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June 30, 2006
Write an essay, win a sailing trip
Baylake Bank is sponsoring an essay contest to win a "Unique Sailaway" from Green Bay to Sturgeon Bay aboard the Brig Niagra on July 31 as part of the Baylake Bank Tall Ship Festival on July 27-31. more»
Posted by Kenan at 10:04 AM
Wisconsin and Minnesota congressmen meet on refuge plan
Wisconsin and Minnesota congressmen urged top federal refuge officials Wednesday to include voluntary boating restrictions in the final Comprehensive Conservation Plan for the Upper Mississippi National Wildlife and Fish Refuge. more»
Posted by Kenan at 10:02 AM
Coast Guard offers safety tips for those boating over holiday
As Americans take to the water and hit the beaches for fun over the Fourth of July weekend, the U.S. Coast Guard hopes people will take a few precautions to stay safe. more»
Posted by Kenan at 10:00 AM
Barrier keeps Asian carp out of Great Lakes — for now
The battle goes on between the federal government and states touching the Great Lakes vs. the nonnative aquatic species that are invading the lakes. more»
Posted by Kenan at 09:56 AM
June 28, 2006
Governor promotes Lake Erie sport fishing at annual celebration
PORT CLINTON, Ohio — Governor Bob Taft today reeled in several Lake Erie walleye as part of the 28th annual Fish Ohio Day celebration. more»
Posted by Kenan at 10:18 AM
Moondance hosts Lumberjack Classic
When there are just seven teams in a senior tournament and they represent four age divisions and three skill levels, the results are some intriguing matchups. more»
Posted by Kenan at 10:17 AM
DNR offers water safety tips for summer
As the weather heats up and vacation season begins, people are heading to the beaches, lakes and pools around Minnesota. Everyone wants a little wet relief from soaring summer temperatures and humidity. more»
Posted by Kenan at 10:16 AM
DNR eyes property for boating access
CHARLEVOIX — The state is planning to buy property for a future boating access site on a small lake in western Charlevoix County. more»
Posted by Kenan at 10:15 AM
Boaters Encouraged To Help Stop Spread Of Marine Plant
Eurasian Milfoil is a growing problem in local lakes. Conservation officials in Dickinson County are challenging boaters to help stop it from spreading. more»
Posted by Kenan at 10:13 AM
Music cruises set sail Thursday
Central Michigan University Public Broadcasting will begin its annual Straits of Mackinac Music Cruises on Thursday with an onboard performance by Song of the Lakes. more»
Posted by Kenan at 10:12 AM
June 27, 2006
Much More Than Beautiful Boats At The WoodenBoat Show
While there will be more than 150 incredibly beautiful wooden boats to view at the WoodenBoat Show set to take place at the Newport Yachting Center on August 25 to 27, 2006, there will also be many activities and amusements to entertain wooden boat enthusiasts of all ages. CAPTAIN KIDS – Discovery Point is a very special exhibit being brought to the show by Captain Kids, Inc, a national non profit educational organization. more»
Posted by Kenan at 10:21 AM
Commercial fishing's future questioned
The state's three-year Lake Erie yellow perch racketeering investigation "raises serious questions about the future of commercial fishing on the lake," Gov. Bob Taft said here yesterday. more»
Posted by Kenan at 09:27 AM
Illinois Congressmen unveil legislation to ban dumping in Great Lakes
Two Illinois Congressmen unveiled legislation today that would set a deadline to end sewage dumping in the Great Lakes. U-S Representative Mark Kirk and Dan Lipinski plan to officially introduce the Great Lakes Water Protection Act this week. more»
Posted by Kenan at 09:23 AM
June 23, 2006
By any name, a life jacket won't help if you're not wearing it
I subscribe to the theory that the only sure-fire guarantee to enjoying your time outdoors is to stay legal and safe. Didn't bag a deer? No fish in the live well? Returning safely from your outing, and yearning for the next trip outdoors, should ease your mind to some degree. more»
Posted by Kenan at 09:07 AM
Lakeshore rescue crews practice with mock emergency
HOLLAND -- Summer is boating season, and crews along the Lakeshore spent Thursday night practicing for how they would respond to an emergency on the water. more»
Posted by Kenan at 09:05 AM
Ontario gets tough on impaired boating
Yesterday the Ontario Legislature passed with unanimous consent, a Private Member's Bill sponsored by Liberal MPP David Zimmer, which will suspend the Ontario Driver's license of anyone who is convicted of impaired boating. more»
Posted by Kenan at 09:01 AM
Remodeling Coast Guard docks proved extensive
CHEBOYGAN - Have you ever seen a 700-foot electrical extension cord with a capacity of 450 volts and 400 amps? Two giant cords of that sort were used during the recent remodeling project completed at the Coast Guard station last winter by Ryba Marine Construction Company of Cheboygan. more»
Posted by Kenan at 08:59 AM
Report says sediments could smother bay cleanup hopes
Hamilton Harbour's ability to meet cleanup targets may hinge on how standards for toxic sediments are applied, according to a new progress report. more»
Posted by Kenan at 08:57 AM
June 22, 2006
USA. Clean up dredging begins at Sheboygan River site
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Region 5 said that a new phase of cleanup at the upper river portion of the Sheboygan River and Harbor Superfund site begins this week. The project will continue under EPA supervision, in consultation with Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, through the fall. more»
Posted by Kenan at 08:27 AM
Shortfalls and waterfalls
PRESIDENT Bush is to be commended for establishing a new 1,400-mile-long marine reserve in the Pacific Ocean, making the remote Northwestern Hawaiian Islands chain the largest national park. What Mr. Bush needs to do now is put more money into sprucing up the federal parks most Americans are likely to actually visit. more»
Posted by Kenan at 08:26 AM
Fish-feasting birds return to Beaver Island
BEAVER ISLAND (AP) - Beaver Island is for the birds. But the people living on the northern Lake Michigan island aren't real happy about it. Cormorants visit Beaver Island and neighboring islands annually to feast on fish and crayfish. more»
Posted by Kenan at 08:24 AM
Companies working to improve the region
MERRILLVILLE | Kay Nelson believes the old epithet referring to the Great Lakes states as part of a rusting polluted industrial zone is obsolete and insulting. more»
Posted by Kenan at 08:22 AM
June 21, 2006
Wisconsin's National Parks Lack Necessary Funding
The people who run Wisconsin’s 4 national parks say there isn't enough federal funding available to keep pace with park expenses and definitely not enough to improve the parks. more»
Posted by Kenan at 08:58 AM
Weed fight paying off on Little Green Lake
In three weeks of cutting, the crew that operates the weed harvester on Little Green Lake had pulled 30 loads of weeds out of the popular fishing lake in Green Lake County. more»
Posted by Kenan at 08:52 AM
Boating On A Budget
For many people, boating is one of the great pleasures of summer. But the hefty price tag that comes along with the sport leaves lots of folks high and dry. more»
Posted by Kenan at 08:48 AM
Rouge cleanup pays off
The 20th anniversary Rouge River Rescue was a huge success, with more than twice as many communities and almost twice as many cleanup volunteers involved than last year, according to Friends of the Rouge. more»
Posted by Kenan at 08:46 AM
June 20, 2006
RBIEF Grants $8,750 in Scholarship Funds
At its recently held board meeting, the Recreational Boating Industries Educational Foundation (RBIEF) awarded $8,750 in scholarship funds to 12 Michigan students for the 2006/2007 school year. The RBIEF scholarship fund was developed in 1984 by the Michigan Boating Industries Association and First of America Bank (now National City Bank) as a support program for students interested in pursuing careers in the recreational boating industry. more»
Posted by Kenan at 08:51 AM
Best Viewed From a Boat - Independence Day Fireworks
With peak boating season underway, one of the most popular boating holidays of the year is also on the horizon – Independence Day. Many of the approximately 71 million American boaters will mark the Independence Day holiday aboard a boat. Likewise, millions of Americans from coast to coast will search for the best spot to check out their local fireworks display. more»
Posted by Kenan at 08:37 AM
Protect the equipment that keeps you safe
The 2006 boating season has just begun — and now is an appropriate time to make certain your boat is properly equipped with the necessary safety gear. Most boaters are naturally concerned with proper engine maintenance and hull repair. However, the repair or replacement of safety and lifesaving equipment is of equal importance. more»
Posted by Kenan at 08:36 AM
DNR recommends ferry driver, boat operator be cited in May accident
PORTAGE — The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources warden in charge of investigating the May collision between the Merrimac Ferry and a fishing boat is recommending charges against both the ferry's operator and the driver of the boat. more»
Posted by Kenan at 08:34 AM
Lake Erie cursed? Virus latest invader to exact toll
Biologists say a newly discovered foreign virus is the latest threat to Lake Erie and is responsible for two large spring fish kills in the lake. more»
Posted by Kenan at 08:32 AM
June 19, 2006
Low water makes navigating, fishing more challenging
Lake St. Clair water levels are up since April and should remain steady for the rest of the month, which is good news for boaters and other lake users. more»
Posted by Kenan at 09:43 AM
Wisconsin's National Parks Lack Necessary Funding
The people who run Wisconsin’s 4 national parks say there isn't enough federal funding available to keep pace with park expenses and definitely not enough to improve the parks. more»
Posted by Kenan at 09:32 AM
Most boating deaths could be prevented
Life jackets, life jackets, life jackets. For Bill Staiger, a 50-year-old Akron native who is area supervisor for the Ohio Department of Natural Resources' Division of Watercraft, that's the No. 1 safety rule for boaters. more»
Posted by Kenan at 09:23 AM
June 16, 2006
Life is but a breeze Sailing lessons at Kensington Metropark appeal to all age groups
It's quiet. The sun warms your shoulders. A warm breeze touches your face. The peaceful sound of water lapping at the keel of your boat relaxes you as you gently guide your sailboat across sun-glistening water. more»
Posted by Kenan at 10:42 AM
Boating safety after dark
Police officers who patrol the Illinois River said boating after dark is not for beginners and even expert drivers need to take the appropriate safety measures. If you do find yourself behind the wheel, police said to have a signaling device, a cell phone, and some type of radio on board. more»
Posted by Kenan at 10:37 AM
Our Great Lakes are precious; protection plan needs support
We, in Michigan, have a special bond with the Great Lakes. They are the source of our drinking water, they are a major source of our recreation and tourism, they are home to bountiful fisheries, and they give us a safe and efficient mode of transportation. more»
Posted by Kenan at 10:36 AM
Must keep algae growth in check to protect lakes
t's been more than three decades since scientists declared large parts of Lake Erie to be "dead," devoid of most aquatic life. A major culprit was huge blooms of phosphorous-fed algae, which depleted oxygen levels in the lake, killing both plant and animal life. more»
Posted by Kenan at 10:35 AM
SILENT AUCTION TO BENEFIT AMERICAN DIABETES ASSOCIATION REGATTA
A silent auction to benefit the ADA will be running Saturday up until Sunday after this weekend's regatta.
Support for the effort can be given via registering and racing the event, bidding up the dollar amounts at the silent auction, or offering to sponsor any boat during the regatta. more»
Posted by Kenan at 10:00 AM
June 15, 2006
Green goo globs up Great Lakes
TRAVERSE CITY, MI- Call it the return of the green slime. Back in the 1960s, foul gobs of algae along Great Lakes shorelines made swimmers and sunbathers miserable before a crackdown on phosphorus pollution repelled the invasion. more»
Posted by Kenan at 11:56 AM
June 14, 2006
Trimaran won't defend crown
DETROIT- A familiar face and yacht will be missing along the docks of the Black River next month. The fleet in the 82nd Port Huron-to-Mackinac Island Sailboat Race will set sail July 15 from lower Lake Huron without one of the event's best and most popular entries - Earth Voyager. more»
Posted by Kenan at 08:52 AM
Port Huron race isn't slumping
Detroit - The economy, particularly the boating industry, might be slumping in Michigan but it isn't having an adverse effect on the Bayview Port Huron to Mackinac Race. Organizers are expecting a record number of boats in the cruising and Shore Course divisions - - generally divisions for families and first-time participants - - in the 82nd annual race this yearmore»
Posted by Kenan at 08:44 AM
Trolling big lake is a Superior experience
ON LAKE SUPERIOR, Minn. - The 28-foot Grady-White bobs and rocks on the southeasterly chop. One of two Yamaha 225-horsepower outboards purrs, pushing the boat across Lake Superior at 2.2 mph. Just right for trolling a dozen spoons and minnow imitations through various depths of 53-degree water. more»
Posted by Kenan at 08:43 AM
Talk Swirls Over Great Lakes Windmills
ALGOMA, Wis. -- A little red lighthouse. Boardwalks. The blue-green waters of Lake Michigan stretching to the horizon. It's just another pretty-as-a-postcard view on the shores of this sleepy town of 5,700 a half-hour east of Green Bay. But how long the unspoiled vista in Algoma and in other communities along the Great Lakes will last is anybody's guess. more»
Posted by Kenan at 08:35 AM
June 12, 2006
SHIPS RECEIVE BLESSING FOR SAFE BOATING SEASON
Despite the unseasonably cool weather Sunday, the boating season officially kicked off with the annual Blessing of the Fleet hosted by the Oswego Yacht Club. Ceremonies began at 1 p.m. when all participating boats gathered in the harbor. Due to high winds and rough waters, only seven boats received blessings. Other years have seen up to 30 boats partaking in the event. more»
Posted by Kenan at 10:49 AM
Dragon boating to make waves at Spectacular
What is a dragon boat? Many members of the 2006 Star Spangled Spectacular board wondered that when it was learned the dragon boat team from Fort Dodge would give a demonstration of its skill during this year's celebration. As many of the events, both old and new, were being discussed at an organizational meeting late this week, board member Dick Hakes said the dragon boat team would appear in Storm Lake from 1 to 3 p.m. Tuesday, July 4. more»
Posted by Kenan at 10:47 AM
Aging bridge could use a lift
TWO RIVERS – The deteriorating 17th Street lift bridge will be replaced, rehabilitated or demolished depending in part on the findings of an engineering design firm from Milwaukee. The 57-year-old bridge lifts for boat access to and from Lake Michigan on the East Twin River. A weight restriction of five tons was posted in 2003. more»
Posted by Kenan at 10:45 AM
Sleeping Bear officials again draw up management plan
National Park Service officials are again working to develop a 20-year management plan for Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. The move comes about four years after the effort was halted in a dispute over proposed cuts in public access to the reserve. more»
Posted by Kenan at 10:43 AM
Vacationing along Michigan's west coast
NEW BUFFALO -- Imagine a weeklong vacation spent lounging on a sandy beach in Florida, touring a Napa Valley winery, visiting an art gallery in New York, exploring a historic Cape Cod lighthouse and golfing surfside on Hilton Head Island. more»
Posted by Kenan at 10:41 AM
June 09, 2006
TEAM SARDEGNA LOOKS SECURE FOR OVERALL VICTORY
With one race still to go, the game is still on at the 2006 Sardinia Rolex Cup/ISAF Offshore Team World Championship, organized by the Yacht Club Costa Smeralda. But only just. With two storming victories today by the TP52 Santa Ana, Team Sardegna has increased its lead to a highly comfortable margin of 15 points. Fellow team member Mintaka, Stefano Polti's Swan 45, scored a fifth and a third; while Vincenzo Onorato's Farr 40 Mascalzone Latino came in third and second. more»
Posted by Kenan at 03:29 PM
Bay's boaters left high and dry
From the deck of their 31-foot boat, Tony and Kathy Castiglione can look at the open waters of Lake Ontario, but they can't get there from their dock slip on Braddock Bay. That's because the Greece couple's Sea Ray Sundancer is one of hundreds of boats confined to the bay, cut off from lake access by a buildup of sand across the bay's mouth. more»
Posted by Kenan at 09:44 AM
Local companies put the plush in yachts
"This is quite a boat," said Douglas Richey, interior designer for the Manitowoc-based company. At 145-feet long, the Mirgab V, built for a Kuwaiti family, is one of the crown jewels in the Burger collection. With three livable floors and three exterior decks, the yacht is overflowing with the finer things in life, reflecting a trend in boating interior design, which flies in the face of the old adage, 'You can't take it with you.' more»
Posted by Kenan at 09:40 AM
State needs strong tourist industry to ensure its future
For the second straight year, Michigan is not the top recreational boating state in the nation. According to the National Marine Manufacturers Association, Florida took the honors for 2004. California was tops in 2003. In 2004, Florida had 946,000 boats, compared with Michigan's 944,000. Michigan's boat registrations have been declining since 2001, when it boasted 1,004,000. more»
Posted by Kenan at 09:36 AM
Boating safety classes are offered
CHEBOYGAN - The first of a number of free boating safety classes will be offered this month through the Cheboygan County Sheriff's Department. more»
Posted by Kenan at 09:34 AM
Great Lakes Commission names director
The Great Lakes Commission has hired Tim A. Eder as its new executive director. As executive director Eder will be in charge of the commission's day-to-day operations and of advancing the shared interests of the Commission's membership in the areas of natural resources management and advocacy. more»
Posted by Kenan at 09:31 AM
June 08, 2006
American Sailing Institute has instruction for novice boaters
You don't own a boat but yearn to get out on the water. Why not take a sailing class at nearby Kent Lake at Kensington Metropark? The American Sailing Institute offers classes at the East Boat Launch near the Kent Lake Road entrance. more»
Posted by Kenan at 09:40 AM
Water safety should not be overlooked
It has been an inauspicious start to the summer. Evidently water safety has taken a vacation this year. Presented here are some reminders taken from advice given by the Army Corps of Engineers about water safety more»
Posted by Kenan at 09:37 AM
Mute swans becoming nuisance
NORTH WEBSTER, Ind. (AP) -- Attacks by large swans on boaters and swimmers have state wildlife officials looking for a way to deal with the menace. more»
Posted by Kenan at 09:36 AM
New law aimed at boaters blocking access to piers
Boaters who anchor too close to residential or commercial piers could face fines under a new ordinance that regulates boating on the Chain O' Lakes and the Fox River. more»
Posted by Kenan at 09:30 AM
June 07, 2006
New plan would open beaches on weekends
Erie County lawmakers can vote Thursday on a new plan to reopen the county-owned Wendt and Bennett beaches on weekends in July and August. While the public has access to the beaches, swimming is discouraged because there are no lifeguards and no one to monitor water quality, which worsens after rainstorms. more»
Posted by Kenan at 02:39 PM
Connor’s Point Marine Center construction begins
Main Street in Superior funneled auto and train traffic to the Interstate Bridge and Duluth until the Blatnik Bridge was dedicated in 1961. The toll bridge subsequently was dismantled, leaving Main Street a dead end at the harbor, isolated and neglected for four decades. more»
Posted by Kenan at 02:36 PM
Boating and the booze
For some students, a little fun in the sun may include a couple of cocktails and a long afternoon on a lake. However, many people may overlook the dangers associated with mixing boating and booze. more»
Posted by Kenan at 02:33 PM
June 06, 2006
Beaches added to impaired waters list
Three Lake Superior South Shore beaches have been added to Wisconsin's official list of "impaired waters" this year because of bacteria contamination. The beaches are among 45 new waterways added to the state's list of waters considered too polluted for safe fishing or swimming. more»
Posted by Kenan at 11:31 AM
Mackinaw may have found a home
MACKINAW CITY — The U.S. Coast Guard cutter Mackinaw may now have a permanent home in northern Michigan. A vacant dock in Mackinaw City owned by Shepler's Mackinac Island Ferry Service may be available to the retiring ship, scheduled for decommission Saturday in Cheboygan. more»
Posted by Kenan at 11:30 AM
Racing season is finally off and sailing
The heart of the Great Lakes (or Lake St. Stupid) is where the racing action is at its peak today. The National Offshore One-Design (N.O.O.D.) Regatta concludes today with windward, leeward-style course on three locations in Lake St. Clair. Many local sailors have made the eight-hour journey down the St. Clair River to compete in the prestigious event. more»
Posted by Kenan at 11:28 AM
Cleaner water coming to Ashtabula River
ASHTABULA TOWNSHIP A $50 million scrubbing of the contaminated Ashtabula River, in the works for years, enjoyed an enthusiastic sendoff Monday morning from federal and state officials. more»
Posted by Kenan at 11:26 AM
After 57 years of waiting, Little Sable Point reopens
Lighthouses were originally built to keep ships away from danger, but over the years their beauty and allure has drawn people to them. So when Oceana County's Little Sable Point Lighthouse opened for public tours for the first time since 1949, it was no surprise that people flocked to see the 132-year-old tower. more»
Posted by Kenan at 11:25 AM
Women at the Helm Clinic to be Rescheduled
The Women at the Helm seminars are geared toward adult women racers to prepare for the Women’s Racing Series at Wayzata Yacht Club. The classroom session by members of MWST will cover balance of forces, boat speed, weight distribution, sail trim and advanced rigging. more»
Posted by Kenan at 11:22 AM
June 05, 2006
Enjoy Great Lakes Beaches – But Beware of Rip Currents
Manitowoc (6/2/06) -- The annual Great Lakes Rip Current Conference will be held June 6 in Manitowoc, Wis., at the Inn on Maritime Bay at 9 a.m. The Great Lakes conference is part of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Rip Current Awareness Week, June 4-10, 2006, a nationwide program of research and outreach to reduce rip current fatalities. more»
Posted by Kenan at 01:46 PM
Coming to a pump near you: clean diesel
For as long as people have cared what wafts from vehicle tailpipes, diesel motors have had the rap as the dirtiest, smelliest, noisiest engines on the road. That could soon change. more»
Posted by Kenan at 01:32 PM