In June, the Brushwood Center in Lake County, Illinois, released a report that looks at the unequal effects of climate change on local communities of differing racial backgrounds. Read the full story by WTTW – TV – Chicago, IL.
Great Lakes Commission
https://www.glc.org/dailynews/20231027-climate-justice
Monroe County, New York has made important improvements to their sewer system to combat some of the effects of climate change and protect local waterways. Read the full story by WROC – TV – Rochester, NY.
Great Lakes Commission
https://www.glc.org/dailynews/20231027-climate-resiliency
The Navy’s newest Littoral Combat Ship cannot make its way to the Atlantic Ocean after finding itself in the middle of a strike by St. Lawrence Seaway employees. Read the full story by USNI News.
Great Lakes Commission
https://www.glc.org/dailynews/20231027-marinette-strike
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.
Great Lakes Commission
https://www.glc.org/dailynews/20231027-superior-water
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.
Great Lakes Now
https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2023/10/new-university-michigan-led-initiative-expands-climate-research-across-borders/
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.
Blog | Wisconsin Sea Grant
https://www.seagrant.wisc.edu/blog/mercury-and-microplastics-research-provides-new-experiences-and-scientific-insights/
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.Great Lakes Echo
http://greatlakesecho.org/2023/10/27/author-and-naturalist-guides-readers-to-healing-connection-with-nature/
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.
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
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.
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
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.
Great Lakes Now
https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2023/10/great-lakes-imports-and-exports-halted-by-strike/
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.
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.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/
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.
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.News Release | WRI
https://www.wri.wisc.edu/news/water-librarian-releases-torrent-of-information-programming-and-goodwill/
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
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.Great Lakes Echo
http://greatlakesecho.org/2023/10/26/michigan-eyeing-foreign-farmland-ownership/
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.
Great Lakes Now
https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2023/10/michigan-steps-up-dam-removal-in-race-against-climate-change/
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.
Great Lakes Commission
https://www.glc.org/dailynews/20231025-wetlands-restoration-chicago-powderhornlake
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.
Great Lakes Commission
https://www.glc.org/dailynews/20231025-maritimeshipping-economy-indiana
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.
Great Lakes Commission
https://www.glc.org/dailynews/20231025-usfws-invasivecarp-stjosephriver
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.
Great Lakes Commission
https://www.glc.org/dailynews/20231025-lakeontarioflooding-hamlin
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.
Great Lakes Commission
https://www.glc.org/dailynews/20231025-muskegon-lakefrontproperty-formerpapermill
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.
Great Lakes Commission
https://www.glc.org/dailynews/20231025-stlawrenceseaway-strike-negotiations
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.
Great Lakes Commission
https://www.glc.org/dailynews/20231025-newwaukesha-water-lakemichigan
A labor strike has shut down a major artery for transporting goods between the Great Lakes and overseas ports, leaving some oceangoing vessels stranded or waiting to enter. Read the full story by Wisconsin Public Radio.
Great Lakes Commission
https://www.glc.org/dailynews/20231025-seaway-strike
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.
The post Team Building Interest Form appeared first on 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
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.Great Lakes Echo
http://greatlakesecho.org/2023/10/25/invasive-earthworms-threaten-hardwood-forests-in-the-great-lakes-region/
Tracking wolves and moose on Isle Royale, and piloting Great Lakes freighters.
Great Lakes Now
https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2023/10/wild-islands-and-salty-visitors-episode-2310/
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/
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
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.Great Lakes Echo
http://greatlakesecho.org/2023/10/24/you-can-help-fight-invasive-species-on-land-and-water/
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.
Great Lakes Now
https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2023/10/keeping-an-eye-on-michigans-current-environmental-legislation/
We will never share or sell your contact information. Let us know what interests you, and we’ll stay in touch!
The post Newsletter Sign Up appeared first on Fox-Wolf Watershed Alliance.
Fox-Wolf Watershed Alliance
https://fwwa.org/2023/10/23/newsletter-sign-up/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=newsletter-sign-up
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
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.”
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.
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.News Releases | Wisconsin Sea Grant
News Releases | Wisconsin Sea Grant
https://www.seagrant.wisc.edu/news/remucal-named-interim-director-of-sea-grant/
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.”
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.
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.News Release | WRI
https://www.wri.wisc.edu/news/remucal-named-interim-director-of-wri/
The St. Lawrence Seaway has shut down as hundreds of workers walked off the job Sunday. The halt is expected to affect cargo shipments immediately along the artery that runs between Montreal and Lake Erie. Read the full story by CBC News.
Great Lakes Commission
https://www.glc.org/dailynews/20231023-seaway-strike
In the middle of western Lake Erie, just south of the boundary line for Canadian waters, is a collection of islands where critical environmental research helps protect the shallowest but richest in fish among the Great Lakes. Read the full story by MLive.
Great Lakes Commission
https://www.glc.org/dailynews/20231023-lake-erie-islands
One of Michigan’s top environmental officials, Teresa Siedel, has accepted a position as chief of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Great Lakes office. Read the full story by MLive.
Great Lakes Commission
https://www.glc.org/dailynews/20231023-cheif-of-usepa
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.
Great Lakes Commission
https://www.glc.org/dailynews/20231023-alliance-of-rouge
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.
Great Lakes Commission
https://www.glc.org/dailynews/20231023-commercial-fishing
Invasive plants and animals are all around us. The Plain Dealer recently talked with local experts to learn more about invasive plants and animals inhabiting Northeast Ohio. Read the full story by The Plain Dealer.
Great Lakes Commission
https://www.glc.org/dailynews/20231023-invasive-species
Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel has lent her support to the Bad River Band of the Lake Superior Tribe of Chippewa Indians’ efforts to shut down part of Enbridge Energy Company’s Line 5. Read the full story by Interlochen Public Radio.
Great Lakes Commission
https://www.glc.org/dailynews/20231023-line-5
People in the water during potential rip current conditions at public beaches in New Buffalo, Michigan, will now be subject to fines starting at $500. Boaters also face the same penalty if heading to Lake Michigan in the city’s public channel during lake conditions viewed as too dangerous for their watercraft. Read the full story by the South Bend Tribune.
Great Lakes Commission
https://www.glc.org/dailynews/20231023-swimming-fines
Trebuchets and soaring gourds continue to be a popular combination every fall in Clayton, New York, drawing in thousands who watch as machines send pumpkins flying into the St. Lawrence River. Read the full story by WWNY-TV – Watertown, NY.
Great Lakes Commission
https://www.glc.org/dailynews/20231023-punkin-chunkin
NCEI News Feed
https://www.ncei.noaa.gov/news/when-expect-first-fall-freeze
A new book by a Michigan and U.S food policy advocate emphasizes that everyone is needed to create a sustainable and prosperous food economy.
“I hope people who read the book can see themselves in it,” Conners said. “Anybody can be a part of helping to bring locally grown food to people.”
The post Food policy advocate shares 20 years of food and farm lessons first appeared on Great Lakes Echo.Great Lakes Echo
http://greatlakesecho.org/2023/10/23/food-policy-advocate-shares-20-years-of-food-and-farm-lessons/
Current Watches, Warnings and Advisories for Brown (WIC009) Wisconsin Issued by the National Weather Service
https://alerts.weather.gov/cap/wwacapget.php?x=WI126666E190F4.FrostAdvisory.126666E35A60WI.GRBNPWGRB.5c1960614b9101127ad4d69c4cc31d5f
Current Watches, Warnings and Advisories for Brown (WIC009) Wisconsin Issued by the National Weather Service
https://alerts.weather.gov/cap/wwacapget.php?x=WI126666D4ECA0.FrostAdvisory.126666E35A60WI.GRBNPWGRB.5c1960614b9101127ad4d69c4cc31d5f
Green Bay, WI
https://www.weather.gov/www.noaa.gov/news-release/us-winter-outlook-wetter-south-warmer-north
Editor’s Note: “Nibi Chronicles,” a monthly Great Lakes Now feature, is written by Staci Lola Drouillard. A direct descendant of the Grand Portage Band of Ojibwe, she lives and works in Grand Marais on Minnesota’s North Shore of Lake Superior. Her two books “Walking the Old Road: A People’s History of Chippewa City and the Grand Marais Anishinaabe” and “Seven Aunts” were published 2019 and 2022, and she is at work on a children’s story.
Great Lakes Now
https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2023/10/nibi-chronicles-grand-portage-water-warriors/
Federal attempts to clean up pollution in the Great Lakes region are increasing property values, according to a study from the University of Michigan. Read the full story by Michigan Radio.
Great Lakes Commission
https://www.glc.org/dailynews/20231020-pollution-remediation
