Information and news about the environment in your area

PFAS: Chemicals In Our Water

If you live in Michigan and have listened to the news lately, it is likely that you have heard about the various instances of PFAS contamination in our water.  With PFAS showing up in at 30 different sites at affecting 15 different communities.  PFAS is an extremely dangerous chemical to humans and wild life that lingers in the environment for so long they are referred to as "forever chemicals."  It has the ability to build up at the surface of the [...]

By |2019-03-12T19:46:50+00:00December 18th, 2018|Environment, Laws, Safety and Regulations, News|Comments Off on PFAS: Chemicals In Our Water
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Birds of the Great Lakes Region

The Great Lakes Region has one of the most diverse and beautiful collection of waterfowl in North America.  With 3000 miles of coast line in Michigan, dozens of species, various mating and breeding habits as well as migration routes there are plenty of opportunists to spot these birds all year round.  This collection of birds attracts bird watchers, casual viewers and hunters a like every year. Protected by the Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918, this is the primary law protecting [...]

By |2019-03-12T19:46:59+00:00December 17th, 2018|Environment, Laws, Safety and Regulations, News|Comments Off on Birds of the Great Lakes Region
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An Itchy Situation: Swimmers Itch

If you have spent a lot of time in the water throughout your life then you have probably encountered swimmers itch.  Swimmers itch is a common problem that can affect anybody that enters the water where the flatworm's desired hosts reside in high numbers.  Flatworms are small creatures that mistakenly burrow into your skin and then die, causing the itchy red bumps that appear on our skin.  Flatworms are a natural part of the marine environment however can be a nuisance [...]

By |2019-03-12T19:47:10+00:00December 13th, 2018|Environment, News|Comments Off on An Itchy Situation: Swimmers Itch
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The Dangers of Swimming in Water Contaminated with E. Coli

E. Coli is a problem for many lakes and beach goers every summer.  The bacteria can run off during large storms down into the rivers and then flow into the lakes, contaminating the surrounding beaches.  E. Coli can often be a warning sign that other, even more dangerous kinds of bacteria may be in the water such as typhoid, cholera and dysentery.  This is why local communities are very active in shutting down beaches for the public's safety at the first [...]

By |2019-03-12T19:47:17+00:00December 13th, 2018|Environment, News|Comments Off on The Dangers of Swimming in Water Contaminated with E. Coli
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Muddy Waters: Using a freestanding lift with a soft muddy bottom.

Mud is a tricky problem to deal with when installing a boat lift.  It really depends on how soft the mud is and the skill and equipment the installer brings to the situation.  I have installed these lifts into areas where the mud was 4' deep with no evidence of a bottom and at this point extra steps must be taken to ensure a safe and stable lift.  We take 2' x 12' treated lumber and cut it into four separate [...]

By |2019-03-12T19:47:30+00:00November 15th, 2018|Boat Lifts, Environment, Installs & Removals, News|Comments Off on Muddy Waters: Using a freestanding lift with a soft muddy bottom.
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You Can Help Prevent The Spread Of Zebra Mussels

Zebra mussels continue to spread throughout the Great Lakes states it is more important than ever to learn good habits for preventing the spread of this and other invasive species.  Below are a few techniques to turn every boaters habits into healthier alternatives for Michigan's waters. When transporting your boat drain all bilge pumps, live wells, and bait buckets.  Next thoroughly inspect the boats hull, trim plates, prop guards, pontoons, and trailer.  Remove any mussels that may have affixed themselves to [...]

By |2019-03-12T19:48:05+00:00November 15th, 2018|Environment, Laws, Safety and Regulations, News|Comments Off on You Can Help Prevent The Spread Of Zebra Mussels
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Great Lakes Water Levels: A Rising Concern

With the record shattering snow fall this winter many around the country are wondering what will happen to lake levels when this blizzard begins to thaw.  We will certainly see some water levels increase and this has many wondering how it will affect the upcoming boating season.   Another point to consider is the long-term affect this melt-off will have.  The sheer amount of snow melt will not only raise water levels but it will cool the lakes and rivers, decreasing the [...]

By |2018-12-13T17:24:35+00:00March 7th, 2014|Boat Lifts, Docks, Environment, Installs & Removals, News|Comments Off on Great Lakes Water Levels: A Rising Concern
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A Deep Conversation: Deep Water Boat Lift Kits

In recent years, in Michigan at least, there has been a trend of lower water levels due to excessive temperatures and reduced precipitation. The resultant lowering in regional lake levels has required some adjustment for boat lift owners.  Very often the boat lift must be moved to deeper water to achieve enough depth for craft to clear the bottom framework.  Others, especially pontoon owners, have had to abandon their lifts and opt for either tie-off posts or freestanding canopy units with [...]

By |2018-11-26T20:22:59+00:00November 6th, 2013|Boat Lifts, Environment, Installs & Removals|Comments Off on A Deep Conversation: Deep Water Boat Lift Kits
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The Invasive Dilemma in the Great Lakes

If you live anywhere near any of the Great lakes chances are you have at least heard of the problem of invasive species, such as zebra muscles or more recently the Ongoing Asian Carp Drama.  The main concern regarding the movement of the carp, more than the zebra muscle, centers on their tendency to dominate and push out indigenous species in the lakes and rivers. Effectively this decimates the ecological and economic basis of these waterways, potentially permanently altering the [...]

By |2018-12-17T18:23:19+00:00April 22nd, 2013|Environment, Laws, Safety and Regulations, News|Comments Off on The Invasive Dilemma in the Great Lakes
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The Ongoing Asian Carp Drama

Over the last few years in every community around the Great Lakes there has been talk of an invader.  At first this talk was only a rumor, a subtle whispering of a possibility.  This invader, from the east, arrived from the south in the 1970’s and has steadily moved north, edging ever closer to the Great Lakes Basin.  This invader is tenacious in its movement, veracious in its appetite, and, once established in an area, “virtually impossible to eradicate”.  The name [...]

By |2018-12-17T18:23:26+00:00April 3rd, 2013|Environment, Laws, Safety and Regulations, News|Comments Off on The Ongoing Asian Carp Drama
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