Courtesy Lake Superior NERR
Lake Superior NERR
The facility at 3 Marina Drive, on Barker’s Island in Superior, will become a state-of-the-art learning center for the public, students and researchers.
Lake Superior NERR receives grant for Superior learning center
Superior, Wisconsin, one of the Twin Ports at Lake Superior’s western tip, will have a new way to tell the story of the St. Louis River estuary and Lake Superior watershed when a learning center opens on Barker’s Island in 2017.
The Lake Superior National Estuarine Research Reserve (NERR) and the University of Wisconsin-Superior received a $316,667 grant from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to convert an existing facility on Barker’s Island into a public learning center – part tourist draw, part community resource – featuring exhibits for the public along with classrooms and meeting space for students and community groups.
The university purchased the building from Vista Fleet in 2011. University of Wisconsin-Extension matched the NOAA grant.
“The Learning Center will drive the Reserve forward in its mission, to work through partnerships to improve the understanding of Lake Superior estuaries and coastal resources and to address issues affecting them,” according to the NERR’s announcement of the funding.
Superior Mayor Bruce Hagen said in a news release, “The Learning Center is a very important addition to City offerings for both visitors and residents alike.”
Renovation and design work has already begun. The center is expected to open in summer 2017.
Sault Ste. Marie International Bridge gets new toll plaza
Sault Ste. Marie International Bridge
The Sault Ste. Marie International Bridge celebrated the completion of the 16-month-long, $8.9 million (USD) toll plaza project with a flag raising, ribbon-cutting and a public open house on Wednesday. ...
The new administration building and seven toll lanes replaced the 53-year-old building and five toll lanes built in 1962 as part of the original bridge project.
As part of the project, the bridge administration replaced its 15-year-old computer system. Customers can now monitor their accounts online and automatically replenish them via credit card.
A chilling Isle Royale tale
Here at the magazine we love spooky stories. Discovering Kris Ketonen’s blog The Spooklight, about legends and hauntings in the Thunder Bay area, was a real treat this week.
Kris’ latest post recounts the plight of Angelique and Charlie Mott, who were stranded on Isle Royale with few provisions for almost an entire year in the 1840s. Their story, which did not end well for Charlie, is told in a clipping from the Fort William Daily Times-Journal.
Isle Royale visitors may recognize the Mott name. The national park’s summer headquarters are on what’s now called Mott Island.
Ontonagon chosen for sustainability assistance program: “The project is part of a case study designed to help assist small harbor communities develop ways to attract businesses, tourists and more by making better use of waterfront areas,” reports Caleb Scanlon for ABC10.
Got $40 million to spare? Marquette’s Granot Loma estate is for sale. The historic lodge, which is the world’s largest log cabin, has 23 bedrooms, 13 baths and 25 fireplaces. The 5,000-acre property has 12 other buildings, including a guest house and root cellar, and 3.7 miles of Lake Superior shoreline. It was on the market several years ago at the same price, but didn’t sell. Watch a video tour by WLUC.
Research at Pictured Rocks aids conservation efforts: A study of vernal pools led to a new classification system, which will help land managers “effectively maintain a suite of vernal pools across the landscape,” reports Eric Freedman for Great Lakes Echo.
Fraser Shipyards moves beyond vessel repair: The Superior company has changed with the times to reach its 125th year in business, writes Ron Brochu for Business North. (Plus, from our archive: “Inside Fraser Shipyards.”)
Photos: The wild side of northwestern Ontario: CBC outdoor columnist Gord Ellis on trail cameras and the critters he has photographed with them.
Copper Peak ski flying returns in 2017: The Federation of International Skiing chose the U.P.’s Copper Peak as host of a Grand Prix Summer Series event, with two more events tentatively planned for 2018. Ahead of the events, “renovations will include resurfacing the jump, installing an artificial surface landing zone and other enhancements to equip the site for year around ski flying and training,” says the Ironwood Daily Globe. (Also from our archive: “Above It All at Copper Peak.”)