Monday, February 08, 2010
Atlantic Salmon Fact
From Eric Sharp at the FreeP:
See: Ask Free Press outdoors writer Eric Sharp
Virtually all of the Atlantics caught in the Great Lakes today were spawned in the St. Marys.
See: Ask Free Press outdoors writer Eric Sharp
The Summer Water Level Forecast
Friday, February 05, 2010
The Eastern U.P. Is Becoming A Well Known Destination For Birders
Last year I posted about a trip some people took to Dunbar Forest and this year the Nutty Birder has some pictures from their trip.
See: Birding The Soo
See: Birding The Soo
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
Neebish Island Ferry Resumes Winter Hours
The Soo Evening News reports:
The Neebish Island Ferry re-opened Tuesday after a closure of more than two weeks.
“The wind finally shifted,” said a spokesman for the operation. “We will run the limited winter schedule as long as we can.”
Labels: ferry
Web Site About Aamjiwnaang First Nation History
Here's a blog I recently stumbled upon: The Plains of Aamjiwnaang
It presents the native history of the Upper Great Lakes in a story format.
It presents the native history of the Upper Great Lakes in a story format.
Labels: history, ojibwa, people
Monday, January 25, 2010
Ice Cover
Some recent links I've come across:
-Here's an article from BayViewCompass regarding ice on the Great Lakes: Great Lakes ice rhythms
-The NOAA Great Lakes Atlas has ice cover animations. (interesting to note that in 1979 western Lake Superior was 100% ice covered until mid-May)
-Here's a PDF of a research paper: Ice Conditions on the St. Marys River, Michigan, from February to breakup, 1967-1991.
-Here's an article from BayViewCompass regarding ice on the Great Lakes: Great Lakes ice rhythms
-The NOAA Great Lakes Atlas has ice cover animations. (interesting to note that in 1979 western Lake Superior was 100% ice covered until mid-May)
-Here's a PDF of a research paper: Ice Conditions on the St. Marys River, Michigan, from February to breakup, 1967-1991.
Labels: ice
Neebish Island Resort Is Doing Good Things
Neebish Island Resort is hosting the Kids Fighting Cancer Nature Resort Wish Trip program.
If you see these kids on Neebish Island this summer be sure to make them feel welcome.
If you see these kids on Neebish Island this summer be sure to make them feel welcome.
Labels: Neebish Island Resort
Thursday, January 14, 2010
StopAsianCarp.com
Michigan Attorney General Mike Cox has a new web site with all the news about keeping out Asian Carp.
See: StopAsianCarp.com
I know this is in the news a lot, and perhaps it sounds like hyperbole to some people, but this fish really would destroy the Great Lakes as we know them.
See: StopAsianCarp.com
I know this is in the news a lot, and perhaps it sounds like hyperbole to some people, but this fish really would destroy the Great Lakes as we know them.
Labels: fishing, invasive species
New Winter Navigation Light For Munuscong Bay
Via The Soo Evening News: A guiding light on Conely’s Point
It seems that every year we hear about someone falling through the ice in Munuscong Bay so hopefully this new light which is being paid for by federal dollars will save some future lives.
It seems that every year we hear about someone falling through the ice in Munuscong Bay so hopefully this new light which is being paid for by federal dollars will save some future lives.
Labels: munuscong
Ice Issues
9&10 News reports on the current concerns regarding the Neebish Island ice bridge: Ice Concerns at the Neebish Island Ferry
Labels: ferry, ice-bridge
Thursday, December 31, 2009
Reminder - Mackinac Bridge Tolls Go Up January 1, 2010
Tuesday, December 29, 2009
1973 Home Movie Of The Edmund Fitzgerald
Here is a 40 second clip that has been posted to YouTube: Edmund Fitzgerald on the St. Marys River May 19, 1973
Labels: history, shipping, shipwrecks
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
The "Bath Tub" Hypothesis Is Corked Up
Operation Taconite For The 2009-2010 Season Has Begun
Monday, December 07, 2009
The Lake Superior Shoreline Of 4500 Years Ago
Monday, November 30, 2009
Good News For The Sturgeon
Via GL Echo: Old fish makes new Great Lakes comeback
This is of interest to Neebish Island folks as historically, the St. Marys River has had a self-sustaining population of sturgeon.
This is of interest to Neebish Island folks as historically, the St. Marys River has had a self-sustaining population of sturgeon.
Labels: ecology, fish;, St. Marys River
Friday, November 20, 2009
The Worse News You May Hear Today
This is bad news for the Great Lakes. Very, very bad. Perhaps even cataclysmic.
See DetNews: Asian carp may have breached Great Lakes barrier
See DetNews: Asian carp may have breached Great Lakes barrier
Labels: fish;, invasive species
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
A Good Thing About Having Cougars Around
They can improve the overall health of the deer herd which is good for hunters.
Via the NYT: When Mountain Lions Hunt, They Prey on the Weak
Via the NYT: When Mountain Lions Hunt, They Prey on the Weak
...by consuming infected carcasses, the animals may be keeping infectious agents out of the environment, reducing transmission to healthy deer.
Labels: cougar, ecology, hunting, wildlife
Monday, November 16, 2009
"We've Seen A 5 Percent Increase Per Decade In Average Wind Speed Since 1985."
Via Dave Dempsey. See EurekaAlert: Warmer means windier on world's biggest lake
Labels: climate, lake superior, weather
A Wilderness Trek For Man And Dog Across The U.P.
Via Mlive: Backpacking 517 miles across Upper Peninsula reveals much to 60-year-old hiker
But this was different. Gauld carried little food this time, just a handful of granola bars and a bit of jerky, just in case.The route he took was the North Country Trail. And how lucky we are to have this in our geographical backyard and to be able to have preserved a sample of how things used-to-be. I look forward to hiking this trail myself some day.
The 60-year-old retired heavy equipment operator planned to live off the land, much as the early hunter-gatherers had, tapping Mother Nature's garden and his own woods sense developed from a lifetime of living close to the land.
Thursday, November 12, 2009
Burn Wise
Do you have a fireplace or wood stove in your Neebish Island cottage?
If so stop by the EPA's Burn Wise site for information on getting the most from your fire or to find the most efficient wood stoves.
If so stop by the EPA's Burn Wise site for information on getting the most from your fire or to find the most efficient wood stoves.
Labels: cottage
Friday, November 06, 2009
Windspires Are Available Now
I mentioned the Michigan made Windspire wind turbine last year.
They are for sale now and can be fully installed for $6,300 after federal tax credits.
See MyNorth: A Wind Turbine All Your Own Made in Manistee
According to MariahPower.com the nearest Windspire dealer to Neebish Island is McMaken Carpentry in Cedarville.
They are for sale now and can be fully installed for $6,300 after federal tax credits.
See MyNorth: A Wind Turbine All Your Own Made in Manistee
According to MariahPower.com the nearest Windspire dealer to Neebish Island is McMaken Carpentry in Cedarville.
Wolf And Moose Populations On Isle Royale At A Low Point
Via the StarTrib: Trouble in nature's laboratory
Thursday, November 05, 2009
A Valuable Lesson With A Happy Ending
It wasn't a November Witch that sunk the hunters' fishing boat but it was close enough.
The Soo Evening News has the story of what happened to a party trying to get back to Barbeau after hunting on Neebish Island.
Munscong Bay storm
9and10News has the video story: 3 Hunters, Dog Survive Boat Capsizing
(as a side note, I first watched this story on 9and10 News' handy iPhone app)
The Soo Evening News has the story of what happened to a party trying to get back to Barbeau after hunting on Neebish Island.
Munscong Bay storm
9and10News has the video story: 3 Hunters, Dog Survive Boat Capsizing
(as a side note, I first watched this story on 9and10 News' handy iPhone app)
Labels: boat, munuscong, rescue, safety, St. Marys River
They're Here
in earlier posts I have mentioned that the Eastern U.P. is great cougar habitat and that it was only a matter of time until a cougar would be confirmed here.
That time is now.
The evidence is a trail cam photograph and paw prints near DeTour and Gulliver.
Picture and information is posted at MichiganCougar.com from right next to Neeebish Island in Bruce Township
For the news stories see:
9and10News: Cougar Confirmed in Upper Peninsula
ChicagoTribune: Officials confirm more cougar evidence in UP
SooToday: Cougar tracks confirmed in DeTour, Gulliver areas
I find this both terrifying and thrilling even though I know my chance of ever seeing a cougar in the wild is basically zero.
That time is now.
The evidence is a trail cam photograph and paw prints near DeTour and Gulliver.
Picture and information is posted at MichiganCougar.com from right next to Neeebish Island in Bruce Township
For the news stories see:
9and10News: Cougar Confirmed in Upper Peninsula
ChicagoTribune: Officials confirm more cougar evidence in UP
SooToday: Cougar tracks confirmed in DeTour, Gulliver areas
I find this both terrifying and thrilling even though I know my chance of ever seeing a cougar in the wild is basically zero.
Labels: cougar, pictures, wildlife
Tuesday, November 03, 2009
Instructions For Constructing A Large Digital Television Antenna
This would be an interesting winter project to improve over-the-air TV reception.
Via Instructables: Build a Large DB8 HDTV Antenna: Big Bertha
Via Instructables: Build a Large DB8 HDTV Antenna: Big Bertha
Labels: tips
Friday, October 30, 2009
New To Me - There Are Native Lamprey
Lake Carriers Will Continue To Clunk Along
The Soo Evening News reported the Sault Ste. Marie's City Commissioner's apoplectic response to the EPA's proposed cleaners fuel rules. See: City rallies around historic ships
The anger is a bit disingenuous as there are many complaints and a desire for something to be done when raw sewage overflows into the St. Marys River - in many ways particulate air pollution is worse as it directly contributes to premature deaths. How is working for clean air in the Great Lakes different than working for clean water? Are these complainers going to threaten to move to Mexico because the government wants to improve the well being of the public? And have they been to Mexico? Do they have any idea how bad the air quality in Mexico City is?
Also, the reporter in the story wrote "The EPA regulation is set to go in effect in December which would seemingly prevent the good ships and crews from even completing the 2009-10 shipping season." but this is inaccurate. The Lake Carriers would have had until 2015 to fully meet the emissions requirements.
A compromise has been reached however. See: Deal struck on Great Lakes ship pollution
A different view from Great Lakes United: Clearing the Smoke on Ship Emission Standards
The anger is a bit disingenuous as there are many complaints and a desire for something to be done when raw sewage overflows into the St. Marys River - in many ways particulate air pollution is worse as it directly contributes to premature deaths. How is working for clean air in the Great Lakes different than working for clean water? Are these complainers going to threaten to move to Mexico because the government wants to improve the well being of the public? And have they been to Mexico? Do they have any idea how bad the air quality in Mexico City is?
Also, the reporter in the story wrote "The EPA regulation is set to go in effect in December which would seemingly prevent the good ships and crews from even completing the 2009-10 shipping season." but this is inaccurate. The Lake Carriers would have had until 2015 to fully meet the emissions requirements.
A compromise has been reached however. See: Deal struck on Great Lakes ship pollution
Congressional negotiators reached a deal Tuesday that would effectively exempt 13 ships that haul iron ore, coal and other freight on the Great Lakes from a proposed federal rule meant to reduce air pollution.
A different view from Great Lakes United: Clearing the Smoke on Ship Emission Standards
Labels: freighter, law, pollution, shipping
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
A Lesser Known Lake Superior Double-Shipwreck
These two French warships are still missing but there's going to be a new effort made to find them. From TheStar.com: Treasure hunters seek Lake Superior's 'Holy Grail'
Read more about this event in the book 'Many A Midnight Ship'
Read more about this event in the book 'Many A Midnight Ship'
Labels: lake superior, shipwrecks
Tuesday, October 06, 2009
Interesting Technology
University of Minnesota Duluth is using an underwater glider in Lake Superior to measure water quality.
See: Under the Greatest Lake
See: Under the Greatest Lake
Labels: study
Thursday, October 01, 2009
Closing Up
The TC Record-Eagle has a story about getting ready for winter: Closing the Cottage
NPR News' Focus On The U.P.
Thursday, August 27, 2009
A U.P. Food Tradition In The New York Times
Now Entering Upper Michigan’s Smoked Fish Zone
My favorite smoked fish is Lake Trout. The combination of price and taste is unbeatable.
My favorite smoked fish is Lake Trout. The combination of price and taste is unbeatable.
Labels: economy, fishing, food
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
Why Doesn't Lime Island Get More Attention?
Right down the river from Neebish Island sits Lime Island, a former site for lime kilns and a freighter refueling stop. And as this article at Michigan.gov states: Lime Island is an Undiscovered Gem.
Now the seasonal caretakers are finally getting the recognition they deserve. See the SooEveningNews: Lime Island ceremony to honor Chilsons
Michigan DNR has camping information here: Lime Island State Forest Campground
Now the seasonal caretakers are finally getting the recognition they deserve. See the SooEveningNews: Lime Island ceremony to honor Chilsons
Michigan DNR has camping information here: Lime Island State Forest Campground
Labels: camping, Lime Island, St. Marys River, toursim
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
St. Marys River Fish Survey
Via SooToday: St. Marys River boaters are asked to watch for this: Fisheries Task Group plans survey on St. Marys River in August
Labels: ecology, fishing, St. Marys River, study
New Ferry Dock
From the Soo Evening News: $1 Million to upgrade ferry docks on St. Marys River
...docks at Neebish Island/Barbeau will be modified to accommodate multiple vessels;
Labels: ferry
Thursday, August 20, 2009
A Panoramic Picture Of The Stewart J. Cort
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
'No Body Contact' Advisory
UPDATE: As expected, the Advisory was lifted for all areas August 13th. The water is safe to enter once again. For more on combined sewage overflows see The Free Press: How our lakes get so dirty
And this event serves as another reminder that the more we can reduce runoff the fewer times we'll have sewage in the St. Marys river.
-----------------------------
From 9&10 News: Chippewa County Health Department Issues Advisory After Sewage Overflow
I checked the Chippewa County Health Department web site tonight and the upper portions of the river have had the contact ban lifted so I'd expect E. coli levels to drop enough in the next 24-48 hours that the Neebish Island shoreline will have its ban lifted too.
And this event serves as another reminder that the more we can reduce runoff the fewer times we'll have sewage in the St. Marys river.
-----------------------------
From 9&10 News: Chippewa County Health Department Issues Advisory After Sewage Overflow
The Chippewa County Health Department issued a 'no body contact' advisory for areas along the north shore of Sugar Island within the Lake George Channel and the lower St. Mary's River down to Neebish Island.
I checked the Chippewa County Health Department web site tonight and the upper portions of the river have had the contact ban lifted so I'd expect E. coli levels to drop enough in the next 24-48 hours that the Neebish Island shoreline will have its ban lifted too.
Labels: pollution, St. Marys River
The New Drummond Island
Neebish Island's far southern neighbor in the St. Marys River, Drummond Island, is changing how it is marketed to the world, and the change is making a difference for the local economy.
See MLive: Long a favorite among anglers and hunters, Drummond Island is attracting kayakers, birders
See MLive: Long a favorite among anglers and hunters, Drummond Island is attracting kayakers, birders
"I think the future is going to be the silent sports."
Labels: Drummond Island, toursim
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
A Nine Inch Difference
In the spring, the IJC released a report indicating that dredging the St. Clair River had not contributed significantly to lower water levels in Lakes Huron and Michigan.
Not so fast says consulting firm Baird & Associates.
Via the DetFreePress: Report contradicts study on Great Lakes water drop
Not so fast says consulting firm Baird & Associates.
Via the DetFreePress: Report contradicts study on Great Lakes water drop
A new report says that a joint U.S.-Canadian study exploring lower water levels on Lakes Michigan and Huron has significantly underestimated the amount of water the lakes have lost due to erosion on the St. Clair River.
Labels: water levels
Cedarville's Boat Building School
The Les Cheneaux Island area is well known as a wood boat haven - a classic area for the beautiful old Chris Crafts and obviously the host of the world's largest antique wooden boat show.
Now the area has one of the four wooden boat building schools in the U.S.
See MyNorth: Learn Wooden Boat Building in the Great Lakes
Official site: Great Lakes Boat Building School
Now the area has one of the four wooden boat building schools in the U.S.
See MyNorth: Learn Wooden Boat Building in the Great Lakes
Official site: Great Lakes Boat Building School
Monday, August 10, 2009
Toxic News
Lake Superior fish meet contamination risk
Popular Insect Repellent Deet Is Neurotoxic
The largest, deepest and coldest Great Lake holds another distinction — the highest levels of the contaminant toxaphene in the region and possibly anywhere in the world... Toxaphene has been shown to damage the immune system, nervous system and lungs and to cause cancer. The principal human exposure comes from eating fish.
It contains more than 670 chemicals and was one of the most heavily used insecticides in the United States.
Popular Insect Repellent Deet Is Neurotoxic
Labels: pollution
Friday, August 07, 2009
Munuscong Rivershed Planning Project
The Soo Evening News reports that the Michigan DEQ has given some money to get the Munuscong River Watershed Planning Project going.
See: DEQ ponies up for the Munuscong Rivershed [sic]
This will be run by the Chippewa/East Mackinac Conservation District
To get an idea of what this project can accomplish check out The Waterhshed Center Grand Traverse Bay's recently completed planning project: The Grand Traverse Bay Watershed Protection Plan
See: DEQ ponies up for the Munuscong Rivershed [sic]
This will be run by the Chippewa/East Mackinac Conservation District
To get an idea of what this project can accomplish check out The Waterhshed Center Grand Traverse Bay's recently completed planning project: The Grand Traverse Bay Watershed Protection Plan
Labels: munuscong, remediation, water
Thursday, August 06, 2009
Say Ya To Da U.P.
Wil Rankinen is studying the unique dialect of yoopers. So far it seems the English spoken in the U.P. is a combination of Finnish, Italian, and some Canadian influence. From the IU Linguistics Department: Michigan's Upper Peninsula Vowel Systems: Finnish- and Italian- American Communities (only a PDF of the abstract is available)
The data from the Finnish-American sample show a strong Canadian influence with perhaps some lingering Finnish characteristics. The current study among Italian Americans in the UP will reveal if similar developments show up in other immigrant subgroups.
Labels: canada, history, people
Safer Boating With EIRPB
MyNorth.com has posted an article on a piece of safety technology that anyone who ventures offshore should have.
See: Tips for Using Emergency Boating Signal Equipment
See: Tips for Using Emergency Boating Signal Equipment
