Coast Guard: Weapons Training is Off - For Now
The U.S. Coast Guard has pulled its plans for offshore
live-fire weapons training on the Great Lakes, at least for now. The
decision came after a series of public meetings that drew a mix of
criticism and support.
Under the plan, crews would shoot at floating targets from
cutters, rescue boats and other vessels in designated machine-gun
ranges. The Coast Guard maintained the exercises posed no public
hazard, but some worried that boaters may not hear the warnings on
maritime radio.
Critics also raised environmental concerns about adding lead
ammunition to the lakes. Mayors from 80 U.S. and Canadian cities from
around the Great Lakes urged the Coast Guard to drop plans for the
offshore training.
Rear Adm. John E. Crowley Jr., commander of the Ninth Coast
Guard District in Cleveland, says he will “take the time to get this
right.” He says he is committed to finding “environmentally friendly
alternatives” to the lead ammunition now used.
Lake Notes
 Many
native fish seem to be coming back to healthy populations. Herring are
rebounding, and introduced species like Chinook and coho salmon are
self-sustaining, says Don Schreiner, Lake Superior fisheries supervisor
at French River, Minnesota. Lake Superior’s wild lake trout are
thriving, recovering from heavy predation from sea lamprey. You’ll find
that good news in the fisheries management plan available from the
Minnesota Department of Natural Resources or at
www.dnr.state.mn.us/areas/fisheries/lakesuperior/lsmp.html.
Special Water Level Report
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