[dailynews] February 29, 2012

Great Lakes Daily News: February 29, 2012
For links to these stories and more, visit http://www.great-lakes.net/news/


Advisory group to hear update on health of Presque Isle Bay
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Presque Isle Bay received an "Area of Concern" designation in 1991. 
Conditions had improved enough by 2002 for it to be upgraded to an "Area of 
Concern in the Recovery Stage." Now, officials are taking steps toward 
having the bay removed from the concern list altogether. Source: Erie 
Times-News (2/29)


Budget may squeeze conservation programs for NY farmers
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Record grain prices are leading the nation's farmers to put idled land back 
into production - but in New York, land that's already producing is catching 
the attention of conservationists. In the north country, officials are 
concerned about protecting the Lake Ontario, Black River and St. Lawrence 
River watersheds, among others. Source: Watertown Daily Times (2/29)


Muskegon groups rally to support Clipper relocation to Heritage Landing
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The S.S. Milwaukee Clipper Preservation Inc., a nonprofit group that has 
restored and created a museum with the historic Great Lakes passenger ferry, 
presented commissioners this week with a number of letters supporting the 
move to Heritage Landing on the downtown Muskegon Lake shoreline. Source: 
Muskegon Chronicle (2/29)


Monster weed threatens Finger Lakes
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Advocates are warning the Finger Lakes and other upstate New York water 
bodies lakes could be overrun by a hyper-aggressive invasive plant unless 
more money is found for a major eradication effort. The plant, hydrilla, was 
found late last summer in two creeks at the south end of Cayuga Lake at 
Ithaca. Source: Rochester Democrat and Chronicle (2/28)


Landfill site for river dredging material tough to pin down as costs 
escalate
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Just months before work begins on the last leg of a project to dredge the 
inner harbor of the Sheboygan River in Wisconsin, officials are facing 
significant questions over where to dispose of the tainted sediments and how 
much it will cost to do it. Source: Sheboygan Press (2/28)


Walker pushes for compromise on mining bill
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Wis. Gov. Scott Walker is promoting legislation enabling a Florida company 
to mine for iron ore in northwest Wisconsin. Opponents of the legislation 
say it puts natural resources at risk, by easing groundwater and wetlands 
regulations. Source: Milwaukee Public Radio (2/28)


Dredging funds for small-town harbors like Saugatuck, Pentwater at risk, 
group says
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A delegation from the Great Lakes Small Harbor Coalition met with the Great 
Lakes Commission in Washington, D.C. for the release of $20 million to 
dredge 112 small harbors in eight states that are in danger of becoming 
blocked if not dredged. Source: The Grand Rapids Press (2/27)


At least 60 Wis. communities don't treat water
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About 60 communities in Wisconsin don't treat drinking water to kill 
contaminants, despite a recommendation to the contrary, according to a 
newspaper report. The state Department of Natural Resources strongly 
suggests communities treat drinking water with chlorine or ultraviolet light 
to kill bacteria and viruses. Source: Chicago Tribune (2/27)

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