Recreation

The Great Lakes are the home to a wide range of recreation -- from sailboat and powerboat races to fishing tournaments. They're also a draw for tourists who travel to distinctive communities such as Mackinac Island.

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Forecast calls for significant algae bloom on Lake Erie

By • Jul 13, 2018
Elizabeth Miller/ideastream

Scientists predict a significant harmful algae bloom for western Lake Erie this year.

The forecast, a joint effort between the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Heidelberg University and other partners, predicts a bloom severity of six on a 10-point scale. That would be better than last year, but worse than 2016.

Low levels of toxic algae detected at Cleveland beaches

By • Jul 5, 2018
NOAA GLERL

An algae bloom was identified in Lake Erie’s central basin this week, causing increased testing and increased caution at Cleveland’s beaches.

Toxin concentrations were high only one day last week. On Friday, the Northeast Ohio Regional Sewer District detected a concentration of 10 parts per billion at Edgewater Beach. Ohio’s recreational threshold is 6 parts per billion.

Watch out moose -- more wolves headed to Isle Royale National Park

By • Jun 11, 2018
Rolf Peterson

The National Park Service has announced a plan to import wolves to Isle Royale National Park, a move designed to restore the natural balance between predator and prey. And that means the island's moose had better watch out.

“Biggest Week” brings flock of birders to Ohio

By • May 10, 2018
Elizabeth Miller/ideastream

It’s a special time of year for migratory birds.

Tired from their travels, they stop on the coast of western Lake Erie and spend some time resting and refueling with some food – primarily insects.

Nine years ago, the Black Swamp Bird Observatory in Ohio decided to capitalize on this event, and since then it has drawn thousands of birders from all 50 states and 52 countries.


Conference helps marina owners cut pollution

By • Feb 20, 2018
[Denise Kappa/Shutterstock]

Ohio and five other Great Lakes states have Clean Marina programs that aim to improve air and water quality. They teach marina owners how to prevent pollution.

On Feb. 21, Ohio’s program will hold a day-long training conference. Marina owners will learn best practices – such as recycling fishing lines or reducing oil spills.

Ohio Sea Grant’s Sarah Orlando runs the program.

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