The IJC heard concerns for threats to the Great Lakes when it visited Traverse City on July 24: Enbridge Line 5, nuclear waste storage, invasive species, bottled water, plastics and privatization, and harmful algal blooms. But the most threatening concern, one that drives or is exacerbated by the others, was the elephant in the room: the unprecedented record high water levels, which are causing havoc throughout the Great Lakes region.
Growing up I never thought of water as a controversial issue. My grandparents (born in the 1890s) built a log cabin on Pickerel Lake in Northern Michigan a few years before I was born. My fondest memories were summers spent Up North swimming, fishing and exploring the wonders of the woods on that small lake… Read more »
Exploring these webinars is a great way to dive into a range of interesting and important topics. Whether you’re curious about how we manage groundwater resources, eager to hear about new book releases, interested in knowing more about shutting down Line 5, or excited to learn about regenerative agriculture practices, each webinar offers a chance… Read more »
Now that major party candidates for Vice President are designated, it’s an appropriate time to check their records on two environmental concerns vital to Michigan and the Great Lakes region. Climate Change Democratic Vice Presidential candidate Tim Walz, as Governor of Minnesota, has called for strong federal action to abate and prepare for the effects… Read more »
A Celebration of Democracy September 7, 2024 from 12pm to 4pm Sign up! WHEN: September 7th, 12pm to 4pm ; WHERE: F&M Park, 716 E State Street Traverse City, MI Democracy thrives when citizens are actively engaged in their communities, listening to one another, learning about issues, and working for positive change. Enjoy a fun afternoon at… Read more »
2024 events August 20, Enbridge Line 5: Trouble Under the Surface — Get the latest Line 5 update! WATCH THE RECORDING ‘Troubled Water’ film screening at The Garden Theater, Frankfort, MIFriday, July 19, 7:30pm ART MEETS WATER: Talk with FLOW Founder Jim Olson on his new book; Tuesday, July 16WATCH THE RECORDING THE CHARLIE MILLARD… Read more »
July 25, 2024 marks the 14th anniversary of one of the largest inland oil spills in U.S. history, which happened just three months after the BP Horizon Gulf Spill. On July 25, 2010, a pipeline operated by Enbridge – the same corporation operating the risky Line 5 in the Straits of Mackinac – burst and… Read more »
Summer is here, and for those of us in the Great Lakes region—especially in Michigan, where we’re never more than six miles from a body of water—it’s high-five season for water-lovers. If you love Great Lakes water, raise your hand. Right now, a generous donor is matching all gifts to FLOW up to $15,000! That means everyone… Read more »
What Are Harmful Algal Blooms? Harmful algal blooms (HABs) represent a grave systemic threat to our waters, underscoring the inextricable connection between water-energy-food and climate change, and the need for comprehensive and holistic policies and regulations. The slimy green algae excrete toxins that threaten our drinking water, fish populations, and water recreation. Urban, industrial, and agricultural phosphorus… Read more »
By Jim Olson “With my Grandma I like to walk along the beach and find Petoskey stones. With my Grandpa I like to go in Lake Michigan and body surf the waves,” my 11-year-old granddaughter Ava Bachmann reflected in late August when she stood with me along the shores of West Grand Traverse Bay. We… Read more »
