The Neebish Island News

As reported by the Bay City Times, Lake Huron is seven inches higher than last year at this time (All the rain is helping to raise water levels in Great Lakes after years of decline). And Lake Superior is 15 inches above July, 2007 levels, but is still four inches below the long-term July average (Weekly Great Lakes Water Level Update for July 18, 2008)

Labels: water levels

A cellulosic ethanol plant will be built. This will be the first cellulose to ethanol plant in the United States and is an unproven technology. Plus ethanol is not the best liquid fuel option when compared to alternatives such as biodiesel and butanol. But if successful this could mean big changes for the eastern U.P. and should have an impact on property values.

See:
Autoblog Green - Mascoma cellulosic ethanol plant to be built in northern Michigan

Detroit Free Press - State races to be 1st big wood ethanol maker

Labels: economy

LeelanauNews - 1 in 12 chance for new windows

As part of a national "Rock The Vote For Lighthouses" campaign, a company will replace the doors and windows to the lighthouse that receives the most online votes. A list of 49 lighthouses nationwide has been narrowed to 12 finalists, and the Grand Traverse Lighthouse Museum near Northport is the only one from Michigan.

Vote Here: JELD-WEN Windows and Doors Lighthouse Restoration Initiative

CoolTools - VibraSpin Lure

Labels: fishing

While this is nowhere near Neebish Island, I know many people have an interest in the shipwrecks of the Great Lakes.

MSNBC - 1780 British warship found in Lake Ontario: Intact 80-foot sloop is oldest ever found in the Great Lakes

Labels: history

PhysOrg - A Great Lakes mystery: The case of the disappearing species

Labels: fishing

I didn't know what Quonset Huts were. Wikipedia explains them as:

A Quonset hut is a lightweight prefabricated structure of corrugated steel having a semicircular cross section

Apparently there's one on Neebish Island that was spotted by someone who goes around looking for these.
See:
Neebish Island nearly Goneset Hut

Labels: history

SooToday - See this float by?

On June 14, 2008, we moved three starting platforms for the Dragon Boat Races to the Sailing Club.

On Monday June 16, 2008, one went missing.

Would you ask your readers if they have seen the attached dock floating down the St. Marys River to please call Sault Search & Rescue at 759-5878.

As a non-profit group, replacing this dock will cut into our operating budget.

Labels: St. Marys River

SaultStar - Superior's water level higher

Lake Superior was four centimetres above chart datum level for May and is expected to rise this month. However, the lake remains 18 centimetres below its long-term average level.

Labels: water levels

U.S. Coast Guard policy would allow lake freighters to keep dumping refuse

Freighters could continue dumping tons of coal and other dry cargo residues into the Great Lakes indefinitely under a proposed U.S. Coast Guard policy

.
If you did this on your boat you could face a $50,000 fine.

Labels: pollution

Do you have a small slice of land on Neebish Island or in the U.P. but not sure what kind of cottage you can build? Pre-fab homes have improved mightily in the last 10 years. And a new Traverse City company specializes in cottage designs built on piers so they go up and fast and can even be moved if needed.

Via MyNorth.com - Build Your Cottage in a Day

Official Site:
CottageInADay.com

Labels: cottage

If you are planning new plantings or landscaping this season please consider native plants in order to preserve the natural Neebish Island florae and the fauna that depend on them.

See:
AbMI - Consider Planting Michigan Native Plants

LTC - Attracting Butterflies with Native Michigan Plants

Invasive Plant Species in Northern Michigan

Labels: gardening, invasive species, wildlife

Over Memorial Day weekend we had baked whitefish (melt a couple of tablespoons butter with whatever "fish herbs" you have nearby, once melted pour over two whitefish fillets, and bake in a 400F oven for 7-10 minutes).

After dinner I could not scrub off the fish skin from the baking dish, even after soaking. I was about to harvest some scouring rush then remembered we had baking soda.

I poured out the soaking water, sprinkled in a couple of heaping tablespoons of baking soda, and by rubbing in the baking soda a paste formed that cleaned the fish right off. Plus, baking soda is good for the septic system.

Labels: tips

Even though I heard a story in the late 80's of a grazing moose spotted in one of Neebish Island's shallow bays I was quite surprised when I found moose tracks last year. I searched for more over Memorial Day weekend but only found tracks on the beach from a single coyote (sorry, didn't have a camera with me).

The New York Times reports on the return of the moose to the Adirondacks - Moose Gain Ground but Keep a Low Profile

And as exciting as seeing moose is, imagine the return of bison!
Bison can thrive again, study says

Labels: wildlife

Sandhill Cranes have such a distinctive sound. And this is a bird species that has been around for 10 million years! And although dinosaurs went extinct about 65 million years ago, I like to imagine the call of the Sandhill Crane is similar to them. I took this 15 second video clip last Memorial Day weekend.

More info:
Cornell Bird Guide - Sandhill Crane
International Crane Foundation - Sandhill Crane

Labels: birds

Reports are the Neebish Islander II will return to service on Thursday, May 15th.

Labels: ferry

Via MSNBC - New troops in war on terror: 80 million boaters: Awareness program akin to neighborhood watch is being launched

Hard to believe the United States is becoming a country of citizen-spies.

Watching wolves, moose and heat on Michigan island

Labels: wildlife

Here's the latest from the Soo Evening News regarding the Neebish Islander - Neebish ferry repair awaits state approval

With any luck there'll be some news this week so the ferry can be dry-docked and repaired before Memorial Day weekend.

Labels: ferry

Recently, what appears to be a wild cougar was shot by police in a Chicago suburb. See:
ChiTrib - Cops kill cougar on North Side

NatGeo - Cougar Shot in Chicago; Was 1,000 Miles From Home?

Bloomberg - Cougar Rattles Chicago, Where 2,000 Coyotes Prowl

Just another reminder that eventually we'll probably see cougars in the Neebish Island area. And of all the large animals I might run into; wolf, bear, moose, the idea of being face-to-face with a cougar is actually terrifying. Kind of like seeing God - you like knowing he's out there but you're not quite sure what's to happen if you do see him.

Labels: cougar

Below is a story from The Seattle Times about the Border Patrol detaining people arriving on the mainland from islands in the United States but "only" 20 miles from Canada. What's to keep the Border Patrol from doing this as we leave the Neebish Island ferry?

Border Patrol "spot checks" on ferries provoke outrage in San Juan Islands

Labels: ferry

You've probably heard in the news about drugs showing up in tap water. This story - EPA urges Great Lakes residents not to flush old meds - is a follow-up. And it reminded me to share a little ditty that I've taped on the walls of the cottage at Neebish Island so guests understand that a septic system is not a trash can.

What you flush down
Goes into the ground
Makes its way around
Back to the well it's bound
So please, make decisions that are sound

The website InspectApedia is quite a septic system resource. Here is their just one of their guides - Septic Tank Maintenance: What Can or Cannot Be Flushed into a Septic Tank - Septic Tank Maintenance and Cleaning Advice

And Montana State University has this resource - Septic Tank and Drainfield Operation and Maintenance

- The area over the drainfield should be left undisturbed, with only a mowed grass cover. Roots from nearby trees or shrubs may clog and damage your drain lines.
- Keep automobiles and heavy equipment off the drainfield.
- Do not plan any building additions, pools, driveways, or other construction work near the septic tank, drainfield or the replacement drainfield area.
- Do not put too much water into the se
- Do not flush non-biodegradable materials such as plastics, disposable diapers, sanitary napkins and applicators—they rapidly fill up the tank and will clog the system.
- Restrict the use of your kitchen garbage disposal—it increases the amount of solids in the tank, making them slower to decompose.
- Do not pour grease or cooking oils down the sink drain because they solidify and clog the soil absorption field.
- Don’t allow paints, motor oil, pesticides, fertilizers or disinfectants to get into your septic system. They can pass directly through the septic system and contaminate groundwater. These chemicals can also kill the microorganisms which decompose wastes and can damage the soil in the drainfield.
- Do not use caustic drain openers for a clogged drain. Instead use boiling water or a drain snake to free up clogs. Clean your toilet, sinks, shower and tubs with a mild detergent or baking soda rather than the stronger and potentially system-damaging commercial bathroom cleansers.

Labels: cottage, pollution, water

(forgot to post this earlier this month)
SooToday.com - Neebish Island man airlifted to Michigan Soo hospital

The Coast Guard received a call at approximately 11:10 a.m. reporting that a 78-year-old male was experiencing heart troubles and needed to be transported to better medical facilities on the mainland.

Station Sault Ste. Marie deployed an 18-foot Airboat to pick up the man from Neebish Island.

Labels: emergencies, ferry

Milwaukee Journal Sentinel - So much snow, but little help for lakes

Labels: water levels

Soo Evening News - Neebish situation occupies EUPTA

Labels: ferry

Don't count on a regular scheduled for the Neebish Islander any time soon.

The Soo Evening News has a couple of stories about it:
Hull leak sidelines Neebish Island ferry

Airboat service connects Neebish

As does TV 9&10 (with video) - Neebish Island Ferry Out of Service

Labels: ferry

The CS Monitor reports maple sugarers are having a great year - Economic sweet spot: making maple syrup

Mr. Marsh says sugarmakers won't meet demand for the product, which has skyrocketed domestically and internationally, especially in Asia and Russia. "We're growing the market. Now we just need to grow production," he says.

Partly because of maple syrup's low-fat content and partly because of organic food's popularity, sugarmakers have been able to find new outlets beyond the familiar gallon jugs and plastic squeeze bottles found on store shelves. Dufresne sells syrup to several granola companies, a brewery, and breadmakers, all organizations that weren't interested in his crop five years ago.

Want your own sugar bush on Neebish Island? MSU Extension has a guide (from 1982): Homemade Maple Syrup

Labels: food, trees

Hopefully this last winter blast marks the end of the snow. To commemorate it, here are State Conservation Officer Mike Borkovich's "top 10" list of excuses for trespassing as reported at LeelanauNews.com:

10. “Everyone else goes through here.”

9. “I had to go to the bathroom really bad, and was taking a shortcut.”

8. “How am I suppose to get to Northport?” (Reply: “I’m not sure, sir, but now you’re in Empire.”)

7. “I was just following the tracks.”

6. “I couldn’t help myself. It was fresh powder and there were no tracks.”

5. “The sign only said no hunting or trespassing, so I thought it was OK to snowmobile.”

4. “I’ve always driven across this property. I’m not going to stop now.”

3. “Why are you picking on me?”

2. “I didn’t know anybody owned this property.”

1. “It ain’t hurt’n nuth’n.”

LeelanauNews.com also has an interesting 2007 profile of this fine Officer - He's behind every tree

FreeP - Cougar country: tracks hint at presence in Delta County

It is only a matter of time until cougars journey into the Neebish Island area. Via the Cheboygan Daily Tribune - DNR gives advice if cougar spotted

- Stop, stand tall and do not run. Pick up small children. Do not run. A cougar's instinct is to chase.

- Do not approach the animal.

- Try to appear larger than the cougar. Never take your eyes off the animal or turn your back. Do not crouch down or try to hide.

- If the animal displays aggressive behavior, shout, wave your arms and throw rocks. The idea is to convince the cougar that you are not prey, but a potential danger.

- If the cougar attacks, fight back aggressively and try to stay on your feet. Cougars have been driven away by people who have fought back.

Savethecougar.org has the cougar track pictures from Delta County: http://www.savethecougar.org/Michigan-cougar-tracks-3-12-2008/

Labels: cougar, wildlife

Ice breaking operations began in the St. Marys River this week.
Soo Evening News - River icebreaking begins today

Don't have to worry about getting to and from the Island yet as the USCG says the ice bridge to Neebish Island will be left until March 25th.

But for how much longer will the Great Lakes be a major shipping route? As Great Lakes water levels drop and the polar ice caps melt carriers will move to ship more cargo out of northern Canada rather than the traditional freshwater ports.

Example from Bloomberg.com - Global Warming Melts New Sea Lanes for Norilsk, ConocoPhillips

And this story from Sail World about the first American yacht to travel from east to west through the Northwest Passage (and turned a global warming skeptic into a believer and messenger in the process).

Labels: climate, shipping

While Fraser, CO and International Falls, MN fight over the "Icebox of the Nation" official trademark, in Michigan we know Pellston as the icebox of the nation. For example, this morning Pellston is at -18F which is significantly colder than most other areas of northern Michigan (there is a geographical explanation for why it is so cold there).

Location	Time (est)	Sky/Weather	Temp. (ºF)	Dewpt. (ºF)	Humidity (%)	Wind (mph)	Pressure (in)
Pellston Regional Airport of Emmet County	08:54	Fair	-18	-21	86	Calm	30.28
Harbor Springs Airport	08:55	Fair	-4	-8	84	E 5	30.26
Charlevoix Municipal Airport	08:55	Fair	5	-0	78	SE 3	30.27
Brennan Farm Airport
Traverse City, Cherry Capital Airport	08:53	A Few Clouds	9	2	73	E 7	30.23
Gaylord, Otsego County Airport	08:53	Fair	4	-0	83	NE 5	30.18
Houghton Lake, Roscommon County Airport	08:53	Mostly Cloudy	4	-0	83	E 5	30.19
Alpena County Regional Airport	08:54	Light Snow Fog/Mist	3	-1	83	Calm	30.25
Sault Ste. Marie	08:55	Overcast	-5	-11	75	E 6	30.30

Labels: geography, weather

BULLETIN - IMMEDIATE BROADCAST REQUESTED
CIVIL EMERGENCY MESSAGE
MICHIGAN EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY GAYLORD MICHIGAN
RELAYED BY NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE GAYLORD MI
1230 PM EST SUN FEB 10 2008

THE FOLLOWING MESSAGE...IS TRANSMITTED AT THE REQUEST OF THE
MACKINAC BRIDGE AUTHORITY.

THE MACKINAC BRIDGE WILL BE CLOSED UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE...DUE
TO HIGH WINDS.

Labels: weather

8th Annual Barbeau Area Poker Run: Registration is between 11a.m. and 2 p.m. $10 fee (14 & under free). Run time is from noon until 5 p.m. Held at St. Mary's River Sportsmans Club in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan. Prizes, food, entertainment. For more information, call Michele Green at (906) 647-1957.

Griffon mystery runs deep: Steve Libert believes he has discovered ship that sunk in 1679

Labels: history, shipping

Soo Evening News - Dive team recovers lost fishermen
Mining Journal - Bodies of drowning victims found

If you're going to be out on the ice you may want to read these sites first:
How to Survive a Fall Through Ice
Surviving When You Fall Through The Ice (video)
Expert offers tips for surviving a fall through ice

A television guide for Neebish Island residents.

Although some folks on Neebish Island have satellite television service I know there are plenty of us who rely on picking up a few television channels over the air with an antenna (I actually enjoy the simplicity of a few channels). But did you know that as of February, 17, 2009, your old television will no longer be able to pick up over-the-air broadcasts of local channels like 9 and 10? The CBC will still work on your old television however. Well, at least until August, 31, 2011 when the CBC will go digital too.

The Details
As of February 17, 2009 if you want to continue receiving your free over-the-air broadcast television you will have two options: 1.) You will need a television with an integrated digital tuner or 2.) you'll need to get a set-top-box to convert the digital signal into analog so your old television can display the content.

Why?
Beginning this Thursday, the United States government is will open the bidding to private companies the 700 MHz radio spectrum currently used for over-the-air broadcast television. The government will gain $10 billion or more from this auction. The winning companies will then resell this spectrum to the consumer as wireless services (voice, data, and video) and I’m sure this too will be taxed by the government.

What To Do?
If you have a newer television you might be okay. If your TV has knobs and dials on it you'll need to make a change. If you have satellite television or cable (when off Neebish Island) then there’s nothing you need to do – the satellite and cable companies already collect the television signals and deliver them to your television and will continue to do so.

Digital converters will be available for purchase from electronics retailers and these will be the cheapest option. These will work by plugging in your antenna on one end and your television set to the other.

But how do you determine if you need a digital converter for your old TV? From www.dtv2009.gov:

“The best way to determine whether your TV set has a digital tuner built in is to consult your owner’s manual. If that’s not possible, you may be able to look up information about your TV set on the manufacturer’s website. Or, you can take an up-close look at your TV set. In any case, you’re trying to find out if your set has an input connection labeled “digital input” or “ATSC” (for Advanced Television Systems Committee, which is the DTV format).”

If you choose to purchase a converter you can apply for a $40 coupons to offset the cost. Go to www.dtv2009.gov to apply for a coupon.

You are sure to see much in the news about this digital television transition. However, here’s something to think about – from my reading of the regulations this digital converter box will only work with digital transmissions. This means that if you watch a lot of Canadian television then you’ll need a converter that includes an analog pass through or go to your local electronics store and buy a coaxial A-B switch. This is because Canadian broadcasters won't make the transition from analog to digital until 2011. By having either a manual or built-in analog signal bypass you'll be able to continue watching Canadian broadcases past 2009.

But if you've been thinking about buying a new television set, doing so before February, 2009 will ensure you’ll be able to continue viewing over-the-air broadcast television without interruption as all televisions sold since May, 2007 have had an integrated digital tuner (unless there was a big sticker on the box saying it did not have this tuner).

And in terms of new television sets Consumer Reports continuously rates Panasonic models (both LCD and plasma) very highly in terms of reliability and picture quality (I own a 32” LCD Panny and love it!).

But I don’t go to Neebish Island to watch television, so do I need a regular television set there? I have considered a digital projector instead of a television. My thinking is with a digital projector is:
1. it is easy to move around and hide when not in use; so movies and television could be watched just about anywhere
2. any wall can be a screen, giving almost unlimited television sizes
3. because it is portable it can be used outside for "movie viewing" nights

The disadvantages are;
- the light bulb burns out on a regular basis
- it needs a receiver to be plugged into it
- for good sound it needs a stereo system connected to it
- the picture quality is not going to be as a Panasonic (but it should be good enough)

Crutchfield has a choosing a projector guide. And Epson has been making these projectors for a long time. Browse their models for a good idea of what is available.

So, to review, the situation is this. At midnight on February 17, 2009 America’s over-the-air broadcasters will turn off their analog signal. To continue TV viewing after this date you’ll need:

1. to subscribe to satellite, cable, or similar television service (e.g., FiOS, AT&T U-verse) or
2. purchase and use a digital converter box or
3. purchase and use a television set with a digital tuner.

Obviously this digital television transition will be a bit of a hassle. On the flip side the promise of the 700 MHz radio spectrum is the possibility of high-speed wireless Internet connections for even the rural areas of America. We will see…

Here are links with more information:
DTVtransition.org
DTVAnswers.com
Bandwidth wars
Inside the High-Stakes 700-MHz-Spectrum Auction
The 700MHz Question: Will the Wireless Spectrum Auction Lead to Innovation or More of the Same?
Television's big switch-over
Airwaves, Web Power at Auction
DIGITAL TELEVISION TRANSITION: Preliminary Information on Initial Consumer Education Efforts (GAO report)
Major retailers to sell TV converter boxes
Rabbit-Ear Users Don’t Know The End (of Analog TV) Is Near
Google ready to invade telco turf, bid on 700MHz spectrum

More bad news for those of us who love winter. From a National Science Foundation funded study - Winter Ice on Lakes, Rivers, Ponds: A Thing of the Past?

Labels: climate, snow, weather

And the salt of Neebish Island, Cliffy, has passed away. And with him a some of the Island's flavor has been lost.

In the Soo Evening News -
TYNER, CLIFFORD, age 80, of Neebish Island, Michigan passed away early Tuesday morning, January 8, 2008 at his home.

C.S. Mulder Funeral Home is handling funeral arrangements.

They have a nice obituary up. I love the reference to ferry time [who doesn't remember getting a phone call that Cliff was making the last ferry run of the season that very day?]:

Traditions he handed down to us were making maple syrup, life according to ferry time, hunting, gardening, storytelling and a love for the outdoors.

Many of us have memories of "Captain Crunch", the 40 year ferry captain of the Neebish Islander I . I remember when he told me after a beaver had downed an aspen tree onto our power line - "ahh, it's a junk tree anyway..." Many people probably have dreams of writing a book about Neebish Island some day; Cliffy's life deserves a book of its own.

Labels: ferry, history, people