On:
In: Water Library Blog
Like so many institutions around the world, the Wisconsin Water Library has temporarily closed its doors today, March 16, 2020 until the UW Madison opens again (after spring break and the alternative instruction period), tentatively scheduled for April 10. Though the physical space is closed, library staff are here in the virtual space to help […]

Original Article

Wisconsin Water Library

Wisconsin Water Library

https://waterlibrary.aqua.wisc.edu/wisconsin-water-library-and-covid-19/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=wisconsin-water-library-and-covid-19

Anne Moser

On:
In: COVID-19

Due to the effects of Covid-19, these are unprecedented times for all of society, including water science and outreach at Wisconsin Sea Grant. While our staff continues to adapt to this changing situation, we remain committed to the mission of promoting the sustainable use of Great Lakes resources through research, education and outreach.

Our program is one of the University of Wisconsin System’s and is housed on the flagship campus in Madison. On March 15, the University of Wisconsin-Madison chancellor called for telecommuting among staff and programs with that capability. That employee policy also affects our field offices in Milwaukee, Superior, Green Bay and Manitowoc, though local campus policies may additionally affect their office operations. Staff remains available through email and the phone.

Our social media accounts, Facebook and Twitter, are also a good means to stay current with our activities, particularly outreach events that may now be moving from face-to-face to virtual formats as we cancel larger gatherings and meetings in accordance with public health guidelines for social distancing.

In terms of grant submission and management, we work with the UW-Madison Office of Research and Sponsored Programs, and similar offices on other campuses. We will continue that work to ensure continuity during this uncertain time.

The Wisconsin Water Library has temporarily closed. However, please reach out for assistance with reference questions or resource discovery. The senior special librarian, Anne Moser, is available. She has also assembled some useful STEM educational resources for distance learning. 

We have a robust website offering publications on the Great Lakes and other water topics. Many resources are downloadable. Under normal circumstances, other items would be available in hard-copy form and at your request that we mail the materials. However, our office is temporarily closed and campus mail service is suspended. 

We are offering only an electronic version of issue 2, 2020, of our quarterly newsletter, the Aquatic Sciences Chronicle. Many of our readers continue to work remotely and we have chosen to not expend resources to produce and mail hard copies of the publication to empty offices. Prior to production of issue 3, 2020, we will evaluate distribution plans. You can also sign up to get an emailed version or go here to read our latest edition.

Please contact us if you have questions or concerns, and please stay healthy. Here is a reminder of the reliable sources for Covid-19 information and guidance:

American Public Health Association

Centers for Disease Control 

World Health Organization

Original Article

News Releases – Wisconsin Sea Grant

News Releases – Wisconsin Sea Grant

https://www.seagrant.wisc.edu/news/operations-during-covid-19/

Moira Harrington

On:
In: Uncategorized

Due to the effects of COVID-19, these are unprecedented times for all of society, including water science and outreach at the University of Wisconsin Water Resources Institute. While our staff continues to adapt to the new reality, we remain committed to the mission of coordinating research that works to address present and emerging water quality, quantity and management challenges.

Our program is one of the University of Wisconsin System’s and is housed on the flagship campus in Madison. On March 15, the University of Wisconsin-Madison chancellor called for telecommuting among staff and programs with that capability. That employee policy also affects our field offices in Milwaukee, Superior, Green Bay and Manitowoc, though local campus policies may additionally affect their office operations. Staff remains available through email and the phone.

Our social media accounts, Facebook and Twitter, are also a good means to stay current with our activities, particularly outreach events that may now be moving from face-to-face to virtual formats as we cancel larger gatherings and meetings in accordance with public health guidelines for social distancing.

In terms of grant submission and management, we work with the UW-Madison Office of Research and Sponsored Programs, and similar offices on other campuses. We will continue that work to ensure continuity during this uncertain time.

The Wisconsin Water Library has temporarily closed. However, please do reach out for assistance with reference questions or resource discovery. The senior special librarian is available.

We have a robust website offering publications on the Great Lakes and other water topics. Many resources are downloadable. Under normal circumstances, other items would be available in hard-copy form and at your request that we mail the materials. However, our office is temporarily closed and campus mail service is suspended.

We are offering only an electronic version of issue 2, 2020, of our quarterly newsletter, the Aquatic Sciences Chronicle. Many of our readers continue to work remotely and we have chosen to not expend resources to produce and mail hard copies of the publication to empty offices. Prior to production of issue 3, 2020, we will evaluate distribution plans. You can also sign up to get an emailed version or go here to read our latest edition.

Please contact us if you have questions or concerns, and please stay healthy. Here is a reminder of the reliable sources for COVID-19 information and guidance:

American Public Health Association

Centers for Disease Control

World Health Organization

 

The post Operations in Response to COVID-19 first appeared on WRI.

Original Article

News Release – WRI

News Release – WRI

https://www.wri.wisc.edu/news/operations-in-response-to-covid-19/

Moira Harrington

On:
In: Daily News

The discovery of 51 invasive carp in the Mississippi River on the southeastern Minnesota-southwestern Wisconsin border — the largest number of invasive carp found so far upstream — has state authorities mobilizing to boost netting and monitoring of the destructive fish. Read the full story by Minnesota Public Radio News.

Original Article

Great Lakes Commission

Great Lakes Commission

https://www.glc.org/dailynews/20200316-mississippi-carp

Jill Estrada

On:
In: Daily News

The City of Vermilion, Ohio and the Western Reserve Land Conservancy have released a rendering of a revitalized Main Street Beach with an expanded beachfront, increased green space, new public amenities, and handicapped-accessible paths. Read the full story by Cleveland News.

Original Article

Great Lakes Commission

Great Lakes Commission

https://www.glc.org/dailynews/20200316-beach-renderings

Jill Estrada

On:
In: Daily News

Five years ago, lead seeped into the tap water in Flint, Michigan, while state and local officials said everything was fine. Now, the same doctor who proved something was wrong is taking the first comprehensive look at the thousands of kids exposed to lead in Flint. Read the full story by CBS News.

Original Article

Great Lakes Commission

Great Lakes Commission

https://www.glc.org/dailynews/20200316-flint-crisis

Jill Estrada

On:
In: Daily News

The announcement of an expedited review of Plan 2014 comes following the awarding of $1.5 million from the U.S., plus $1.5 million from Canada, to address the continuing water outflow problem that exists in Lake Ontario, according to the IJC Great Lakes Connection monthly newsletter. Read the full story by Niagara Frontier Publications.

Original Article

Great Lakes Commission

Great Lakes Commission

https://www.glc.org/dailynews/20200316-ijc-lake-ontario

Jill Estrada

On:
In: clean water for all, washington dc, water advocacy

PRIORITIES FOR ENSURING ACCESS TO CLEAN, SAFE, AFFORDABLE, & RELIABLE DRINKING WATER FOR US RESIDENTS
Recommendations from Great Lakes Community Leaders—March 2020

Freshwater Future and our partners from communities around the Great Lakes visited Federal Representatives in Washington, D.C. to inform them of concerns and needs to address water safety, toxins in water, and affordability.

Click here to view the complete list of drinking water priorities.

Original Article

Blog – Freshwater Future

Blog – Freshwater Future

https://freshwaterfuture.org/uncategorized/great-lakes-days-drinking-water-priorities-2020/

Alexis Smith

On:
In: coronavirus, flint water lab, Freshwater Weekly, Great Lakes, pellston, PFAS, washington dc, water shutoffs

March 13, 2020

Visits with Federal Representatives Highlight Water Issues + Detroit to Restore Water Service to Aid in Coronavirus Prevention + Lakes Superior, Michigan, Huron and Erie Set Water Level Records in February + POSTPONED–Flint Community Water Lab Grand Opening + Pellston, Michigan Students Help Discover PFAS in Homes

Visits with Federal Representatives Highlight Water Issues   

        

Last week, Freshwater Future and our partners from communities around the Great Lakes visited Federal Representatives in Washington, D.C. to inform them of concerns and needs to address water safety, toxins in water, and affordability.  

Detroit to Restore Water Service to Aid in Coronavirus Prevention

One of the most critical defenses for fighting off coronavirus is washing our hands.  We the People of Detroit led an initiative requesting the City of Detroit cease all water shutoffs and begin to restore service to all customers for public health reasons. Returning service to waterless homes will slow down the spread of the coronavirus and other health risks that are associated with no water in the home.

Lakes Superior, Michigan, Huron and Erie Set Water Level Records in February

If one inch of water equates to 800 billion gallons of water, what happens when the Great Lakes rise as high as 17 inches above the shoreline? Water level records are shattered creating higher rates of erosion and higher waves for surfing. 

POSTPONED–Flint Community Water Lab Grand Opening

The Flint Development Center and Freshwater Future have worked years to establish the Mckenzie Patrice Croom, Flint Community Lab, the first of its kind.  The Grand Opening scheduled for March 25th has been postponed due to the coronavirus. To ensure the health and safety of our participants and community members, we will reschedule for a later date. You will not want to miss this celebration.

Pellston, Michigan Students Help Discover PFAS in Homes

Pellston students, after learning about the toxic chemicals called PFAS, worked with Freshwater Future to test the water in their classmates’ homes. The results found high levels in a few residences.  The students are stepping up and becoming young leaders in the community by helping to inform and educate the community about PFAS and tackling the problem.

Ask Your Senator to Take Action on PFAS

In January, the U.S. House of Representatives passed, with bipartisan support, the PFAS Action Act (H.B. 535).  Sign this petition to ask your Senators to move PFAS solutions forward.  This important piece of legislation will:

  • Protect drinking water from PFAS by requiring the EPA to create a drinking water standard for PFOA and PFOS within two years.

  • Protect the Great Lakes, rivers, and streams from PFAS pollution by listing PFOS and PFOA under the Clean Water Act within two years.

  • Protect our air from PFAS by making PFOS and PFOA hazardous air pollutants under the Clean Air Act.

  • Require corporate polluters to clean up their PFAS contamination by listing PFAS as hazardous substances under the CERCLA Act or the Superfund Law.

  • Protect our communities and workers, especially our firefighters, who come into contact with these harmful products on a regular basis.

If you haven’t already, please sign this petition to ask your Senators to vote in favor of the Senate version of the PFAS Action Act.

PFAS Test Kits – GIFT a KIT!
Freshwater Future believes everyone has a right to know what is in their drinking water, regardless of what’s in their wallets. We have partnered with the University of Michigan Biological Station and other donors to offer PFAS testing for homes on private wells at reduced rates. You can help make our kits even more accessible by selecting Gift a Kit at check out. We’ll use your donation to send a kit to someone else as part of our “Pay What You Can Program”. Get (or gift) your test kits today!

Original Article

Blog – Freshwater Future

Blog – Freshwater Future

https://freshwaterfuture.org/uncategorized/freshwater-weekly-march-13-2020/

Alexis Smith

On:
In: Uncategorized

March 13, 2020 (Cleveland, OH) – As communities around the Great Lakes region respond to the ongoing COVID-19 crisis, cities and other government entities have take action to halt water shut-offs and restore residential water service.

In response, Alliance for the Great Lakes Director of Policy and Strategic Engagement Crystal M.C. Davis issued the following statement:

“The Alliance for the Great Lakes commends the cities of Cleveland, Detroit, and Toledo for ordering moratoriums on water shut-offs and restoration of residential water services during this crisis.

We also applaud Ohio Governor DeWine for directing utilities under the Public Utility Commission of Ohio’s (PUCO) jurisdiction to review shutoff policies and other practices. We urge the PUCO to act quickly to create these protections against the spread of the virus.

The deepening COVID-19 crisis reminds us of the intrinsic connection between water and public health – especially for those in our community who are homebound. This crisis is going to take a commitment to addressing this issue at all levels of government, and the Alliance is ready to work with any state or local officials looking for guidance in this critical area.

We must do all we can at this moment to keep ourselves, our families, and our communities safe, and these shut-off moratoriums do just that.”

###

Media Contact: Jennifer Caddick, jcaddick@greatlakes.org, (312) 445-9760

The post Alliance: “COVID-19 crisis reminds us of the intrinsic connection between water and public health” appeared first on Alliance for the Great Lakes.

Original Article

News – Alliance for the Great Lakes

News – Alliance for the Great Lakes

https://greatlakes.org/2020/03/media-statement-covid-19-and-water-shutoffs/

Jennifer Caddick

On:
In: Daily News

The decrease in ice cover is having culture impacts in addition to environmental impacts in Lake Superior’s coastal towns. Read the full story by the Chicago Tribune.

Original Article

Great Lakes Commission

Great Lakes Commission

https://www.glc.org/dailynews/20200313-ice-culture

Samantha Stanton

On:
In: Daily News

Sarnia, Ontario’s water pollution control facility is one of a handful being used for Environment Ministry testing this year to potentially help ease the amount of phosphorous entering the Great Lakes and contributing to toxic algae blooms. Read the full story by The London Free Press.

Original Article

Great Lakes Commission

Great Lakes Commission

https://www.glc.org/dailynews/20200313-phosphorous-removal-study

Samantha Stanton

On:
In: Daily News

The Michigan Senate finalized legislation Thursday that would provide $2 million toward the estimated $20 million cost of the Detroit Zoological Society’s proposed 30,000-square-foot Great Lakes Center for Nature in Macomb County. Read the full story by Macomb Daily.

Original Article

Great Lakes Commission

Great Lakes Commission

https://www.glc.org/dailynews/20200313-nature-center

Samantha Stanton

On:
In: Daily News

People in southeast Michigan felt the effects of that severe rainfall last year and again in January 2020, from high water levels in lakes and rivers to roads eroding and flooding neighborhoods and are planning preparing for high water to continue this spring. Read the full story by Second Wave Media.

Original Article

Great Lakes Commission

Great Lakes Commission

https://www.glc.org/dailynews/20200313-spring-high-water

Samantha Stanton

On:
In: Beaches, Boating, Paddle Sports and Sailing, economy, environment, George Elkind, Great Lakes, Latest News, Michigan, News, Play, Recreation, Tourism and Culture, Recreational Hunting and Fishing, Tourism, water, Wisconsin
Missing Opportunity: States, industry work together to promote outdoor recreation

Michigan and Wisconsin are currently the only Great Lakes states with an Office of Outdoor Recreation, though Indiana and Minnesota might see one soon.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/03/outdoor-recreation-industry-great-lakes/

George Elkind

On:
In: Advocacy, Better Government Association, Chicago, environment, Great Lakes, Illinois, Latest News, News, Politics, Policy, Environmental Justice, pollution, Protect, water
Student Protesters Demand Lightfoot Live Up To Campaign Promises on Environmental Protection

By Brett Chase, Better Government Association, through the Institute for Nonprofit News network

 

More than two dozen Chicago young activists Friday called on Mayor Lori Lightfoot to reinstate a city department of environment to combat heavy pollution in black and Latino neighborhoods and increase efforts to fight climate change.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/03/student-protesters-chicago-lightfoot-campaign-environmental-protection/

Better Government Association

On:
In: Adam Bechle, coastal hazards, Great Lakes, water levels

Face-to-face panels in Manitowoc, Somers and Mequon on Great Lakes water levels canceled; replaced by single online session

Due to concerns related to the spread of COVID-19, three face-to-face public information meetings about Great Lakes water levels have been canceled. These sessions were scheduled for Manitowoc (March 17), Somers (March 18) and Mequon (March 19).

The three in-person meetings have been replaced by a single online session, which will take place on Wednesday, March 18, from 6 to 8 p.m. People may attend this virtual session through Zoom at this web address: https://zoom.us/j/152994777

Additionally, a recording will be posted on Wisconsin Sea Grant’s YouTube channel after the events.

The online information session (like the in-person sessions that were canceled) will include experts from Wisconsin Sea Grant, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the National Weather Service and the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. (See our earlier story about these sessions here.)

The issue is timely because Great Lakes water levels have been at or near record highs in recent months, prompting concern among many Wisconsin residents. The Zoom webinar will address what’s in store for Great Lakes water levels through spring and summer of this year.

Said Dr. Adam Bechle, a coastal engineering outreach specialist with Wisconsin Sea Grant who is helping organize the webinar, “It is unfortunate that we need to cancel the three face-to-face sessions, but it is the prudent choice given the COVID-19 situation and public health. We remain committed to sharing important information about Great Lakes water levels with the public, and the online webinar will allow us to do so. We encourage people to watch it live on March 18, or look for the recorded version later.”

Questions about the Great Lakes water levels webinar may be directed to Bechle at (608) 263-5133.

Original Article

News Releases – Wisconsin Sea Grant

News Releases – Wisconsin Sea Grant

https://www.seagrant.wisc.edu/news/in-person-sessions-on-great-lakes-water-levels-replaced-by-march-18-webinar/

Jennifer Smith

On:
In: Daily News

The U.S. Department of Agriculture announced today it is awarding almost $49 million to help state and tribal governments encourage private landowners to allow public access to their land for hunting, fishing, and other wildlife-dependent recreation. Read the full story by  WLNS-TV – Lansing, MI.

Original Article

Great Lakes Commission

Great Lakes Commission

https://www.glc.org/dailynews/20200312-michigan-dnr

Patrick Canniff

On:
In: Daily News

The Federal Emergency Management Agency has officially declared the Jan. 10-12 storm that hit southeastern Wisconsin an emergency, opening funding avenues for repairing the estimated $10 million in regional damage — $2.58 million in Racine County. Read the full story by The Journal Times.

Original Article

Great Lakes Commission

Great Lakes Commission

https://www.glc.org/dailynews/20200312-fema-shoreline

Patrick Canniff

On:
In: Daily News

H2Ohio, described as a data-driven plan to reduce harmful algal blooms, creates the opportunity for Ohio farmers to adopt measures designed to reduce nutrient runoff, while mitigating the financial burden of these actions.  Read the full story by the Putnam County Sentinel.

Original Article

Great Lakes Commission

Great Lakes Commission

https://www.glc.org/dailynews/20200312-h2ohio-farmers

Patrick Canniff

On:
In: Daily News

People in southeast Michigan felt the effects of severe rainfall this past year, from high water levels to roads eroding and flooded neighborhoods. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers forecasts heavy rains are likely to strike again this spring and summer. Read the full story by Metromode.

Original Article

Great Lakes Commission

Great Lakes Commission

https://www.glc.org/dailynews/20200312-detroit-flooding

Patrick Canniff

On:
In: Daily News

A landmark Indiana Supreme Court decision certifying state ownership and guaranteeing public recreational use of the Lake Michigan shoreline is set to be codified in Indiana law. Read the full story by The Times of Northwest Indiana.

Original Article

Great Lakes Commission

Great Lakes Commission

https://www.glc.org/dailynews/20200312-indiana-beaches

Patrick Canniff

On:
In: Daily News

Plans for Traverse City, Michigan, to be a stop for massive international cruise ships beginning in summer 2022 have been halted after Discovery Center’s board of directors voted on the decision Monday. Read the full story by The Ticker.

Original Article

Great Lakes Commission

Great Lakes Commission

https://www.glc.org/dailynews/20200312-cruise-traverse

Patrick Canniff

On:
In: economy, environment, Great Lakes, Latest News, Michigan, Minnesota, News, Ohio, PFAS, pollution, Ric Mixter
PFAS News Roundup: Ohio starts testing, Minnesota cleanup could cost $1.2 billion, DuPont might dodge liabilities

Catch the latest updates on what’s happening with PFAS in Great Lakes Now’s biweekly headline roundup.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/03/pfas-ohio-minnesota-dupont-settlement-milk-ski-racing/

Ric Mixter

On:
In: Uncategorized
...RIVERS EXPECTED TO RISE THIS WEEK... A combination of melting snow and precipitation will cause river levels to rise this week. Several rivers are expected to reach bankfull, and a few may reach minor flood stage. Significant river flooding is not anticipated at this time. Due to the recent string of above freezing temperatures, ice jam potential is

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=WI125F406D417C.HydrologicOutlook.125F406F2960WI.GRBESFGRB.f3f1a1cfbf7fd74e35389b6750377fbf

w-nws.webmaster@noaa.gov

On:
In: Uncategorized
...PATCHY DENSE FOG IN THE FOX VALLEY AND LAKESHORE AREAS... Patchy dense fog continues across portions of the Fox Valley and lakeshore areas this morning, gradually spreading northwards while improving slightly along the southern Fox Valley. This fog is expected to gradually improve in the hours after daybreak. Persons driving through the Fox Valley and lakeshore areas this

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=WI125F406D3948.SpecialWeatherStatement.125F406DF0E0WI.GRBSPSGRB.6fc20bf70889aab619ae6ac651c361d8

w-nws.webmaster@noaa.gov

On:
In: Uncategorized
...LOCALLY DENSE FOG IN THE FOX VALLEY AND LAKESHORE AREAS... Dense fog has developed in parts of the southern Fox Valley and lakeshore areas, especially from Oshkosh to Manitowoc. The dense fog may spread farther north overnight. Increasing winds may result in gradual improvement by daybreak. Persons driving through the Fox Valley and lakeshore areas tonight

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=WI125F406C3070.SpecialWeatherStatement.125F406D54A0WI.GRBSPSGRB.5e771a216ff8e52d0625293ab8f2366d

w-nws.webmaster@noaa.gov