The Neebish Island News

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

Labels: munuscong, remediation, water

(Here's a story I was reminded of with the recent passage of the Great Lakes Compact)

Last Novemeber a company by the name of Asset Holding LLC based in Arizona sent letters to landowners in Chippewa county. My family received one of these letters. See: Officials advise owners to be wary of Arizona property “offers”

Then in Decemeber the same thing happened to property owners in northern Wisconsin. See: Asset Holding Preditory [sic] land purchase offers Scottsdale Arizona

Do not be fooled. The company doing this is trying to scam property owners. See: Beware of the Property Tax Lien Scams

It could just be a run-of-the-mill financial scam. But I've heard something else from people in the know. Another possibility is that it is a front to gain water-access rights to Great Lakes basin water. If people from the arid southwestern state of Arizona were to buy up waterfront properties in the upper Great Lakes then they may try to craft a legal argument for moving water from the Great Lakes to their property in the desert. Just a thought...

Labels: water

The levels of organic contaminants and heavy metals in the St. Marys River are showing improvement. See: Water quality in the St. Marys River is ‘definitely’ improving

However, isn't there a saying about when you point a finger three more point back at you? It is revealed that after blaming Soo, Ontario; Sugar Island might have to ask if the beach closings of last year were due to sewer discharge from the Michigan side of the river. See: Sault Michigan does not test storm sewer outfalls; Sault Ontario does

Labels: pollution, St. Marys River, water

The Soo Evening News recently carried an article about swimmer's itch being reported from Lake Superior to Neebish Island (See: County officials warn about Swimmer's Itch)

If you pick up a case of swimmer's itch you can report it at swimmersitch.org.

That site also has these tips:

What can be done to prevent or to reduce swimmer's itch?

* Avoid swimming for long periods in shallow water
* Avoid swimming in areas where swimmer's itch is a problem and where there is an onshore wind
* Towel off immediately after leaving the water may help reducing swimmer's itch caused by cercariae of a few species that enter only as the water dries on the skin
* Post appropriate signs on beaches where swimmer's itch is an annual problem
* Do not encourage birds to stay in your area by feeding them
* Avoid placing rip-rap on your shore. This provides an excellent surface for certain species of snails to attach their eggs. The higher the number of snails, the greater the chance for swimmer's itch.

Labels: recreation, water

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

Someone took pictures of their late autumn hike to the Middle Neebish Lighthouse - dwhike's Adventure's > Middle Neebish Lighthouse, MI

You can find a map of Neebish Island with this light's location at lighthousefriends.com - Middle Neebish (Lower Nicolet) Range, MI

And there is book about tending this lighthouse. Guiding the way from Middle Neebish by Edward T. Cook. (if you buy the book after clicking that link it helps support this site)

Labels: freighter, history, water, weather