Great Lakes EchoGreat Lakes Echo

Data shows daily withdrawals from Great Lakes basin

Becky McKendry — Tue, 18 Jun 2013 04:37:54 +0000

More than 44 billion gallons of water were extracted daily from the Great Lakes-St. Lawrence River Basin in 2011, according to a new report. Of the region’s states and provinces, Ontario withdrew the most water, at about 37 percent and Pennsylvania took the least at .07 percent. Uses for the water include irrigation, public drinking and industrial needs. That amount does not include water used for hydroelectric energy. When including energy uses, the picture changes dramatically. Quebec, New York and Ontario together make up more than 97 percent of the water withdrawals. The findings ...

Uncovering a shipwreck three centuries later

Emanuele Berry — Tue, 18 Jun 2013 04:33:59 +0000

Built by French explorer Rene-Robert Sieur de La Salle, the vessel "Le Griffon," or "Griffin" in English, was the first vessel to sail the Great Lakes. The ship disappeared in 1679. Following years of research, Steve Libert, president of the Great Lakes Exploration Group, discovered something he suggests might be the Griffin's bowsprit submerged in Lake Michigan.

Release of classroom pets bring more invasive species here

Celeste Bott — Mon, 17 Jun 2013 04:23:51 +0000

A survey of teachers in the U.S. and Canada found nearly 27 percent release classroom pets and plants into the environment, risking a new pathway for invasive species. Researchers are alerting teachers and students to the problem with online resources, exhibits and field trips. Euthanasia is a touchy subject.

Mr. Great Lakes: Volleyball, birding trails and Great Lakes success stories

Jeff Kart — Mon, 17 Jun 2013 04:17:43 +0000

Mr. Great Lakes (Jeff Kart) reports from Bay City, Michigan’s Delta College Q-90.1 FM. This week Kart discusses a volleyball tournament raising money for beaches, a nature trail in Saginaw Bay and an interactive map highlighting Great Lakes restoration projects. Text at Mr Great Lakes

Photo Friday: Fresh Coast, a Great Lakes tribute

Celeste Bott — Fri, 14 Jun 2013 04:37:13 +0000

The Fresh Coast Project began as an attempt by photographer Ed Wargin to capture the Great Lakes in pictures and video. His new book, “Fresh Coast, a Great Lakes Tribute” features both photos of all five Great Lakes and often the stories behind them, as Wargin shares his experiences traveling through the Basin. The slideshow above features just a few of Wargin’s photos from the book. A digital book can be downloaded here.

Rock and Roll and restoration: Strange Great Lakes bedfellows

Gary Wilson — Fri, 14 Jun 2013 04:33:31 +0000

How come Chicago's Northerly Island is getting $2.8 million in Great Lakes Restoration Initiative money for projects with questionable environmental restorative value just as concert revenue is set to expand?

Where are the best places to live on the Great Lakes?

Celeste Bott — Thu, 13 Jun 2013 04:02:47 +0000

Outside Magazine slighted the Great Lakes now and in the past in its annual vote for best towns for outdoor recreation and quality of life. Here's your chance to set that publication straight.

Final polling results: Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund

Becky McKendry — Wed, 12 Jun 2013 04:46:37 +0000

Two weeks ago, Echo reported about recent attempts to change the Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund. We asked where you thought the fund should be spent. Since our check-in last week, we had 24 more votes, but the proportions stayed mostly the same. Land purchasing remained the clear winner with more than half the votes. There were slight decreases for biking/walking paths and other ideas not listed and small upticks for dredging and roads/trails for motorized vehicles. Here are the final results based on 75 votes: Land purchasing: 52 percent State park development: 20 ...

Can China cure the carp crisis?

David Poulson — Wed, 12 Jun 2013 04:15:06 +0000

The Chinese media can't figure what's the big deal. People there love the fish. One suggestion for U.S. carp control: Allow more Chinese to immigrate here.

Twenty years after fatal outbreak, Milwaukee leads on water testing

Guest Contributor — Tue, 11 Jun 2013 04:56:40 +0000

In 2004, Milwaukee Water Works began monitoring drinking water for estrogen and testosterone, flame retardants, pesticides, explosives and pharmaceuticals.