Area Waterways at Record Low Levels

IRONWOOD, MI - Sunday, September 13, 2009 - Water levels in the Great Lakes, smaller lakes, rivers and streams across the Upper Peninsula and Northern Wisconsin have reached record lows the past two years. According the the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, the water level in Lake Superior is the lowest it's been since 1960.

According to a recent article by Allan Swift, "Low water levels on the St. Lawrence River, its seaway and the Great Lakes are starting to hurt the large commercial shipping industry. No one knows for sure the reason for the disappearing water, which has also afflicted recreational boating and fishing and hurt water-front home and cottage property values. Most believe the low water of the past two years is just part of a cycle, and it will come back to normal levels. Others see a longterm problem caused by global warming."

Many fish have died throughout the area due to the low water levels. Recreational fishing in many are lakes and streams has been spotty at best. The economic situation in the United State is poor enough, but the impact of low water levels are going to severely impact this part of the country. Port cities like Superior and Duluth rely heavily on importing and exporting. Many goods are shipped out of and supplied to the Midwest via the Great Lakes. Low water levels have restricted the amount of goods each ship can carry.

Locally rivers and streams are lower today that they've ever been. Recreational boating, rafting and fishing is being affected. The area's precipitation is drastically below normal, and the forecast shows no signs of relief.