The Neebish Island News

Steelhead In The St. Marys

2010-04-30T10:56:00.000-04:00

It seems that every few years a writer from some publication gets the urge to head to Sault Ste. Marie and do some early season fishing for steelhead.

The latest is from Eric Sharp. See: St. Marys full of steelhead

Live Map Of The Great Lakes Seaway

2010-04-28T14:47:00.000-04:00

Many years ago researchers at Colorado State University hosted a map that showed Great Lakes Ship Locations for the last 72 hours. No, here's a live map that focuses on the St. Lawrence seaway.

From the Saint Lawrence Seaway Development Corporation: Seaway Map
[Via GL Echo]

There's also a world map of ship locations (including the Great Lakes) at SailWX.info

The Guide to Great Lakes Fishes

2010-04-27T13:09:00.000-04:00

From Eric Sharp at the FreeP: Gotta have it: Guide to Great Lakes Fishes

The book is available at Amazon.com for $16.47: Guide to Great Lakes Fishes (disclosure: clicking that link and ordering the book will contribute a few cents to an Amazon.com gift certificate for me)

Report Your Lamprey Encounters

2010-04-14T10:30:00.001-04:00

Via MLive: Great Lakes anglers asked to document lampreys through online program

Access the 'Lamprey Hunter' form from the Great Lakes Fishery Commission site

Freighter Travel

2010-04-13T12:02:00.003-04:00

You have to know someone or win a contest if you want to get a ride on a Great Lakes freighter. But you can still make a transatlantic crossing as baggage if you plan. Here's a series of article from a couple taking this journey.

Via Slate: Grounded: A Down to Earth Journey Around the World

Michigan's Future

2010-04-07T13:09:00.002-04:00

I believe those of us who live and visit Neebish Island do so because we feel the connection to the place, the water, the way of life that the Island lets us sip. But Neebish is just one 32 square mile island in the sea that is Michigan. And though we may feel that the Island is an escape, there is no escaping the fact that the way the rest of the state goes will have an impact on our secluded slice of paradise.

So here is something I consider must reading. MLive is hosting a series of essays under the name Rebooting Michigan and it is an exploration of ideas for balancing Michigan's rich natural features and resources with job creation and sustainability.

And I am not endorsing anyone for governor but in reading these articles I was reminded of candidate Rick Snyder's 10 Point Plan for reinventing Michigan.

This Is What I Call A Recycled Cottage

2010-04-06T23:19:00.000-04:00

I heard this story back in the fall but forgot to post it.

From Interlochen Public Radio, the story of a couple who took the 1920's era John W. Boardman and turned it into a cottage. See: Detour's Freighter Cottage

Chubs May Be A Cyclical Species

2010-03-29T09:51:00.001-04:00

Via IPR: Native Fish Shows Signs of Resurgence In Lake Michigan

Going Rogue

2010-03-29T09:15:00.003-04:00

A new hypothesis claims a 50 ft rogue wave sank the Edmund Fitzgerald and that Gordon Lightfoot will change the lyrics to his famous song.

See The Globe and Mail: The Edmund Fitzgerald's legend lives on … but with a major change

This story is being featured in a new Canadian television show - Dive Detectives. Doesn't look like it is available in the U.S.

The Cougar Team

2010-03-25T09:40:00.001-04:00

The Escanaba Daily Press has an article about the Michigan DNR's cougar response team: On the cougar trail

Rescue 21

2010-03-16T09:50:00.003-04:00

The USCG will roll out a new radio triangulation technology between now and 2017.

The Vineyard Gazette has the story: Coast Guard Search and Rescue Sees Giant Leap of Technology

End Of The Season Is Nigh

2010-03-09T23:01:00.001-05:00

Via SooToday: U.S. Coast Guard to open West Neebish Channel in its entirety

Vessel Traffic Service St. Marys River will open the waters between Nine Mile Point and Moon Island, effective 0800 EST March 12, 2010.

These preparations are being conducted in support of the March 21 opening of the Sault Locks and the start of the 2010 commercial navigation season.

The Coast Guard will make every effort to minimize the impact to Neebish Island ferry operations.

However, Neebish Island residents should prepare for minor service interruptions as the ice descending into the Rock Cut will most certainly prevent the ferry from operating normally.

Georgian Bay Association Web Site

2010-03-08T23:48:00.002-05:00

I recently came across the web site for the Georgian Bay Association: georgianbay.ca.

Stop by the site and download the newsletter as it is apropos for Neebish residents too.

Soo Locks Will Open March 21st

2010-03-08T09:06:00.002-05:00

See: Soo Locks 2010 shipping season will open early this year

The locks are opening early after the Corps received several requests from the shipping community and their customers to open early due to “an improved business climate” and to replenish critically low iron ore and coal inventories

This appears to be great macroeconomic news and may foretell a busy shipping season.

Atlantic Salmon Fact

2010-02-08T09:52:00.002-05:00

From Eric Sharp at the FreeP:

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

2010-02-08T09:49:00.001-05:00

Via The Detroit News: Lack of snow could cause low lake levels

The Eastern U.P. Is Becoming A Well Known Destination For Birders

2010-02-05T09:59:00.002-05:00

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

Neebish Island Ferry Resumes Winter Hours

2010-01-27T21:40:00.001-05:00

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.”

Web Site About Aamjiwnaang First Nation History

2010-01-27T09:56:00.002-05:00

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.

Ice Cover

2010-01-25T14:10:00.003-05:00

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.

Neebish Island Resort Is Doing Good Things

2010-01-25T13:58:00.002-05:00

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.

StopAsianCarp.com

2010-01-14T23:56:00.003-05:00

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.

New Winter Navigation Light For Munuscong Bay

2010-01-14T23:47:00.002-05:00

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.

Ice Issues

2010-01-14T23:41:00.001-05:00

9&10 News reports on the current concerns regarding the Neebish Island ice bridge: Ice Concerns at the Neebish Island Ferry

Reminder - Mackinac Bridge Tolls Go Up January 1, 2010

2009-12-31T14:35:00.002-05:00

The toll for cars will be $3.50.

Official site: Mackinac Bridge Fare Schedule