Great Lakes Blogger

why aren't more kids spending time outdoors?

The outdoors is good for kids — so why aren’t more young Minnesotans getting quality time out of the house? And most importantly, what are practical ways for parents and other adults to intrigue kids with the wonder of the outdoors?

The new on-line issue of Conservation Minnesota magazine, complete with video content, explores the problem and invites experts, including renowned child development expert Dr. Marti Erickson, to offer insights on how to get our kids outdoors and how they’ll benefit in better academic performance, improved behavior and concentration, and problem-solving skills.

There's also an interview with two young men who did a 2200-mile canoe paddle and other features.

public trust movement launched

A coalition of environmental groups wants to amend a recently enacted Great Lakes water management compact, contending it has loopholes that could enable water grabs by multinational corporations.

a legend with a modern Great Lakes lesson

Brenna Wanous has a thoughtful post on Great Lakes Town Hall this week.

Too often we take without thinking, take without gratitude or take without respect. This teaches us that it is essential to understand that there will be ramifications for exploiting the earth, whether it comes in the form of Mishipeshu’s wrath, global warming, fishery collapses, erosion and sedimentation, pollution or depletion of our groundwater.

shipwreck story

This one about the sinking of the Carl D. Bradley 50 years ago tomorrow.

For love of the Great Lakes

November 16 - 3 p.m.

If you haven't got your tickets there is still time to do so for the Northern Michigan premiere of Irena Salina’s New York Times critically acclaimed film, Flow: For Love of Water at Traverse City’s State Theatre at 3 p.m. The film is a documentary about citizen efforts around the world, including Michigan, to stop the privatization or control of water by large corporations.

Michigan Citizens for Water Conservation and other leading water and environmental organizations will launch a public education campaign, FLOW: For Love of the Great Lakes to protect the waters of the Great Lakes and Michigan from private export and sale, in Traverse City on November 16, 2008.
Immediately following the film is a panel discussion and reception at the City Opera House. The film and reception are open to the public. Participants will enjoy music by cellist Crispin Campbell, songwriters Seth Bernard and Daisy May, and local keyboardist Jimmy Olson, locally donated food from area restaurants or caterers, and a chance to meet and talk with Director Irena Salina, and speakers about world water issues.

Donations to the event are $15 for single and $25 for couples. Tickets to the reception include reserved tickets to the film.  Tickets are available at www.cityoperahouse.org or (231) 941.8082.  Remaining tickets will go on sale at the State Theatre. www.statetheatretc.org or (231) 947-3446. Those purchasing tickets at the State Theatre may also attend the reception with a donation at the door.

Will see you there.

Terry Swier, President MCWC

this lame duck bill is not lame

Beaver Basin, a remote corner of Michigan's Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, is a place of timeless serenity.

Bald eagles and river otters like the fishing at 765-acre Beaver Lake; loon calls echo over the water at twilight. Ten thousand acres of quiet woodlands nestle Beaver Lake and the nearby Lake Superior shoreline. The adjacent and aptly-named 12 Mile Beach is a credible nominee for the best beach walk in the state.

Our grandchildren will have the same opportunities for memorable visits to this place that we have -- if Congress acts decisively next week.

engage the children

Having witnessed this fall the interest and excitement of Upper Peninsula public school students for their part of the Great Lakes Stewardship Initiative, I'm enthusiastic that it's one of the keys to this region's future. A good post here by Jeff Alexander on the Muskegon area branch of the program.

big weekend in Traverse City

Of all the active conservation and environmental groups in the Great Lakes, the Northern Michigan Environmental Action Council probably does the most with the least. Its budget is small but its influence large. The organization has successfully blown the whistle on environmental law violators and sprawl proposals, among others. That effectiveness will grow even more if this legal defense fund takes hold.

the 1913 Great Lakes storm

As captured from the Canadian perspective. It was a monumentally destructive storm that may be the worst ever.

Dow, the Governor of Michigan and the President-elect

What is one to make of this? The Chairman of Dow Chemical as a candidate for U.S. Energy Secretary? And this:

Liveris isn't the only Michigan resident mentioned as a choice for the slot, however.

Media reports have suggested Democratic Gov. Jennifer M. Granholm is a potential contender for the same job. The governor's spokeswoman last week was noncommittal on if Granholm would take the post if it's offered.

An Obama transition team spokeswoman in Washington, D.C., said the incoming administration wouldn't comment on speculation on Cabinet-level choices. The team expects to set up advisory boards soon to screen candidates.

Ordinarily, Michigan would benefit by having an appointment to the Cabinet. And ordinarily a President might benefit by having a corporate chieftain advising him. But the track record of Dow Chemical, and its 25 years of entanglement with the State of Michigan over its non-cleanup of dioxin contamination renders this speculation worrisome.