Radioactive Waste storage in the Great Lakes basin

Radioactive Waste storage in the Great Lakes basin

It is a difficult issue.

http://bit.ly/1scrHpJ FOCA

Great Lakes “plasticization” linked to cosmetic products

Great Lakes “plasticization” linked to cosmetic products

http://bit.ly/1cUuHKz Cottage Life

"But new research has discovered a new threat that plastic poses to our water systems—one that’s showing up in increasing concentrations in our Great Lakes." 
=========
Not good at all. 

Low Water Levels on the Great Lakes

Low Water Levels on the Great Lakes

http://www.charts.gc.ca/notice-avis/2013/2013-05-02-eng.asp


Double Check Your Charts Before You Head Out on the Great Lakes this Summer

Tall Ships sail Ontario's Great Lakes

Tall Ships sail Ontario's Great Lakes

http://bit.ly/18XU0yJ Toronto Sun

The tall ships are a-comin’ for a summer tradition on the Great Lakes.

These majestic sailing vessels will sail to 15 Ontario ports this summer to commemorate the bicentennial of the War of 1812.

====================

The will be in the Midland - Penetaguishene area the weekend before Labour Day Weekend. 

The International Joint Commission invites Public Comment on a Proposal for Lake Ontario and St. Lawrence River Regulation

The International Joint Commission invites Public Comment on a Proposal for Lake Ontario and St. Lawrence River Regulation 

The International Joint Commission (IJC) is inviting the public to comment on a proposal for managing the water levels and flows in Lake Ontario and the St. Lawrence River that will continue to contribute to the economic health of communities throughout the basin while improving the long-term ecological health of Lake Ontario and the upper St. Lawrence River.

Since 1960, the IJC has managed the flow of water at the Moses-Saunders hydropower dam, located on the St Lawrence River between Cornwall, Ontario and Massena, New York. The management of water flows influences water levels on Lake Ontario and in the St Lawrence River as far downstream as Lake St. Pierre. Although water levels and flows are primarily determined by precipitation, snowpack and storms,   water flow management has provided substantial benefits to the region. These include reducing flooding and erosion on the Lake Ontario shoreline, reducing flooding downstream, and providing more favorable conditions on the lake and river for water intakes, recreational boating, commercial navigation and hydroelectric power production.

http://bit.ly/19904kB International Joint Commission

Group demanding governments address low levels in Great Lakes

Group demanding governments address low levels in Great Lakes 

The international agency tasked with controlling water levels on the Great Lakes is recommending that governments need to address record low water levels in lakes Michigan and Huron.

However, at least one group advocating for action questions whether the recommendations will adequately address the long-term issues facing the Great Lakes — especially Huron and Michigan.

http://bit.ly/ZU40P1 Barrie Examiner 

Water-level concerns to be discussed March 26 in Midland

Water-level concerns to be discussed March 26

We have observed drastic changes with lower water levels in the Great Lakes, especially in Lake Superior, Lake Michigan, Lake Huron and Georgian Bay.

We will discuss these changes, and how they affect both indigenous and non-indigenous people, at a Couchiching Conversation gathering March 26 at the Midland library beginning at 7 p.m.

http://bit.ly/Yum05Q Midland Free Press

Any one able to go?

New Page on the Blog Low Water Levels

I have added a page to the Clearwater Beach Ontario blog on the low water levels. 
We will be posting links to various articles, web sites and information on the Low Water Levels of the Great Lakes.

If you have anything you think should be on there let me know.

http://bit.ly/VYcZn3 Clearwater Beach Ontario 


I am thinking of adding a page for actions that can be taken/are being taken by our association and others.

Map shows Great Lakes stress

Map shows Great Lakes stress

Parts of Lake Huron and Georgian Bay around Grey and Bruce counties have been identified as highly stressed in a recently released environmental map.

A team of researchers who are part of the Great Lakes Environmental Assessment (GLEAM) project examined 34 stressors, including coastal development, pollutants transported by rivers from agricultural and urban land, fishing pressure, climate change and invasive species. Using data from various agencies, organizations and researchers, the map shows how different stressors can be combined to assess the overall health of the ecosystem.

Read the rest of the the article 
http://bit.ly/UOTZXm Midland Free Press 

Not Good News, would love to see this done on our side of the bay 

Lake Huron hits record low

Lake Huron hits record low

Lakes Huron and Michigan, which hydrologists consider one lake system, dropped to 175.61 metres above sea level in December — one centimetre lower than the previous record set in 1964, preliminary figures show. Systematic record-keeping began in 1918.

Read the full article 
http://bit.ly/136NS1O Midland Free Press

===============
It's not looking good.

Interactive Map Visualizes Great Lakes Water Currents

An Interactive Map Visualizes Great Lakes Water Currents
http://bit.ly/QZaadt http://data-informed.com
Looks like a interesting tool

Low water levels in bay focus of Ottawa talks

Low water levels in bay focus of Ottawa talks

OTTAWA - A group of local politicians met with federal Environment Minister Peter Kent in Ottawa on Tuesday to discuss water levels on Georgian Bay and the Great Lakes. 

http://bit.ly/SLPA0b Simcoe.com

Why the Lakes are slowly getting less Great

Why the Lakes are slowly getting less Great

http://bit.ly/Oic87l  Globe and Mail

A complex issue with not simple answers.

Great Lakes Need Great Friends Tour

Great Lakes Need Great Friends Tour

May 28: Tiny Township

Join Maude Barlow, Chairperson of the Council of Canadians', Terry Rees of FOCA, and other special guests at this stop of the Council of Canadians' Great Lakes Need Great Friends Tour. 7:00 p.m. on May 28,  at the Tiny Community Centre, 91 Concession 8 East, Perkinsfield.

The tour will visit 8 Great Lakes communities in total, to begin building a network committed to a new vision for the Great Lakes.  Learn more here.

Come hear how we together we can restore more democratic control over the Great Lakes. Admission is FREE to these public events, though donations are encouraged. Arrive early as seating is limited.

http://bit.ly/Ky1mrO FOCA

Great Lakes show massive ice loss, study says

Great Lakes show massive ice loss, study says
http://bit.ly/ylzMwj CBC
Not a good thing, the ice helps prevent evaporation of the water in the winter