against-climate-change/

Bridge Michigan

A major effort to restore nearly 200 acres of wetland habitat at Powderhorn Prairie and Marsh Nature Preserve on Chicago’s Southeast Side is now complete after more than three years of work. The $1.2 million restoration project aims to restore natural historic water levels in the area, alleviate flooding and improve wildlife habitat. Read the full story by WTTW-TV – Chicago, IL.

Original Article

Great Lakes Commission

Great Lakes Commission

https://www.glc.org/dailynews/20231025-wetlands-restoration-chicago-powderhornlake

Hannah Reynolds

Shipping on Lake Michigan and the Ohio River delivers an economic impact of more than $29.8 billion annually to Indiana’s economy and supports more than 158,000 jobs, according to new study. Read the full story by the News and Tribune.

Original Article

Great Lakes Commission

Great Lakes Commission

https://www.glc.org/dailynews/20231025-maritimeshipping-economy-indiana

Hannah Reynolds

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service conducted an electrofishing operation on the St. Joseph River in Benton Harbor, Michigan, on Tuesday, surveying for grass carp and other invasive species. Read the full story by WXMI-TV – Grand Rapids, MI.

Original Article

Great Lakes Commission

Great Lakes Commission

https://www.glc.org/dailynews/20231025-usfws-invasivecarp-stjosephriver

Hannah Reynolds

Governor Kathy Hochul announced construction is complete on resilience projects in Monroe County, New York. The $10.4 million projects included improvements to the sewage system in Hamlin, and an upgrade to Sandbar Park in Webster. Read the full story by WHAM-TV – Rochester, NY.

Original Article

Great Lakes Commission

Great Lakes Commission

https://www.glc.org/dailynews/20231025-lakeontarioflooding-hamlin

Hannah Reynolds

City of Muskegon, Michigan, officials are considering purchasing 10 lakefront parcels at the former Sappi paper mill site on Muskegon Lake to increase public access on the property, which is slated for a massive mixed-use redevelopment by its pending new owner. Read the full story by Crain’s Grand Rapids Business.

Original Article

Great Lakes Commission

Great Lakes Commission

https://www.glc.org/dailynews/20231025-muskegon-lakefrontproperty-formerpapermill

Hannah Reynolds

The federal government has instructed workers and management in the St. Lawrence Seaway strike to sit down with a mediator this Friday and hash out their differences, as groups ranging from grain farmers to steelmakers feel the squeeze. Read the full story by The Canadian Press.

Original Article

Great Lakes Commission

Great Lakes Commission

https://www.glc.org/dailynews/20231025-stlawrenceseaway-strike-negotiations

Hannah Reynolds

The transition from groundwater to Lake Michigan water for Waukesha, Wisconsin, is nearing its end, and residents are beginning to form opinions. According to a mid-October Milwaukee Journal Sentinel survey , the new water source tastes fine. Read the full story by the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.

Original Article

Great Lakes Commission

Great Lakes Commission

https://www.glc.org/dailynews/20231025-newwaukesha-water-lakemichigan

Hannah Reynolds

Interested in building energy on your team? Want to make a difference in your community? Do both by participating in a Fox-Wolf Team Building Event. Complete this form to get started.

Thank you for your interest!

The post Team Building Interest Form appeared first on Fox-Wolf Watershed Alliance.

Original Article

Fox-Wolf Watershed Alliance

Fox-Wolf Watershed Alliance

https://fwwa.org/2023/10/25/team-building-information/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=team-building-information

Sharon Cook

You’re wrong if you think the lowly earthworm has little to do with the health of Michigan’s hardwood forests.

To the contrary, “exotic” – non-native – earthworms can have “widespread and complex effects” on individual trees and overall forest health

The post Invasive earthworms threaten hardwood forests in the Great Lakes region first appeared on Great Lakes Echo.

Original Article

Great Lakes Echo

Great Lakes Echo

http://greatlakesecho.org/2023/10/25/invasive-earthworms-threaten-hardwood-forests-in-the-great-lakes-region/

Eric Freedman

NOAA’s Great Lakes Environmental Research Laboratory (GLERL) is pleased to recognize that several of our scientists have recently been recognized on Research.com’s list of “World’s Best Scientists” for 2023. This ranking identifies and celebrates exceptional individual researchers who are having … Continue reading

Original Article

NOAA Great Lakes Environmental Research Laboratory

NOAA Great Lakes Environmental Research Laboratory

https://noaaglerl.blog/2023/10/24/noaa-glerl-and-ciglr-scientists-ranked-in-worlds-best-scientists-list/

Gabrielle Farina

...STRONG THUNDERSTORMS WILL IMPACT SOUTHERN BROWN...SOUTHWESTERN KEWAUNEE...CALUMET...WINNEBAGO...SOUTHEASTERN WAUSHARA...SOUTHEASTERN OUTAGAMIE AND MANITOWOC COUNTIES THROUGH 830 AM CDT... At 729 AM CDT, Doppler radar was tracking strong thunderstorms along a line extending from near Appleton to near Princeton. Movement was east at 60 mph.

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=WI126667019CDC.SpecialWeatherStatement.12666701C388WI.GRBSPSGRB.f78a67b308ead913b6602ecedbbe287d

w-nws.webmaster@noaa.gov

Check your car, kayak or a nearby rail car – it might be providing free transportation for an invasive pest or plant. And you can be part of a renewed effort to stop the invaders.

The post You can help fight invasive species, on land and water first appeared on Great Lakes Echo.

Original Article

Great Lakes Echo

Great Lakes Echo

http://greatlakesecho.org/2023/10/24/you-can-help-fight-invasive-species-on-land-and-water/

Elinor Epperson

Keeping an eye on Michigan’s current environmental legislation

Quite a few bills are going through Michigan State Congress that are poised to radically reshape the state’s approach to energy. These proposed legislations signal Michigan’s commitment to the climate crisis, and could set the stage for a significant shift in the state’s environmental policies. The House introduced bills that environmentalists are keeping their eyes on, many of which would solidify elements of with Governor Gretchen Whitmer’s MI Healthy Climate Plan into law.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2023/10/keeping-an-eye-on-michigans-current-environmental-legislation/

Lisa John Rogers

...A STRONG THUNDERSTORM WILL IMPACT NORTHWESTERN BROWN AND NORTHEASTERN OUTAGAMIE COUNTIES THROUGH 330 PM CDT... At 244 PM CDT, trained weather spotters reported a strong thunderstorm over Black Creek, or 14 miles north of Appleton, moving east at 40 mph. HAZARD...Pea size hail.

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=WI126666F37120.SpecialWeatherStatement.126666F392B8WI.GRBSPSGRB.1b36d356db7c1151673472c0a7c25cef

w-nws.webmaster@noaa.gov

University of Wisconsin-Madison Interim Vice Chancellor for Research and Graduate Education Cynthia Czajkowski named Christy Remucal as interim director of the Aquatic Sciences Center, which is home to the Wisconsin Sea Grant College Program and the University of Wisconsin Water Resources Institute (WRI). Both programs support multidisciplinary research, education and outreach for the protection and sustainable use of Wisconsin’s water resources. The appointment was effective Oct. 22.

Remucal’s appointment comes after the retirement of Aquatic Sciences Center Director Jim Hurley.

“Since I’ve been at the UW, I have benefitted from so many things at the center—funding opportunities, working with the outreach and communications staff, mentoring undergraduates through the Water@UW REU program,” Remucal said. “The center has helped me grow my own research group, and I’m looking forward to working on the other side. I see this as a way to give back to the water community.”

Person near marble post and smiling.

Christy Remucal is the new interim director for Wisconsin Sea Grant. Contributed photo.

A professor in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, the Environmental Chemistry and Technology Program, and the Freshwater and Marine Science Program, Remucal’s research focus is on contaminants that impact water quality and processes to remove those contaminants. Some of her recent studies have been on per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). She serves as the only Universities of Wisconsin representative on the state’s PFAS Action Council.

“We are grateful for the commitment to the Wisconsin Idea and the leadership that Jim Hurley has provided in aquatic sciences research, and outreach and education in support of sustainable uses of our state’s natural resources while serving as director of the Aquatic Sciences Center for the past 11 years,” said Cynthia Czajkowski interim vice chancellor for research and graduate education. “And we welcome Christy to her new leadership role as interim center director. She has as a strong leadership background and ran excellent, relevant research experience that makes her perfectly qualified to serve in this capacity.”

When tapped for the interim center directorship, Remucal was leading the Aquatic Chemistry group at UW-Madison and was acting as the director of the Water Science and Engineering Laboratory. In addition to managing the center, she will continue to teach, mentor and conduct research. Remucal’s mentoring background includes mentoring 20 graduate students and postdoctoral researchers.

WRI came to the state 59 years ago. Wisconsin Sea Grant was founded 55 years ago. The programs with their similar missions merged in 1998 and created a highly efficient and cost-effective model for drawing out the best from Wisconsin’s aquatic scientists who, collaboratively, make a difference statewide, nationwide and around the world. Areas of particular strength for the programs are ecosystems contaminant research, extension service to coastal residents and fostering scholarship and training of the next generation of water science leaders.

Remucal is only the fourth WRI and Sea Grant director in the history of the programs, which is evidence of the steady leadership provided by previous directors that has been marked by excellence. In their most recent reviews by federal funders, both programs ranked top in the nation among their peers. 

Remucal wants to continue seminal successes, build on them and seek research and outreach  opportunities in the areas of diversity, equity and inclusion, and how compromised water quality may disproportionately affect some communities.

In terms of other research priorities, she called out emerging contaminants and microplastics. “There is so much that needs to be done. These water quality challenges are incredibly complex and there is a real need for outreach and communication to help the public understand these issues,” Remucal said.

“There is also a need for basic water research, fundamental work that addresses research questions. At the same time, there is a need to do research that serves the state agencies and the people of Wisconsin. It’s not always possible to have those align, but in many cases they can. Increasing knowledge and conducting actionable research is very valuable,” she said.  

Person wearing white lab coat and safety goggles.

Remucal is a prominent researcher on contaminants in water. Photo by Bonnie Willison

Remucal holds degrees in civil and environmental engineering from the University of California-Berkeley (master’s and Ph.D.) and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (Bachelor of Science). Before joining Madison’s faculty in 2012, she completed a post-doctoral position in the Institute for Biogeochemistry and Pollutant Dynamics at the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology.

Her background and passion have brought her to the center and Remucal summed it up: “Water is such a critical issue for people in Wisconsin. It is necessary for life and people in our state really do value our water resources. Because there is such a clear importance and relevance for water, this a great opportunity for outreach. It comes back to embracing the Wisconsin Idea and sharing our research with people in Wisconsin.”

Sea Grant is funded by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and WRI is funded by the U.S. Geological Survey.

The post Remucal named interim director of Sea Grant first appeared on Wisconsin Sea Grant.

Original Article

News Releases | Wisconsin Sea Grant

News Releases | Wisconsin Sea Grant

https://www.seagrant.wisc.edu/news/remucal-named-interim-director-of-sea-grant/

Moira Harrington

University of Wisconsin-Madison Interim Vice Chancellor for Research and Graduate Education Cynthia Czajkowski named Christy Remucal as interim director of the Aquatic Sciences Center, which is home to the University of Wisconsin Water Resources Institute (WRI) and the Wisconsin Sea Grant College Program. Both programs support multidisciplinary research, education and outreach for the protection and sustainable use of Wisconsin’s water resources. The appointment was effective Oct. 22.

Remucal’s appointment comes after the retirement of Aquatic Sciences Center Director Jim Hurley.

“Since I’ve been at the UW, I have benefitted from so many things at the center—funding opportunities, working with the outreach and communications staff, mentoring undergraduates through the Water@UW REU program,” Remucal said. “The center has helped me grow my own research group, and I’m looking forward to working on the other side. I see this as a way to give back to the water community.”

Smiling person learning against a pillar.
New WRI Interim Director Christy Remucal. She officially took over the 59-year-old program yesterday. Contributed photo.

A professor in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, the Environmental Chemistry and Technology Program, and the Freshwater and Marine Science Program, Remucal’s research focus is on contaminants that impact water quality and processes to remove those contaminants. Some of her recent studies have been on per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). She serves as the only Universities of Wisconsin representative on the state’s PFAS Action Council.

“We are grateful for the commitment to the Wisconsin Idea and the leadership that Jim Hurley has provided in aquatic sciences research, and outreach and education in support of sustainable uses of our state’s natural resources while serving as director of the Aquatic Sciences Center for the past 11 years,” said Cynthia Czajkowski interim vice chancellor for research and graduate education. “And we welcome Christy to her new leadership role as interim center director. She has as a strong leadership background and ran excellent, relevant research experience that makes her perfectly qualified to serve in this capacity.”

When tapped for the interim center directorship, Remucal was leading the Aquatic Chemistry group at UW-Madison and was acting as the director of the Water Science and Engineering Laboratory. In addition to managing the center, she will continue to teach, mentor and conduct research. Remucal’s mentoring background includes mentoring 20 graduate students and postdoctoral researchers.

WRI came to the state 59 years ago. Wisconsin Sea Grant was founded 55 years ago. The programs with their similar missions merged in 1998 and created a highly efficient and cost-effective model for drawing out the best from Wisconsin’s aquatic scientists who, collaboratively, make a difference statewide, nationwide and around the world. Areas of particular strength for the programs are ecosystems contaminant research, extension service to coastal residents and fostering scholarship and training of the next generation of water science leaders.

Remucal is only the fourth WRI and Sea Grant director in the history of the programs, which is evidence of the steady leadership provided by previous directors that has been marked by excellence. In their most recent reviews by federal funders, both programs ranked top in the nation among their peers.

Remucal wants to continue seminal successes, build on them and seek research and outreach opportunities in the areas of diversity, equity and inclusion, and how compromised water quality may disproportionately affect some communities.

In terms of other research priorities, she called out emerging contaminants and microplastics. “There is so much that needs to be done. These water quality challenges are incredibly complex and there is a real need for outreach and communication to help the public understand these issues,” Remucal said.

“There is also a need for basic water research, fundamental work that addresses research questions. At the same time, there is a need to do research that serves the state agencies and the people of Wisconsin. It’s not always possible to have those align, but in many cases they can. Increasing knowledge and conducting actionable research is very valuable,” she said.

Remucal holds degrees in civil and environmental engineering from the University of California-Berkeley (master’s and Ph.D.) and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (Bachelor of Science). Before joining Madison’s faculty in 2012, she completed a post-doctoral position in the Institute for Biogeochemistry and Pollutant Dynamics at the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology.

Person in lab coat and safety goggles in a lab.
Remucal in her water research lab. She focuses on contaminants. Photo: Bonnie Willison

Her background and passion have brought her to the center and Remucal summed it up: “Water is such a critical issue for people in Wisconsin. It is necessary for life and people in our state really do value our water resources. Because there is such a clear importance and relevance for water, this a great opportunity for outreach. It comes back to embracing the Wisconsin Idea and sharing our research with people in Wisconsin.”

WRI is funded by the U.S. Geological Survey and Sea Grant by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

The post Remucal Named Interim Director of WRI first appeared on WRI.

Original Article

News Release | WRI

News Release | WRI

https://www.wri.wisc.edu/news/remucal-named-interim-director-of-wri/

Moira Harrington

The Alliance of Rouge Communities recently held a summit to recap restoration efforts in the Great Lakes and talk about what’s coming down the pipeline as the result of Great Lakes Restoration Initiative funding. Read the full story by the Press & Guide.

Original Article

Great Lakes Commission

Great Lakes Commission

https://www.glc.org/dailynews/20231023-alliance-of-rouge

Theresa Gruninger

A bill introduced in the Michigan Legislature last week could expand commercial fishing in state waters. House Bill 5108 would allow commercial harvest of certain sport fish previously off-limits to commercial fishers, including species like lake trout, walleye, and yellow perch. Read the full story by Interlochen Public Radio.

Original Article

Great Lakes Commission

Great Lakes Commission

https://www.glc.org/dailynews/20231023-commercial-fishing

Theresa Gruninger