Climate change, river recreation and regulating toxics are all in this edition of News to Us – the HRWC monthly brief on water and watershed related news that catches our attention.
In hot water: Climate change is affecting North American fish
This blog summarizes the conclusions from several recent research articles on the impacts of climate change to fish. Coldwater species and those in arid environments are most vulnerable. Fisheries are already experiencing measurable change from climate change that impacts ecosystems, recreation and the economy. HRWC is wrapping up a two year project to help the Huron adapt to climate change. You can read more about this project here.
U.S. Needs Smarter Disaster Planning
Disaster planning is one way to protect human communities from the impacts of climate change. Extreme weather events are becoming more common. Municipalities each develop plans to protect their communities from, respond to and recover from natural disasters. This article discusses the importance of incorporating climate change into these plans.
Ann Arbor trying to curb alcohol, parking problems at popular tubing spot
A growing number of complaints pertaining to visitors of Argo Cascades in Ann Arbor is leading the city to consider how to address the issues. While we love to see people enjoying the river, we encourage everyone to consider appropriate safety and etiquette. Visit the Huron River Water Trail website for ways to have fun on the river without impacting other users, river neighbors and the river itself.
Editorial: Ann Arbor joins VBT, Scio in banning coal tar sealants
The Belleville Independent published an editorial highlighting progress locally to ban coal tar pavement sealers. Van Buren Township led the way on this issue in Michigan banning the toxic substance in December 2015. Recently, Scio Township and Ann Arbor have joined Van Buren on the front lines to reduce health risks to humans and aquatic communities due to PAH compounds which occur in very high amounts in a commonly used pavement sealer. You can help HRWC continue to tackle this issue in our watershed by donating to our Coal Tar Free Huron campaign.
Strange brew: How chemical reform legislation falls short
Last month, the federal government signed into law a reform of the 1976 Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA). The new law has met with very mixed reviews from companies and groups working to reduce the number of toxic chemicals in consumer products. The chemicals ultimately end up in our bodies and environment and little is known about the thousands of chemical brought to market each year. Read this bloggers take on the good and the bad of the new law. It may have implications for our ability to regulate chemicals at the local level including coal tar pavement sealers.