Take the Detroit River as an example. In Sunday's column I write about the turnaround of not only the Detroit River but the Rogue River too.
The Rogue, which dumps into the Detroit then on into Lake Erie has a definite impact notwithstanding its small size. That's because everything runs downhill or downstream in this case.
For years the Rogue was no more than a cesspool of waste and filth. Today, it's much cleaner thanks to the efforts of many like the Friends of the Rogue River, a volunteer group.
Who would have thought near the mouth of the Rogue River there would be spawning areas for Sturgeon? And along those lines how about the wonderful fishery the Detroit River has turned into along with Lake Erie which was considered dead not too long ago.
Marvelous things can happen once pollution is got a hold of and strangled. With some help and time, these waterways begin a healing process. Its now up to us to make sure that process continues uninterrupted.
Thank people like Dr. John H. Hartig for all of the work he has done on behalf of these water systems and for his wonderful book, "Burning Rivers-Revival of Four Urban-Industrial Rivers that caught on Fire."
An excellent historical book about not only the Rogue but the Chicago, Buffalo, and Cuyahoga; all of which caught fire at one time.
Today, Hartig is still on the front lines working as Refuge Manager for the Detroit River International Wildlife Refuge.
Read about it in this Sunday's Oakland Press.
Friday, April 1, 2011
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
Polluted rivers makes comeback
Just 40 years ago, the Rouge River caught fire. About the same time, a man fell into the river, swallowed some water and later died due to an infection from a waterborne disease.
Even carp, the fish that survives in oxygen depleted water, were being found washed up on shore, dead due to the extreme pollution.
Fast forward to today. While the Rogue River isn't a pristine trout stream, it nevertheless has weathered the storm and cleaned up fairly well.
Thanks to groups that have taken an interest in it's preservation, trash and other debris continues to be removed thanks to the efforts of various "Friends" groups.
Improvements to the way sewage is processed and handled continue to be addressed. Today, even with the many advances made to identify accidental or intentional discharge of pollutants, run off of raw sewage continues to be problematic during storms when combined sewers are used.
An excellent book, "Burning Rivers-Revival of Four Urban-Industrial Rivers that Caught on Fire," by John H. Hartig Ph.D. explains in easy-to-understand language how these rivers; The Cuyahoga, Chicago, Buffalo, and Rogue, came to be so polluted, and the miraculous recovery they have made.
There is still work to do. Proceeds from Hartig's book go to the Aquatic Ecosystem Health and Management Society.
"I don't receive any money," Hartig said. "I just get the satisfaction of further the cause."
Even carp, the fish that survives in oxygen depleted water, were being found washed up on shore, dead due to the extreme pollution.
Fast forward to today. While the Rogue River isn't a pristine trout stream, it nevertheless has weathered the storm and cleaned up fairly well.
Thanks to groups that have taken an interest in it's preservation, trash and other debris continues to be removed thanks to the efforts of various "Friends" groups.
Improvements to the way sewage is processed and handled continue to be addressed. Today, even with the many advances made to identify accidental or intentional discharge of pollutants, run off of raw sewage continues to be problematic during storms when combined sewers are used.
An excellent book, "Burning Rivers-Revival of Four Urban-Industrial Rivers that Caught on Fire," by John H. Hartig Ph.D. explains in easy-to-understand language how these rivers; The Cuyahoga, Chicago, Buffalo, and Rogue, came to be so polluted, and the miraculous recovery they have made.
There is still work to do. Proceeds from Hartig's book go to the Aquatic Ecosystem Health and Management Society.
"I don't receive any money," Hartig said. "I just get the satisfaction of further the cause."
Monday, March 28, 2011
We've endured "dead" water-Now it's fishing paradise
Dead water as in the Detroit River and Lake Erie. Sadly, that was the case around here several years ago.
You couldn't hardly buy a fish in either body of water. The Rogue River which flows into the Detroit was another example of man's ability to destroy parts of nature.
This river was a sewage pit. It remained that way for years as it meandered it's way through Hines Park, slipping, slurping and smelling it's way into the Detroit River.
Game fish were non existent. So were flies and other aquatic bugs that signal a healthy river. Vegetation had been stripped from it's banks and wildlife shunned it.
These days, the Rogue has made a comeback just like it's relatives, the Detroit River and Lake Erie. One shining example is Newburgh Lake in Wayne County.
Drastic measures were taken to improve the overall conditions of the lake. It was drained, contaminated soil removed along with "junk" fish, then re-filled and stocked with a nice array of game fish.
Today, one can fish the lake with a good change of catching bluegill, perch, crappie, bass or walleye and not have a bad smell to contend with.
In the Detroit River and Lake Erie, walleye begin showing up, especially this time of the year. Known around the country as the premier fishing locations for walleye from eaters to wall hangers these systems have made a remarkable comeback.
For a good historical read on how these and other bodies of water went from pollution to survival read "Burning Rivers," By Dr. John H. Hartig, 183 pages, Multi-Science Publishing.
You couldn't hardly buy a fish in either body of water. The Rogue River which flows into the Detroit was another example of man's ability to destroy parts of nature.
This river was a sewage pit. It remained that way for years as it meandered it's way through Hines Park, slipping, slurping and smelling it's way into the Detroit River.
Game fish were non existent. So were flies and other aquatic bugs that signal a healthy river. Vegetation had been stripped from it's banks and wildlife shunned it.
These days, the Rogue has made a comeback just like it's relatives, the Detroit River and Lake Erie. One shining example is Newburgh Lake in Wayne County.
Drastic measures were taken to improve the overall conditions of the lake. It was drained, contaminated soil removed along with "junk" fish, then re-filled and stocked with a nice array of game fish.
Today, one can fish the lake with a good change of catching bluegill, perch, crappie, bass or walleye and not have a bad smell to contend with.
In the Detroit River and Lake Erie, walleye begin showing up, especially this time of the year. Known around the country as the premier fishing locations for walleye from eaters to wall hangers these systems have made a remarkable comeback.
For a good historical read on how these and other bodies of water went from pollution to survival read "Burning Rivers," By Dr. John H. Hartig, 183 pages, Multi-Science Publishing.
Friday, March 25, 2011
Weather is bound to get better-make plans now for warmer days
The weather must change soon and for the better. That's because of the time of the year, it always does. You can take that to the bank, as they say.
In the meantime, a good idea is to begin planning a little ahead as to what you would like to do or see once the weather breaks.
If you think you'll be enjoying part of your summer paddling a canoe or kayak, check out "Michigan Rivers Less Paddled," by Doc Fletcher, 192 pages, from Arbutus Press.
Descriptions of four Upper Peninsula rivers and 17 Lower Peninsula rivers are mentioned. Only rivers with canoe-kayak liveries and relative contact information are presented.
Whether the water is fast, time of trips, any obstacles in the water, interesting places in nearby towns, and a place for a bite to eat are helpful.
An earlier book, "Weekend Canoeing in Michigan," Also by Doc Fletcher, 176 pages, Arbutus Press Publisher, includes twenty rivers with four in the U.P.
Beginning with the quote, "Everyone must believe in something. I believe I'll go canoeing," by Henry David Thoreau, one river featured is the Huron River in southeast Michigan.
Readers will notice at the beginning of each chapter the listing for the Detroit Tigers on radio is shown if there is one available.
Quotes about each river along with selected music the author feels is compatible with a float on that river are featured.
These books are good for locating liveries on a river you may be interested in paddling, along with contact information.
For a general, lighthearted overview, one or both of these books might be a good, quick reference guide. In the meantime, find those paddles and PFD"s, get the dry bags out, pick one of these books up and start dreaming about warm weather as you turn the pages, river to river.
In the meantime, a good idea is to begin planning a little ahead as to what you would like to do or see once the weather breaks.
If you think you'll be enjoying part of your summer paddling a canoe or kayak, check out "Michigan Rivers Less Paddled," by Doc Fletcher, 192 pages, from Arbutus Press.
Descriptions of four Upper Peninsula rivers and 17 Lower Peninsula rivers are mentioned. Only rivers with canoe-kayak liveries and relative contact information are presented.
Whether the water is fast, time of trips, any obstacles in the water, interesting places in nearby towns, and a place for a bite to eat are helpful.
An earlier book, "Weekend Canoeing in Michigan," Also by Doc Fletcher, 176 pages, Arbutus Press Publisher, includes twenty rivers with four in the U.P.
Beginning with the quote, "Everyone must believe in something. I believe I'll go canoeing," by Henry David Thoreau, one river featured is the Huron River in southeast Michigan.
Readers will notice at the beginning of each chapter the listing for the Detroit Tigers on radio is shown if there is one available.
Quotes about each river along with selected music the author feels is compatible with a float on that river are featured.
These books are good for locating liveries on a river you may be interested in paddling, along with contact information.
For a general, lighthearted overview, one or both of these books might be a good, quick reference guide. In the meantime, find those paddles and PFD"s, get the dry bags out, pick one of these books up and start dreaming about warm weather as you turn the pages, river to river.
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
Spring-this season didn't get the spring forward memo
Spring in Michigan. As far as the weather goes, it's one of the most iffy times of the year. Anything can happen. High winds, no wind, snow, rain or very dry. It depends on what Mother Nature is sending us that year.
This year is no exception. Just when you think about grabbing the rake to get those leaves left over from last fall raked and put into the compost pile, here comes another front as the weather gurus call it.
Working for a couple of days in shirtsleeves and even sitting outside for a bit, caught some of us dreaming about plowing the garden up and doing some early season planting. Better hold those thoughts for now.
Last nights cold temperatures, high wind, snow, sleet and freezing rain reminded us in no uncertain terms who is in charge around here. It definitely isn't us even though our thoughts have turned toward warm weather.
Like tulips, daffodils and crocus we look for in early spring, night crawlers have joined them by staying covered up for just a little longer.
Yes, you'll find some of these little plants and animals alongside building foundations, but for the most part, the ground is too cold and wet for much to get started.
In the meantime, gather your children and read about "Hannah and the Talking Tree," by Elke Weiss. The winner of several awards, it's a story about saving the environment, namely trees, being different and learning to listen.
The 36-page book is alive showing children playing outdoors and interacting with nature. It's a really great teaching tool for youngsters, keeping their attention at the turn of every page.
Spring is a wonderful time of the year to teach young people about the world outside. "Hannah and the Talking Tree," are one way to do it.
This year is no exception. Just when you think about grabbing the rake to get those leaves left over from last fall raked and put into the compost pile, here comes another front as the weather gurus call it.
Working for a couple of days in shirtsleeves and even sitting outside for a bit, caught some of us dreaming about plowing the garden up and doing some early season planting. Better hold those thoughts for now.
Last nights cold temperatures, high wind, snow, sleet and freezing rain reminded us in no uncertain terms who is in charge around here. It definitely isn't us even though our thoughts have turned toward warm weather.
Like tulips, daffodils and crocus we look for in early spring, night crawlers have joined them by staying covered up for just a little longer.
Yes, you'll find some of these little plants and animals alongside building foundations, but for the most part, the ground is too cold and wet for much to get started.
In the meantime, gather your children and read about "Hannah and the Talking Tree," by Elke Weiss. The winner of several awards, it's a story about saving the environment, namely trees, being different and learning to listen.
The 36-page book is alive showing children playing outdoors and interacting with nature. It's a really great teaching tool for youngsters, keeping their attention at the turn of every page.
Spring is a wonderful time of the year to teach young people about the world outside. "Hannah and the Talking Tree," are one way to do it.
Monday, March 21, 2011
Tweener season is upon us
Tweener season is that time of year when we are in between those things we enjoy doing outdoors. While there is still ice on area lakes, it's not safe. Any day now we'll wake up to find the lakes clear of ice.
That means the boat or kayak stays put a little longer before launch day. Hiking trails are going to be muddy making for sloppy going until the ground thaws enough to get rid of some of this moisture we have and more on the way.
Even our yards are going to have to wait a little longer for spring clean-up. Ours looks like someone dumped a truck full of oak leaves all over it. And there are no oak trees close by!
Once it dries out a little, we'll rake them and add them to the compost pile and eventually the garden. Speaking of the garden, our thoughts this year have to do with gardening in contained areas.
My wife has wanted to do this for a long time and feels we'll get more out of our garden this way. Plus it should be easier to weed.
Now we need to make the frames that act as containers, mostly rectangular shaped I would think, get a good load of black dirt and get to work.
It will be fun to give something new a try in the garden. One of neighbors told us last fall he's had it with gardening. It's too much trouble and hard work to be bothered with when you can buy produce at the store or a farmers market.
That's all true but there is a certain amount of satisfaction and joy not to mention relaxation that come with putting in, growing, and tending a garden. To each his or her own, I guess.
That means the boat or kayak stays put a little longer before launch day. Hiking trails are going to be muddy making for sloppy going until the ground thaws enough to get rid of some of this moisture we have and more on the way.
Even our yards are going to have to wait a little longer for spring clean-up. Ours looks like someone dumped a truck full of oak leaves all over it. And there are no oak trees close by!
Once it dries out a little, we'll rake them and add them to the compost pile and eventually the garden. Speaking of the garden, our thoughts this year have to do with gardening in contained areas.
My wife has wanted to do this for a long time and feels we'll get more out of our garden this way. Plus it should be easier to weed.
Now we need to make the frames that act as containers, mostly rectangular shaped I would think, get a good load of black dirt and get to work.
It will be fun to give something new a try in the garden. One of neighbors told us last fall he's had it with gardening. It's too much trouble and hard work to be bothered with when you can buy produce at the store or a farmers market.
That's all true but there is a certain amount of satisfaction and joy not to mention relaxation that come with putting in, growing, and tending a garden. To each his or her own, I guess.
Friday, March 18, 2011
Those new gadgets-Use em' for several activities
The new gadgets or you'll be reading about in this Sunday's Oakland Press have more than one use.
Yes, the backpack is one item that is specific to trails for hiking or overnight stays while hiking or otherwise walking.
But the Aussie Chiller hat is excellent not only on the trail, but working in the yard, or on the water, when paddling or fishing.
It's design with the wide brim helps keep those harmful rays of the sun off exposed skin on the face, especially the ears and nose.
Light My Fire new FireSteel is a great alternative to carry matches or a lighter on the trail, in a canoe or around camp.
Matches probably won't ever be completely replaced but in the meantime this lightweight, small piece of important equipment is the next best thing. Besides it works when those matches are soaking wet.
You'll find lots of uses around home, camp, or standing in the middle of your favorite river at night trying to tie a new fly on, for the Irix II headlamp.
Bright light from the LED's, it's very lightweight, fits nicely on your head using an adjustable band, and allows you to see what is in the fly box, tool chest, or camp chest all the while being hands free.
Check them out. They can make like a little easier in not compact!
Yes, the backpack is one item that is specific to trails for hiking or overnight stays while hiking or otherwise walking.
But the Aussie Chiller hat is excellent not only on the trail, but working in the yard, or on the water, when paddling or fishing.
It's design with the wide brim helps keep those harmful rays of the sun off exposed skin on the face, especially the ears and nose.
Light My Fire new FireSteel is a great alternative to carry matches or a lighter on the trail, in a canoe or around camp.
Matches probably won't ever be completely replaced but in the meantime this lightweight, small piece of important equipment is the next best thing. Besides it works when those matches are soaking wet.
You'll find lots of uses around home, camp, or standing in the middle of your favorite river at night trying to tie a new fly on, for the Irix II headlamp.
Bright light from the LED's, it's very lightweight, fits nicely on your head using an adjustable band, and allows you to see what is in the fly box, tool chest, or camp chest all the while being hands free.
Check them out. They can make like a little easier in not compact!
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