Editorial: Ask questions first, dig later…
As things stand now, it is not clear if human activities are causing low water levels in the upper Great Lakes. Until the science is complete, Michigan politicians should forget about playing God with the St. Irene River.
The plan to install huge concrete blocks in the river to help sustain water levels will have unforeseen results. What would dumping concrete into one of only two sturgeon spawning habitats do? It is obvious that the channel beneath the Clearwater Bridge is deeper than when Europeans first arrived. The river ‘mouth,’ actually the outlet from the lake; used to be swift and shallow. Historical documents show there were originally three channels, and two islands at the south end of Lake Kandechio. Known only as, ‘The Rapids,’ before settlement, boats were hauled upriver by men and teams of oxen. A 2005 study indicated that things changed in the 1890’s. The river was dredged to a uniform channel depth of 20 feet, (about six metres.) From 1908 to 1925; sand and gravel were extracted from the river bed for use as building materials. In fact, the Lennox Yacht Club harbour is man-made, and the channel was deepened in the 1930’s. In 1962, more dredging occurred, which took the channel depth to 27 feet, (8 metres.)
Since then, approximately two to six metres at various locations has disappeared of its own volition between the bridge and Brindle Creek on the U.S. side, according to the study.
A deeper channel at Lennox may allow more water to drain from the lakes. Lack of rain in recent seasons, low snow-pack, natural cycles, and deforestation also play a role.
Chapter Twenty-Four
So, what do you want for dinner?