In case you haven’t heard, figurative waves are crashing along the water border separating Canada and the U.S. Historically a respectful partnership, the relationship between the two nations is strained. It’s an ominous time that has considerable implications for the Great Lakes. I’m turning this post over to a distinguished expert on the environment with …
It’s been 40 years since the governors of the Great Lakes states and the premiers of Ontario and Quebec signed a non-binding agreement called the Great Lakes Charter, designed to unite the region against the threat of water transfers out of the five lakes to other watersheds. No environmental issue I’ve worked on has resulted in …
There was a brief time when federal law counted six, not five Great Lakes. The Great Lakes State and its politicians erupted. The “crisis” passed, but lessons in geography, pride and politics can be learned from the episode. Imagine what would happen in Vermont if Michigan members of Congress obtained a federal law declaring Michigan …
There is not — yet — an app that gives you all the information you need to plan and enjoy a successful Great Lakes outing. There should be. Anyone want to team with me on that? In the meantime, this set of links will have to do. Everything from air quality to beach closings. What …
Canadian wildfires have smeared the sunlight many times in May or June. The plumes of smoke turn the sky a milky what, slightly darkening the world around us in northern Michigan. Worse, they pose health risks for those with sensitive respiratory systems, including children and older people. But there is a compensation: some of the …
We are all enamored of the 38,000 square miles of Great Lakes water within the boundaries of Michigan, but few think of the 38,000 square miles of land at the bottom of the Great Lakes. This area, which the State of Michigan is legally required to protect under the public trust doctrine and the Great Lakes Submerged Lands Act, …
Bayside Park in Acme Township, east of Traverse City, is an underrated place for sunset viewing. Looking across the water to the Old Mission Peninsula, it affords an unadulterated view of the sun’s departure year-round. Here are a couple of photos in all seasons.
Fifty-five years? Really? Yep. This could be an occasion for hand-wringing about the state of the environment, but just now let’s pause, remember, and reflect on all the lasting good that grew out of Earth Day.
The Bulwer-Lytton writing contest, which since 1982 has challenged entrants to compose opening sentences to the worst of all possible novels, is no more. Its founders have decided the task of wading among thousands of deliberately bad opening lines to novels is simply too much after more than 40 years. It is sad indeed, particularly …
Every American generation, it seems, has to get a crash course in government. By “crash,” I mean an emergency lesson, but also a crackup. We’re getting one now. It’s across the board, but for purposes of this essay, let’s focus on how government’s role in protecting the environment is both vital and irreplaceable. Last December, …
