Last month marked the 50th anniversary of turning off the American Falls, the smaller of the main cataracts at Niagara Falls. In the 1950s, engineers had replumbed the much larger Horseshoe Falls, shrinking it and diverting the majority of the water before it plunged over the precipice. All this may not seem very “green” — but the point was primarily to funnel water to hydropower stations. Thus, the modern history of Niagara Falls raises some interesting questions about what sustainability looks like in the Great Lakes basin.
July is “Public Trust Month” at FLOW, a time to gather views and inspiration from people from all walks of life who live, use and enjoy, or depend on the waters of the Great Lakes Basin for life, recreation, and livelihood. Talk about a gift for all of us to celebrate on Independence Day and FLOW’s “Public Trust Month.” This is one to be thankful for, exercise, and protect for ourselves, our children, grandchildren, and all future generations.
This spring, water levels on all five of the Great Lakes have reached, or are approaching, record highs. The result of unusually high winter and spring precipitation, increased winter ice cover and reduced evaporation, these new highs are the latest in a never-ending series of Great Lakes level fluctuations. Studies show that climate change is causing or contributing to more rapid swings between high and low water levels.
Why Good Regulations are Good for our Great Lakes This is the first of four reports by former FLOW board chair, and former director of the Michigan Department of Energy, Labor and Economic Growth, Skip Pruss that make the economic case for government’s role in protecting the environment. FLOW will unveil one report each month…. Read more »
By Jim Olson, FLOW President and Founder In a major ruling involving the Great Lakes Compact, a Wisconsin administrative law judge (ALJ) has upheld a decision by the State of Wisconsin to authorize a major diversion of Lake Michigan water primarily to benefit a single customer, the Foxconn Corporation, a Taiwanese multinational electronics manufacturing company. … Read more »
Photo: A lack of septic regulations can lead to waste in our treasured waters. You wouldn’t “do it in the river,” would you? By Dave Dempsey Michigan prides itself on being an environmental leader, particularly in curbing water pollution. But in one area of water policy, Michigan is dead last among the 50 states. It… Read more »
May 2, 2019 Liz Kirkwood, Executive Director Email:Liz@FLOWforWater.org FLOW (For LoveofWater), Traverse City, MI … Read more »
Every decision that is made regarding water reflects the values that the decision-makers hold. Recognizing and making these water values explicit could provide a new framework for decision-making in the management of water resources. During discussions in the Grand Traverse Bay watershed, some of the values and goals identified by stakeholders included: Sustainable Water Improving… Read more »
The goal of Blue Communities is to collaborate to solve future water-related problems. Urban sprawl increases impervious surface and runoff, which threatens water resources.
FLOW is currently working on drafting a blue communities resolution for the City of Traverse City with the idea that other local governments in the Grand Traverse Bay Watershed will adopt similar resolutions, which in turn will stimulate more collaborative efforts together. The key points of this resolution are to recognize that water is a… Read more »
