Blog Posts

Blog posts by FLOW team and guest writers

FLOW commends new EGLE appointments

FLOW Statement Commending Appointments of EGLE Director Phil Roos and EGLE Chief of Staff Kara Cook Traverse City, MI – FLOW commends the appointment of business entrepreneur and strategist, Phil Roos, to serve as director of the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy. “Phil Roos is an outstanding strategist and environmental thought leader… Read more »

“The Strait Story” Line 5 Webinar

Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xzO-NA-qjfw Download the Line 5 Fact Sheet (PDF)   Enbridge’s Line 5 pipeline is over 70 years old and remains a threat to the waters and people of the Great Lakes region. On Wednesday, July 19 2023, FLOW and Oil & Water Don’t Mix presented a special live webinar, featuring a panel of… Read more »

PFAS Chemicals in Tap Water More Widespread Than Thought

A new U.S. government study that finds toxic PFAS chemicals could be present in nearly 50% of the nation’s tap water “should sound alarm bells for people across the country,” says a Michigan citizen leader on PFAS policy. Tony Spaniola, who co-founded and co-chairs the Great Lakes PFAS Action Network and serves on the Leadership… Read more »

Canadian Wildfires and AQI

If you’re in the midwest or the mid-Atlantic, chances are you’ve been affected by dangerous air quality this summer. Here in northern Michigan, the Air Quality Index (AQI) soared above 200 in late June, as smoke clogged the atmosphere. Our most basic, life-sustaining element was rated “Very Unhealthy” to breathe. This unthinkable situation stems from… Read more »

FLOW welcomes Kyle Plummer as its new Development Director

FLOW is pleased to announce that Kyle Plummer has recently joined our staff as Development Director. In his new role, Kyle will help FLOW build the capacity to achieve its mission and connect with supporters. Kyle and his family are relocating to the Grand Traverse area from Washington state, and enjoy a variety of outdoor… Read more »

Manipulating Great Lakes Water Levels

Manipulating Great Lakes Water Levels By Dan MacFarlane Daniel Macfarlane is an Associate Professor in the School of the Environment, Geography, and Sustainability at Western Michigan University.He is also a senior fellow at the Bill Graham Center for Contemporary International History, University of Toronto, and President of the International Water History Association. His research and… Read more »

The Environment and Your Summer Outing

Our enjoyment of beach outings, picnics, or time outside often rises or falls depending on environmental conditions from pollution to excessive heat. Before you head out, you can check on relevant conditions at these websites. Stay safe and have fun out there this summer! Public beach closures: Beachguard   Great Lakes Surface Water Temperatures:  NOAA… Read more »

Megan Kelto Joins FLOW as Director of Public Engagement

FLOW welcomes Megan Kelto to the team as our new Director of Public Engagement. Megan brings over fifteen years of experience in nonprofit marketing, communications, and leadership, and has a strong background in digital content strategy. As Director of Public Engagement, her mission is to tell the story of FLOW’s important, innovative work, and inspire… Read more »

Bridge Across The Border: The International Joint Commission and US-Canada Boundary Water Relations

By Daniel MacFarlane Daniel Macfarlane is an Associate Professor in the School of the Environment, Geography, and Sustainability at Western Michigan University. He is also a senior fellow at the Bill Graham Center for Contemporary International History, University of Toronto, and President of the International Water History Association. His research and teaching focus on the… Read more »