Shoreline News

Michigan Beach Advisory Website. The Michigan Department of Environmental Quality website lists water quality information, use advisories and closures for over one thousand beachfronts. Click here.

June Storms May Raise Lake Levels.
A long-term, positive effect from the early June storms was noted by the National Weather Service which said that this rain event was significant enough to help raise the level of Lake Michigan. Some areas along the Lakeshore received more than 10 inches of rain in a short period causing short-term flooding along the central coast. Lakes Michigan and Huron have been well below normal level for several years now.

Perch Populations Increase. After a few down years, it appears that the perch fishery is on the rebound in Lake Michigan, according to the Michigan DNR. The small, tasty fish has wide up-and-down population cycles that depend upon a number of factors and this might be a good one for fishing.

Cherry Blossom Time. I found that many trees were at or near their peek on Old Mission Peninsula during a May 10 bike ride up and around the penisula north of Traverse City. Here are some photos.

Finally, Federal Ballast Water Legislation. Those of you who use and visit the Great Lakes have seen the St. Lawrence Seaway's impact on lake ecology. Lamprey eels, zebra mussels and many other non-native organisms have hitchhiked their way from the ocean, often in the ballast water of ocean-going ships. The U.S. House has finally taken action to require that ships install and use systems to kill all organisms in the their ballast. President Bush has threatened to veto the bill passed by congress. Eric Sharp, the Detroit Free Press' outstanding outdoor writer, penned an excellent article summarizing the status of the legislation.

If you dislike cutting your feet on mussel shells when walking the beach, madden at the affect of invaders of native fish or think that algae blooms look bad and stink, here is your chance to reduce the risk of the next alien organism reaching our freshwater shore. Consider Mr. Sharp's call for action by contacting your representative and senators.

Lakes Michigan and Huron water levels recover some in early 2008. After reaching near record lows this fall, the level of the Lake Michigan-Lake Huron rebounded some this spring. The Corp of Engineers now forecasts the level to be 5 to 8 inches above last summer. This is a large increase but still 15 inches below the long-term average.

Lake Michigan Ferry Schedules. Sailing seasons for the two Lake Michigan ferry services are starting. Lake Express, (MWC - p57) which travels between Muskegon to Milwaukee began May 1. See www.lake-express.com. The S.S Badger begins its travel between Ludington and Manitowoc on May 9 (MWC - p77). See www.ssbadger.com.