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, …
This week’s episode of the Great Lakes Unsalted podcast contains unsettling observations about the concerns of some U.S. Great Lakes scientists that they may be monitored. Some also are reluctant to discuss the situation, fearing chastisement or worse from the top of the bureaucracy down. Great Lakes science is internationally recognized. We know more about …
Those in the US who think Canadians are over-reacting to President Trump’s threat to make Canada the 51st state should consult a history book — preferably one that I didn’t have access to in my long-ago high school and college days. You see, some in the US (and its government) coveted Canada and its resources …
This space was going to be devoted to a long post about the harm that will be done to the Great Lakes by proposed (and implemented) federal budget and staff cuts, as well as the so far feckless opposition from Congress and elsewhere. But inspiration must come first. A post is one thing; remembering what …
Jim Olson, who has defended the environment on behalf of citizens for over 50 years, should be a statewide hero. He’s a hero in my book. This week, Jim turns 80. It’s a good time to recognize all that he’s done. Growing up in Traverse City, he was sensitive at an early age to the …
On a snowy day, drivers feel relief when road salt helps clear the way of slippery spots. But, though necessary under certain circumstances, road salt is a major polluter of Michigan’s rivers, inland lakes and the Great Lakes. Road salt has a number of undesirable effects: The Great Lakes are feeling the effects of road …