Nearshore

Beach safety app adds new hazard warning feature

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There is yet another reason to stay glued to our phones. The myBeachCast smartphone app, released in 2011 by the Great Lakes Commission, has just added a new feature — beach hazard warnings from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. The free app is available for download here. Although drownings appear to be on track to fall from a record high in 2012, the overall trend from the past several years have seen consistent increase, according to the Great Lakes Surf Commission. The hazard warnings on the app informs users when and where there is a potential for dangerous rip currents.

Echo

Photo Friday: Great Lake or Ocean?

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Think you can tell the difference between a freshwater Great Lake and an ocean? It may be tougher than you think. The Daily Traveler invites you to test your knowledge of Great Lakes landscapes with an interactive photo quiz. The size, colors and wave heights of the Great Lakes can often make it difficult to tell them apart from saltier seas. Take your best guesses at the pictures on the Traveler webpage – hovering over the images with your mouse or clicking on the photos will give you the answers.

Echo

Polling results: Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund

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Last week, Great Lakes Echo reported recent legislative attempts to change what Michigan’s Natural Resources Trust Fund supported. We asked readers where they wanted to see the majority of those funds spent. Here’s the breakdown:

Land purchasing: 51 percent
State park development: 20 percent
Biking/walking paths: 6 percent
Roads/trails for motorized vehicles: 6 percent
Dredging projects: 2 percent (1 vote)
General budget: 2 percent (1 vote)
Other (explain in comments): 14 percent

But that’s based only on 51 votes. Voting isn’t closed, so if you haven’t already,  read the story and vote/comment! Some of the ideas Echo readers voiced in the comment section:

JoMic said: “Trust fund money should be spent on all of the first four selections above plus it would be great to have more programming to educate the public about Michigan’s natural beauty.

Echo

Minnesota’s French River sees fishing community on shore

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By Jamie Merideth

Nearly 14 miles outside of Duluth, fishermen gather regularly at French River to do what they love. Locals go to the river to hang out with other fishermen, talk about fishing and share together in the sport they enjoy. Gary Cross grew up in Duluth and taught himself how to fish at a very young age. He’s been fishing at French River for over 25 years, and he is one of several fishermen telling his story in the video above.