Join us for our Easter Eggstravaganza on Saturday, April 19, 2025, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Lakes By The Bay Park (8551 SW 216th Street) Download Event Map here [PDF] View the Parks and Recreation Calendar Contact Us The Town of Cutler Bay’s popular annual event will take place at a new location for the first time — Lakes by the Bay Park — to make it bigger and better Town Events and Programs manager Maria Herrera‑Mendoza said she was looking forward to the change “This year we are doing something new by moving the event to Lakes by the Bay Park,” said Herrera‑Mendoza “We will do our annual Easter Egg Hunts on the baseball fields to allow for more room for the kids to hunt.” “There was a golden egg dropped during each hunt that won a special Easter basket,” Herrera‑Mendoza said For information, contact Maria Herrera-Mendoza by email at mherrera-mendoza@cutlerbay-fl.gov or call 786-459-7389 look no further than Miami Community Newspapers This Miami online group of newspapers covers a variety of topics about the local community and beyond Miami’s Community Newspapers offers daily news podcasts and other multimedia content to keep readers informed With topics ranging from local news to community events Miami’s Community Newspapers is the ideal source for staying up to date with the latest news and happenings in the area This family-owned media company publishes more than a dozen neighborhood publications as well as distributing them in print throughout Miami Dade County from Aventura Each online publication and print editions provide comprehensive coverage of local news and local initiatives within its respective community Additionally, the newspaper has exclusive Miami community podcasts, providing listeners with an in-depth look into Miami’s culture. 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Call 305.669.7355 or view our Media Kit. snakes certainly frequent the state's lakes As the largest inland body of water in Massachusetts, Quabbin Reservoir serves as the primary water supply for Boston Quabbin Reservoir is home to nearly all of Massachusetts’s 14 snake species surrounded by over 81,000 acres of protected forest that limit human activity and reduce habitat destruction provides a haven for snakes while supporting nearly all of the state's snake species with its expansive and diverse habitats Common sightings include northern watersnakes and eastern garter snakes Other species are also present, such as ring-necked snakes, red-bellied snakes, eastern milksnakes, and black racers. However, the most common snakes at this reservoir are northern watersnakes and eastern garter snakes and flowing waterways are home to a wide variety of animals One of the best places to experience this natural abundance is the Assabet River National Wildlife Refuge now has more than 15 miles of picturesque paths winding across diverse terrain which is commonly seen along the riverbanks Spot Pond is a sizable body of water with opportunities for various outdoor activities Once a water source for local shoe and rubber factories it has become a popular natural attraction for visitors The variety of habitats surrounding the pond supports a flourishing snake population With several miles of varied shoreline and dense forests it provides ideal conditions for garter snakes These reptiles are frequently seen gliding over the water or lounging on rocks during the warmer months The second-largest freshwater reservoir in Massachusetts is carefully maintained by the Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) and is essential to the water supply of Greater Boston The reservoir provides a rich habitat for wildlife with several small islands serving as important breeding sites for loons and gulls such as thick stands of red pine that provide habitat for numerous species Wachusett Reservoir is home to a variety of snakes and Dekay’s brownsnakes live in the reservoir’s mix of wetlands the Great Meadows National Wildlife Refuge is situated in eastern Massachusetts and is centered around two small lakes that were previously improved by earthen dams to maintain habitats for waterfowl along with the refuge’s expansive freshwater wetlands provide ideal conditions for various species Other commonly spotted reptiles include the northern watersnake and snapping turtle The refuge’s wetlands also sustain a variety of mammals which can often be seen along the banks or swimming through the waterways Quabbin Reservoir in Massachusetts during autumn While it is understandable how the thought of "snake-infested" lakes may be unsettling native snake species in Massachusetts are essential to preserving ecological harmony From the expansive Quabbin Reservoir to the Great Meadows National Wildlife Refuge wetlands these lakes and waterways are the preferred habitats for the snake species that call Massachusetts home For those who are not the biggest fans of the fearsome reptiles it’s crucial to remember that these snakes typically avoid human interaction and are more interested in hunting for their next meal than acknowledging people nearby Whether an avid wildlife observer or simply having a relaxing day by the water understanding the value of these reptiles ensures a safer and more enjoyable visit to Massachusetts’ great outdoors photos and original descriptions © 2025 worldatlas.com Bring the Adventure Home | 1871 Club Print Membership Now Only $35 - Delivered Right to Your Door, Subscribe Today 2024An angler poses with a trophy walleye caught through the ice in Upstate New York (Photo/Louis Pagnotti)The 10 Best Ice Fishing Lakes in AmericaThe start of winter shouldn't dampen the amount of time you spend outside catching big fish there's a hardy subset of anglers who are just getting started when the snow starts to fly and lake surfaces freeze over consider putting one of these top-notch ice fishing destinations on your must-fish list TIP: The perch fishing in Chaumont Bay can be world-class as well and there's no limit on size or quantity Local anglers are known to catch boatloads of jumbo perch using hand-tied "perch bugs" on size 8 hooks tipped with either a maggot or a perch eye Devil’s Lake is the largest naturally occurring water body in North Dakota and it’s famous for healthy populations of walleye Ice fishing typically kicks off on Devil’s in early to mid-December when anglers can jig rattling spoons for fat football-shaped walleyes that feed heavily above man-made structure Fish 2 to 3 feet off the bottom in water as deep as 30 feet when targeting perch One common perch lure on Devil’s is a slender 1/16th spoon tipped with 2 or 3 maggots (A.K.A Tip-ups are a good strategy when fishing for pike and every flag that goes up has trophy potential Fish dead herring or cisco right off the bottom for your best chance at netting a trophy northern overcast days are best for the all-day walleye bite on Devils TIP: The Strawberry Bay Marina offers shuttles out onto the ice all week long during the winter months Green Bay is an arm of Lake Michigan that butts up to the east coast of Wisconsin and the southwest coast of Michigan's Upper Peninsula It's approximately 120 miles long and ranges between 10 to 20 miles in width The bay is a legendary destination for big walleye walleye push into the shallows and feed heavily near structure in preparation for the upcoming spawn Try fishing an 8-ounce jighead tipped with a dead shiner over shallow-water zebra muscle beds The Flaming Gorge Reservoir is formed by the Green River which is impounded by the Flaming Gorge dam in southwest Wyoming Much of the 42,000-acre lake sits in Wyoming but a good-sized section extends into northern Utah as well—and the ice fishing is great in both the Cowboy State and the Beehive State portions Ice anglers from all over the country travel to the Gorge to target kokanee salmon TIP: Fish big tube jigs an inch or two off the bottom to catch trophy lakers on Flaming Gorge Lake Gogebic is a natural lake spanning 13,800-acres in Michigan's Upper Peninsula and it's well known for jumbo perch through the ice Anglers hone in on the north end of the lake for walleye and submerged structure on the south end for trophy walleyes and northerns The jumbo perch that make the lake famous tend to feed around submerged vegetation and along drop offs TIP: Use small vertical jigs tipped with minnows or worms when targeting jumbo perch on Lake Gogebic Read Next: The 50 Best Fishing Lures of All Time © 2024 Field & Stream All rights reserved but with an offer that ranges from Niagara Falls to historic chances are high that stops on these itineraries are places you've never thought of as being cruise ports -- and you'll be quite impressed with your findings big-ship vacation with tons of restaurants you’ll be cruising the Great Lakes in a smaller vessel with just a couple hundred other travelers This is partly due to the size of the locks that connect the lakes as only the smaller ships can pass through them Read on to discover more about Great Lakes cruising and why you should be closely considering doing so very soon Niagara Falls (Photo: Mikhail Kolesnikov/Shutterstock) The Great Lakes cruise season is a relatively short one running from late May through mid-September the best time for cruising the Great Lakes is from July on Leaf-peepers may catch fall colors in late August or early September Be prepared for thunderstorms at any time, and high winds have been known to delay departures from Chicago (the Windy City) Viking Octantis' luxe spa pool (Photo: Viking) Pearl Sea Cruises operates the 210-passenger Pearl Mist on seven- or 11-night cruises between Milwaukee and Toronto or Midland Ponant Cruises operates Le Bellot and Le Dumont d’Urville both on seven-day itineraries between Milwaukee and Toronto On the Canadian side, four lakes (Lake Michigan is entirely within the U.S.) border the province of Ontario. Given these distances, most lake cruises include a day or three of relaxing cruising time Lake Superior is not on the basic lake-to-lake route of most Great Lakes cruises Crossing it would mean backtracking to resume cruising on the other four lakes If adding all five lakes to your bucket list is your goal be sure your Great Lakes cruise ship actually enters Lake Superior Note that the one Great Lake cruise line that calls on Duluth and Thunder Bay on a regular basis is Viking Viking Octantis passing through the Soo Locks on a Great Lakes cruise (Photo/Harriet Baskas) Picking an itinerary for Great Lakes cruising is no easy feat. There are seven-day cruises; two-week ones; those that call more ports in the US than Canada and vice versa; those that enter Lake Superior and those that only offer a quick transfer through Soo Locks the most important decisions are which ports you want to visit and for how long you wish to cruise the Great Lakes on a ship There are plenty of options for those who just want to cruise the Great Lakes Trips of nine to 11 nights are usually one-way routes Lake Michigan cruises are those that begin in Chicago or Milwaukee Boats travel to Lake Huron (possibly Lake Superior) Lake Erie and end either in Lake Ontario or include a day sailing up the St Ports of call on Great Lakes cruises vary slightly with Mackinac Island, Little Current and Niagara Falls among the scheduled highlights island-filled bay off the eastern side of Lake Huron Some cruises on the Great Lakes might sail straight through the bay or call on Parry Sound Longer cruises on the Great Lakes trace a similar route from Chicago, adding stops at Cleveland, Ohio and Buffalo, NY, both on Lake Erie. A stop is made at the Lake Ontario port of Rochester, NY, before entering the Erie Canal passing through New York Harbor and ending in Warren There are also round-trip routes from Milwaukee and Toronto Seven-night round trip cruises from Chicago sail primarily on Lake Michigan entering Lake Huron to visit Mackinac Island Another seven-night option is a one-way cruise from Chicago to Midland This cruise includes Lakes Michigan and Huron you’ll be dropping in elevation through one or more sets of locks (depending on your final destination) There’s a one-hour time change between Chicago and Toronto or Montreal Chicago, Illinois: Whether you stroll along the Lake Michigan waterfront, wonder at the paintings in the Art Institute of Chicago or shop 'til you drop in the Magnificent Mile's upscale stores Chicago offers plenty of reasons to stay a few days pre- or post-cruise Don't miss taking a sightseeing boat along the Chicago River for an eye-opening architectural tour the Grand Hotel boasts the world's longest hotel porch The renowned luncheon buffet overlooking Lake Huron is grand indeed Sault Sainte Marie, Michigan: The oldest city in Michigan is the site of the Soo Locks, leading from Lake Huron into Lake Superior. Stop at the viewing stand to watch the freighter traffic. An average of 10,000 ships a year pass through these locks. Explore the nooks and crannies of the Museum Ship Valley Camp which was built in 1917 and retired in 1966 houses displays relating to maritime history in the cargo holds including two lifeboats from the sinking of the legendary Edmond Fitzgerald in 1975 Manitoulin Island, Ontario: You dock at Little Current, a charming community known for delicious ice cream and set on the world's largest freshwater island. Attend a pow-wow and colorful dance show performed by the native Ojibwe tribe. Learn about their customs and art at the Ojibwe Cultural Foundation Parry Sound, Ontario: The world's deepest natural freshwater port is found on the east shore of Georgian Bay. Ride in a floatplane high above the scenic bay's 30,000 islands. Visit the Museum on Tower Hill near the base of a fire lookout tower Historical artifacts tell the story of the town's role in shipping and logging Michigan (Photo: Simply Photos/Shutterstock) Michigan: Ships might dock at Detroit's renovated pier or in a park-like setting at Windsor Either way, the main attraction is the Henry Ford Museum which houses a huge collection of American cars Kennedy's ill-fated limo and grab a snack in an old-time diner which are actually three distinct waterfalls Then board a tour boat for close-up viewing You're given a plastic poncho to help keep you dry as the boat (not your Great Lakes cruise ship) motors up to Horseshoe Falls the largest and most impressive of Niagara's cascades It's said that the equivalent of one million bathtubs of water tumbles over the falls each minute Suitcase with Summer Clothes (Photo: Africa Studio/Shutterstock) Prepare for lots of "sea" days. The long distances covered by cruises on the Great Lakes mean lots of time spent on board. Bring a book or deck of cards. If you bring your laptop or iPad, be prepared for long periods without connections Long distances between ports also mean cruising the Great Lakes at night Choose your cabin carefully if engine noise keeps you awake Pack smart. What should you pack for cruising the Great Lakes? Passports are required as you'll be entering Canada. Flip-flops or sandals come in handy for the Niagara Falls boat tour. Yes, you can get seasick on the lakes. Bring your patches or seasickness medicine in case of rough waters There’s no need to pack a heavy jacket since you won’t cruise the Great Lakes in the coldest months and maybe a good book and jumping in the car to head to a sandy shoreline feels like a mini-vacation Living in Northeast Wisconsin means we can easily and quickly venture to the Bay and manmade beaches just a short drive away From ocean-like beaches and sand dunes to man-made swimming holes and ponds find the perfect place for your next beach day! READ MORE: The Ultimate Ice Cream Lovers Bucket List: 60+ Favorites! Menominee Park is full of family-friendly fun things to do including a free zoo and a small amusement park The beach area includes a pool house with bathrooms READ MORE: The Ultimate Playground, Beach, and Animals at Menominee Park and Zoo in Oshkosh High Cliff has a small swim area with no lifeguards on duty. The bathhouse has flush toilets, showers, changing areas, and open shelters. Remember, don’t swim alone and watch children closely near the water. Vehicle passes are $28 for the season for the state park system READ MORE: 18 Fox Valley Family Friendly Nature Trails for Biking, Walking & Hiking, including High Cliff State Park One of the three Green Lake parks on the 27.3 miles of shoreline includes a swimming area Green Lake is Wisconsin’s deepest natural inland lake Dodge Memorial Park is located at the Southwest end of Green Lake; this park offers a boat launch The large sand area has a shallow sandy bottom This is the top spot for swimming in Green Lake Another of the three Green Lake parks that offer swimming This spot is most popular for water skiing and tubing A GVK reader shares that there is not a beachy area Last of the three Green Lake parks that include swimming areas Hattie Sherwood Park is located at the north lakeshore and offers a sand swimming beach and restrooms At the south end of Waupaca’s Main Street South Park offers a variety of recreational opportunities a sandy swimming beach (guards on duty daily Memorial Day-Labor Day) Read More: Creek Stomping, Ice Cream, and Picture Perfect Bridge in Little Hope, near Waupaca Hartman Lake is located in Hartman Creek State Park. Hartman Lake offers a large sandy beach with clear water. They also offer bike, kayak, paddleboard, and canoe rentals, a small store for snacks and supplies, and nature classes (free) taught by a park ranger. Vehicle admission stickers are required for entrance and $28 annually Elkhart Lake offers a white sandy beach at Fireman’s Park and Swimming Beach. The beach has a concession stand, picnic tables, grills, and sand volleyball courts. Current admission rates, season, and hours. including a swimming beach with restrooms and showers This 18-acre county park is located on the 63-acre Sunset Lake and is also the home of The Central Wisconsin Environmental Station a camp run by the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point (the southeast side of the lake) Ashwaubomay Lake is located within Ashwaubomay Park and includes diving boards, tube slide, floating rafts, water basketball hoops, volleyball, concession stand, and more. Admission rates, hours, and season . Plamann Park has 257 acres of scenic hills and trails. The park offers many park activities, including Plamann Lake with a sandy beach. The beach opens in early June and closes in mid-August each year. Hours, admission rates, season details. Marble Park is a four-acre swimming pond and is always staffed with lifeguards. Admission rates, season information an d hours. Clean freshwater pond with beach, inflatable obstacle course and slides, zipline, and water sport rentals including kayaks and standup paddleboards. Admission rates, hours, and season information. It is generally cooler by the lakeshore and the water is quite cool The water is warmer at the end of the summer READ MORE: 26 Awesome Wisconsin State Parks That Are Less Than Two Hours From Appleton! READ MORE: 13 Green Bay Area Family Friendly Nature Trails for Biking, Walking & Hiking (and Waterfalls!) the 2,900-acre Point Beach State Forest offers 6 miles of Lake Michigan shoreline with beautiful sandy beaches Day use areas are open from 6 am to 11 pm daily Vehicle admission stickers are required for entrance: $8 daily and $28 annually this is a beautiful ocean-like Lake Michigan beach and has several hundred yards of sand beach There is also a jet ski/kayak launch area in the parking lot near 22nd Street One of our favorite ocean-like beaches, Kohler-Andrae State Park in Sheboygan, Wisconsin, is home to gorgeous sand dunes, miles of golden beach, shimmering blue Lake Michigan water, whispering pines, an abundance of wildlife, and recreational activities for everyone. Vehicle admission stickers are required for entrance and are $28 annually Sandy beach with a half-mile of boardwalk on Lake Michigan This is another great spot to head to have that ocean-like experience that the Great Lake offers This park offers a white sandy beach on Lake Michigan including a pavilion and gazebo well off the beach to keep the literal sand out of your sandwiches Door County is full of beautiful waterfront beaches and trails perfect for sightseeing and breathtaking sunrises and sunsets Here are some great video tours of the following Door County beaches. Also, check out this beach guide resource from Destination Door County for options on-and-off the beaten path READ MORE: Things to do in Door County with Kids Clark Lake is a public swimming beach in beautiful Door County near Bailey’s Harbor This 864-acre lake has clear water and a bottom of mostly sand and rock Clark Lake is separated from Lake Michigan by sand dunes The largest beach and beachfront park in Door County including 600 feet of sandy shore playground and bathrooms near restaurants and shops. Nicolet Beach offers a swimming area (no lifeguard provided) Wisconsin State Park vehicle admission stickers are required for entrance: $28 annually Another ocean-like and popular scenic spot with clear blue water & a beach of smooth limestone rocks Ridges County Park is home to unique and rare plants and wildlife It’s a great spot to head if you have a bird watcher in your family You’ll find a sandy beach and shallow waters here and on windy days Near the tip of the Door County Peninsula, this beach has cool rock formations and a wooded shoreline in Wisconsin’s only formally designated wilderness park. It is a quieter spot to enjoy Lake Michigan after a hike or bike ride. You’ll need a state parks pass which are $28 per vehicle for the year You’ll find a sandy shore and shallow waters waiting for you at Ephraim Public Beach Nearby you can find Ephraim Wetland Preserve to explore using trails and bridges and Harborside Park with a playground Don’t forget to pack along some paint or paint markers to stop by Anderson Dock and Marina to leave your mark for a quintessential Door County experience and truly Instagrammable photo-op Trek down a boardwalk through the dunes to reach the beach at this gorgeous state park with chilly waters This is another great choice for a hot day There’s plenty of parking and a beach house with changing rooms and a foot-washing station A state parks sticker pass is required and can be purchased for $28 READ MORE: Indoor Swimming Pools in Northeast Wisconsin Copyright © 2013 - 2025 Go Valley Kids – Go Oshkosh Kids – WiscoFam and visit the map at the bottom to help you plan This is one of San Francisco’s last surviving natural lakes It served as a central watering hole for thousands of years Mountain Lake’s durability is remarkable considering it’s survived a highway reducing its size locals releasing their pets into it (including turtles It’s since been revived thanks to conservation efforts but for obvious reasons you can’t go swimming here take a stroll down the Juan Bautista De Anza National Historic Trail and enjoy a day of birdwatching Spreckels Lake is territory of the SF Model Yacht Club (SFMYC) and as such it is designed for and totally dedicated to the craft of model boating for all ages and abilities The shallow lake is the second-largest in the park and it’s a lovely picturesque place to visit and watch model boats in action on weekends (Saturday for sailboats and Sunday for powerboats) SFMYC dates all the way back to 1898 and the clubhouse next to the lake is full of lovingly crafted model yachts It’s open to the public when members are present generally between early March until late October Although you can’t swim in Lake Merced the general public is welcome to launch personal boats in the north lake and fish for bass and carp off of designated docks around the lake’s perimeter Hop on your bike and go for a spin around the 4.4-mile paved perimeter path host a family BBQ at the Harding Park entrance or tuck into a picnic at the southern lagoon 📍 Location: Skyline Blvd & Harding Rd This small Oakland lake was first constructed as a reservoir for drinking water but later opened to the public as a park in 1936 Swimming is permitted in the designated swim area (currently closed due to toxic algae) where lifeguards are on duty daily from Memorial Day to Labor Day and on weekends There’s a paved wheelchair-accessible trail throughout the park that’s great for walking or biking; several first-come first-served picnic sites and barbecues; and designated fishing areas where fishing enthusiasts can catch bass 🏊 Swimming is usually allowed between April and October but there is still a blue-green algae danger advisory in place so you cannot currently swim there Oakland’s Lake Merritt is one of the country’s most unique urban spaces thanks to a wealth of programming and resources lining its three-mile shoreline Although there’s no swimming in Lake Merritt and biking in the ample park space surrounding the lake This is also the oldest wildlife refuge in North America so keep an eye out for migratory birds on the lake’s four artificial islands Locals love to explore Tilden’s 2,079 acres for wildlife watching and hiking, but there are a few fun attractions including an antique Merry-Go-Round, a comprehensive Botanic Garden dedicated to California native plants, and a Nature Area with a variety of farm animals. 🏊 Swimming is usually allowed in designated areas, but the lake is currently closed to swimming due to a blue-green algae danger advisory. 📍 Location: Lake Anza Road off of Central Park Drive, Tilden Park, Berkeley 📍 Location: 17600 Lake Chabot Rd., Castro Valley View this post on Instagram A post shared by Amy Thomson (@amycthomson) View this post on Instagram A post shared by John Ricchio (@jricchio) Lafayette Reservoir was built in 1933 as a standby drinking water reservoir and opened for recreational use in 1966 It’s a popular destination for fishing and the Lafayette BART station will get you within a mile of it if you’re going via public transportation and sunfish in addition to the trout planted between October and April first-served policy when it comes to picnic tables If you enjoy a hike alongside your lake day go explore the 10 miles of hiking trails throughout Lafayette Recreation Area before relaxing by the lakeshore Join your Active Adults friends for a fun day of stretches and exercises at the park Contact Paola Perez at pperez@cutlerbay-fl.gov or (786) 205-5427 to RSVP Join us at the "5k in Cutler Bay" on Saturday you're supporting the CHI Children's Crisis Center and providing scholarships for Cutler Bay Senior High Students Hosted by the Rotary Club of Perrine-Cutler Ridge/Palmetto Bay. Register at www.5kincutlerbay.com and be part of this incredible event that combines fitness Enjoy a guided kayak tour of the 23 acre lake at Lakes by the Bay Park and experience the flora and fauna of our environment Tours are limited to 24 people on a first come Get a preview of what to expect on the tour by watching our virtual kayak tour with Mayor Tim Meerbott. To register visit: www.naturepostings.com/shop For more information about the tours email naturepostings@gmail.com Join us for our second annual Life Convention on Saturday The event was designed to help residents 60+ learn The free event will feature motivational speakers Space is limited, so please RSVP with Paola Perez at (786) 205-5427 or by email at pperez@cutlerbay-fl.gov Sponsored by AvMed, The Oasis at Coral Reef, and East Ridge at Cutler Bay Click here to learn about last year's convention Join your Active Adults friends* for a seated align and stretch your body from head to toe Sponsored by: AvMed Space is limited to the first 20 RSVPs. Please contact Paola Perez atpperez@cutlerbay-fl.gov or (786) 205-5427 to RSVP *Active Adult series of events are for Town Residents aged 60 and over Join us for our Food Truck Night on Friday Share this with your neighbors and friends Peggy Bell has played a big role in shaping the Town of Cutler Bay As part of the Cutler Ridge Steering Committee she helped push for the Town’s incorporation She was elected to serve on the first Town Council in 2006 and elected as the Town’s first female Mayor in 2014 The beginning of my Cutler Bay story started 23 years ago with pushing my then three year old toddler over rocks on a field of dirt that was designated to be a park in our neighborhood But we dreamed of what it could be as we navigated that rocky soil In 1998 when my boy was 5 we discovered there was to be an Enron power plant built behind our neighborhood This was our first foray into grassroots politics My husband and I made flyers and signs and walked to many homes our flyers were distributed by others far and wide and partnering with the Sierra Club paid off There would be no power plant next to Lakes by the Bay I joined other like-minded residents and served as secretary on the board of the Cutler Ridge Steering Committee to research and promote the incorporation of our area I started a Political Action Committee to promote the name “Cutler Bay.” An election was held and the rest is history I was encouraged to run for the first Council and I did becoming the first elected official of our new Town in February 2006 I served two terms as council member and one as Mayor before being termed out in November 2018 and other experts to help us set the foundation for the new town—a town residents could be most proud of When asked what I have accomplished during my service I believe I took a strong role in getting our Lakes by the Bay Park the park we were promised so many years before When it sounded like we weren’t going to get it I took a picture of my then 16 year old son in a suit sitting on his baby rocking horse to each of the 13 Commissioners and begged them to give us this park but to do it for the young families that could still enjoy it When the vote to approve the transfer passed they posted the picture on the jumbo screen and commented they did it for the new families I was the first Council Liaison for Parks and Recreation Youth Council and created the Economic Growth Committee insuring our Town would have views of the sky and trees instead of unsightly pole signs I felt strongly about allowing golf carts on most streets and persuaded our manager to greatly increase our tree planting budget We completely remodeled Old Cutler Road and Caribbean Boulevard I spoke to developers to make sure they understood we were not a dumping ground for substandard or mediocre buildings or homes I sponsored an ordinance requiring the Town keep a high balance for savings we created a local high school—Cutler Bay Senior High I will be forever grateful to the residents Council Members and employees I had the privilege of representing and working alongside I helped to create a lasting community that serves its family of residents well for generations to come Click any thumbnail image to view a slideshow Intense storms and flooding have sent runoff surging into a shallow bay of Lake Superior in the last decade, and a new study finds runoff is the largest driver of phosphorus concentrations there that can lead to algae blooms the Chequamegon Bay near Ashland hasn’t faced any problems with blooms It’s a mystery that had left researchers at Northland College scratching their heads blue-green algae has been spotted multiple times along the south shore of Lake Superior near the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore researchers collected 862 phosphorus samples at a dozen sites within the bay that revealed concentrations just as high as nearshore areas of other Great Lakes that have struggled with blue-green algae blooms the study’s lead author Matt Hudson said the area doesn’t have the same kind of dissolved phosphorus that drains from areas with intense agricultural production around Green Bay or Western Lake Erie “We really don’t see that soluble form of phosphorus the kind that really can lead to more algal growth here,” Hudson said “That’s a reflection that we still do have primarily forested watersheds in this area Around two-thirds of the bay’s primary watershed area according to the study recently published in the Journal of Great Lakes Research The south shore of Lake Superior contains red clay and sandy deposits that make it naturally susceptible to erosion Hudson said the phosphorus that’s part of the sand and clay that washes into the bay is tightly bound to sediments obscuring it from sunlight and making it less likely for algae to grow He said researchers didn’t find that agricultural or urban areas are affecting water quality within the Chequamegon Bay “I think it demonstrates that areas where we have less development are in better shape or healthier,” Hudson said it’s not leading to these water quality problems that we see in other areas.” At the same time, the Great Lakes region is seeing more frequent, intense storms Hudson said that’s raised concerns about how climate change may affect water quality within the bay “These extreme events that we sampled just really demonstrate the importance of and the influence of these big events on water quality in the bay and just asking questions about what that means for the future,” Hudson said Hudson said researchers hope to continue monitoring within the bay as part of a long-term study to examine the influence of climate change on water quality Board of Regents of the University of Wisconsin System and Wisconsin Educational Communications Board Bay Mills Indian Community fights a proposed oil pipeline tunnel which would run through their treaty protected sacred homelands and impact communities The Native American Rights Fund (NARF) and Earthjustice have teamed up with the Bay Mills Indian Community to stop Enbridge’s Line 5 proposed pipeline that would tunnel under the Straits of Mackinac a sacred place that Bay Mills and their relatives share with Michigan and the U.S The risky one-of-a-kind project extends the life of a dangerous pipeline through the Great Lakes constructed without Tribal consent Enbridge operates the Line 5 pipeline and pursues tunnel project permits in defiance of a 2020 state order to cease operations and despite lacking a valid lease to use the submerged lands. Line 5 has already leaked at least 33 times and discharged more than 1.1 million gallons of oil. In fact Enbridge in 2014 was responsible for the largest inland oil spill which polluted Michigan’s waterways with nearly 1 million gallons of oil and permanent impacts felt throughout the spill area Bay Mills Indian Community has banned the dangerous and unnecessary project from Tribal lands and supports the Michigan Attorney General’s independent lawsuit against the foreign oil and gas giant For the Anishinaabe people of the Bay Mills Indian Community (BMIC) life began in the Michilimackinac (Place of the Great Turtle with Mackinac being a mistranslation of ‘turtle’) The waters where Lake Huron and Lake Michigan meet is a sacred space The area remains integral to their daily practice of cultural lifeways and is full of cultural It is also known as Gchi Mshiikenh Deh Minising (the Heart of the Great Turtle Island) and Tribal members depend on the abundant fish and wildlife in the Straits of Mackinac as well as a place for prayer and ceremony Commercial and subsistence fishing and hunting continue to provide economic survival for the majority of the Tribal Nation’s citizens without Tribal consultation and without seeking public input the State of Michigan granted permission to build the original Line 5 pipeline in spite of the risk of oil spills in the Great Lakes Enbridge seeks to build a tunnel under the Straits to house the Line 5 oil pipeline and continue transporting non-consumer oil and gas products from one part of Canada to another with great risk but little financial benefit to local residents “It is extremely important for Bay Mills Indian Community to take up this battle against Enbridge” explained Whitney Gravelle In-House Counsel for Bay Mills Indian Community. “Since time immemorial the Great Lakes have been an integral part of Bay Mills’ way of life and they will continue to be an integral part of tribal culture By failing to consider the dangers Line 5 poses to treaty-fishing rights we risk killing the heart of Turtle Island NARF and Earthjustice teamed up with the Bay Mills Indian Community to fight Enbridge’s proposed Line 5 pipeline tunnel and the environment on lands the Tribal Nation shares with the U.S NARF and Earthjustice attorneys filed a Petition to Intervene to participate as a party in the Enbridge Line 5 Tunnel Project proceedings before the Michigan Public Service Commission due to the 70-year-old easement under the Great Lakes the project could skirt any additional review by the Commission—including any review of environmental impacts The public was able to submit comments on the request for declaratory ruling till May 13 “With their application to move a section of the Line 5 pipeline to a tunnel dug under the Straits of Mackinac, Enbridge proposes a significant project that could have extreme impacts on the area’s waterways and wildlife,” NARF Senior Staff Attorney David L. Gover explained “The Bay Mills Indian Community relies heavily on fishing in the area and the Tribe has a treaty-protected right and a responsibility to keep the region’s fisheries healthy and available to Tribal citizens the Tribe has consistently fought to protect their fishing and hunting rights The Native American Rights Fund is proud to stand with the Nation to ensure that the Bay Mills Community’s fishing lifeways and tribal homelands are adequately protected for generations to come.” On June 25, 2020, a judge granted Michigan Attorney General Nessel’s request for a temporary restraining order. The court ordered Enbridge to immediately cease operation of the approximately 4-mile-long segment of the Line 5 oil pipeline that crosses the bottom of the Straits of Mackinac Nessel then filed a request for a temporary restraining order to cease operations until the state can conduct a full review and examine all documentation Enbridge refused to provide BMIC and other Tribal Nations with information on what went wrong and how the corporation placed the waters at risk “the severe risk of harm that may result from Defendants’ operation of the West Line … is so substantial and irreparable and endangers so many communities and livelihoods and the natural resources of Michigan the danger far exceeds the risk of financial loss to Defendants.” BMIC has been on the frontlines of the fight to defend its treaty fishing rights and cultural traditions from yet another oil spill for years “The court’s decision today was a great step forward in protecting our Great Lakes from this uniquely dangerous pipeline Bay Mills will not stop until this threat to our waters and treaty rights is removed this situation shows once again that Enbridge cannot be trusted to safely operate any pipeline,” said BMIC President Bryan Newland “Enbridge continues to withhold information from us We want to know what they’re hiding and why they’re hiding it.” According to NARF Senior Staff Attorney David L “The court’s decision to put a hold on the damaged Enbridge pipeline is absolutely right Both the state and the Bay Mills Indian Community are still waiting for information from Enbridge as to what exactly happened last week The pipeline poses a real threat to the tribe’s water and lifeways The people deserve to know the risks that Enbridge is taking with their homelands.” a Michigan administrative law judge granted BMIC the right to intervene in the ongoing pipeline fight that united Tribes environmental groups and community members against oil giant Enbridge The decision allowed the Tribal Nation to be a party in the contested case process evaluating Enbridge’s Michigan Public Service Commission’s (MPSC) permit application “Enbridge’s Line 5 pipeline puts our treaty rights and our way of life at risk every single day,” said BMIC President Bryan Newland “We are going to continue to fight to protect our rights NARF and Earthjustice represent BMIC as an intervening party before the MPSC The decision came after years of advocacy and litigation from local tribes and communities that depend on the Straits for their livelihood “We are thrilled and thankful for Governor Whitmer’s decision to revoke the easement for Enbridge’s pipeline to run beneath the Straits” “Enbridge has consistently shown that it only cares about its profits and not about the communities of the Great Lakes This is a monumental first step in rectifying the harm that the company has already inflicted upon Bay Mills and other tribal nations for decades.” The Governor’s office explained the decision came after reviewing the corporation’s compliance with easement terms From the official statement: “Today’s action to revoke and terminate the 1953 easement is the culmination of a careful review of Enbridge’s compliance with the easement the threats posed by the continued operation of the dual pipelines the governor issued Executive Order 2019-14 creating the UP Energy Task Force to assess the region’s energy needs and alternative sources of supply The Task Force issued a report on April 17 the governor directed the DNR to undertake a comprehensive review of Enbridge’s compliance with the 1953 easement That review is now complete and supports this action.” The Michigan Public Service Commission released a decision on December 9 that the state’s revocation of the 1953 easement was a “fundamental change” in the agency’s determination whether to issue a permit to Enbridge to construct an tunnel to encapsulate the Line 5 dual pipelines at the Straits of Mackinac The Commission asked an administrative law judge to consider how the easement revocation affected the scope of its proceeding including risks of and need for the continued operation of a pipeline through the Great Lakes “The Commission’s decision is another important step in an ongoing battle to protect our water The waters of the Great Lakes are part of our tribe’s identity These waters are protected by treaty and we depend on healthy water for fishing and sustenance,” said BMIC President Bryan Newland “More time is needed to consider the impact that the Line 5 Project will have on Bay Mills’ Treaty-protected rights across the length of the pipeline and in the Great Lakes and Straits of Mackinac,” said NARF Senior Staff Attorney David L a Michigan administrative law judge issued a new ruling over the scope of evidence the Michigan Public Service Commission would consider in the hearing over Enbridge’s request for an operating permit for the Line 5 tunnel construction project in the Straits of Mackinac The opinion revised the October 2020 determination in light of the November 2020 order from Michigan Governor Whitmer to revoke and terminate the 1953 easement that allowed Enbridge to operate the pipeline The new ruling excluded evidence concerning whether the American public needs to extend the life of Canada’s Line 5 by constructing a new pipeline tunnel and the climate change impacts that continuing to operate Line 5 would impose “The unfathomable damage that Line 5 could inflict upon our treaty-protected waters and critical plant and fish populations is too great to justify the pipeline’s continued operation or potential replacement,” said BMIC President Whitney Gravelle “We are deeply disheartened that today’s ruling will exclude critical evidence about environmental risks and climate change from the scope of the Commission’s permitting consideration but we remain determined to stop this project from moving forward.” NARF Senior Staff Attorney David L. Gover concurred “Today’s ruling is deeply concerning because evidence related to the public need for this pipeline and the environmental risks of its operation are both essential parts of the decision about whether to approve the tunnel project We will continue to support Bay Mills and shine a light on the very real threats this project poses to the Tribe’s treaty rights “Given the fact that the existing pipeline in the Straits of Mackinac must shut down because of the Governor’s revocation and termination of the 1953 easement it only makes sense to assess whether building a massive tunnel so that the pipeline can transport oil beneath sensitive and critical waters for decades to come is really necessary and environmentally sound.” On May 10, 2021, Bay Mills Indian Community Executive Council passed a resolution to banish Enbridge Energy Inc.’s Line 5 dual pipelines from all tribal lands—including the Straits of Mackinac Tribal governments do not enact banishment lightly This historical and customary form of Tribal law has existed since time immemorial Tribal Nations exercise banishment only to address especially egregious acts of harm to the community “Banishment is a permanent and final action that is used to protect all that we hold dear Enbridge’s continued harm to our treaty rights is a prime example of how banishment should be used,” said BMIC President Whitney Gravelle The banishment resolution requests that any regulatory body with oversight authority enforce the banishment This includes the Chippewa Ottawa Resource Authority Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa Indians “While the pipeline segment beneath the Straits has thankfully not burst the pipeline leaked 226,000 gallons of crude and natural gas liquid forcing 500 residents to evacuate,” added Gravelle “Line 5 has spilled 33 times since 1968 And those are just the documented spills.” Gretchen Whitmer ordered Enbridge to cease operations by May 12 Enbridge still refused to comply with the order The dispute over the easement revocation continued in federal court Bay Mills Indian Community filed an amicus brief in State of Michigan and Michigan Department of Natural Resource v also challenged a permit issued by the Michigan Department of Environment and Energy allowing Enbridge to build a massive tunnel beneath the Straits of Mackinac to house a new segment of its Line 5 pipeline Army Corps of Engineers announced it would conduct an environmental impact study (EIS) on the Enbridge Energy Inc plan to build an underground tunnel under the Great Lakes to house the Line 5 oil and gas pipeline BMIC welcomed an examination of how the company’s plan would impact this sacred area located between Michigan’s upper and lower peninsulas Army Corps of Engineers recognizes the federally mandated responsibility to thoroughly investigate the impacts Enbridge would create by tunneling under the Great Lakes,” said BMIC President Whitney Gravelle “An environmental review is vital as the Straits of Mackinac are a treaty-protected spiritual and sacred space that provides income and food resources for Native and non-Native communities alike Our ancestors understood this common human need when they negotiated the Treaty of March 28 we agreed to share part of our Tribal lands with the United States and what became the State of Michigan but we reserved continued Tribal-use of our treaty-protected resources including in the Straits of Mackinac.” Lake Michigan and Lake Huron converge at the Straits at the narrowest point between the upper and lower part of Michigan BMIC and other Anishinaabe peoples of the region consider the Straits a sacred place on Turtle Island “The Enbridge Line 5 tunnel and continued operation of the pipeline has the potential to cause profound damage to the Straits of Mackinac The impacts need to be thoroughly studied and the necessary protections and alternatives identified,” said NARF Senior Staff Attorney David L the pass-through Line 5 pipeline system puts people and ecosystems at risk of more oil leaks and spills,” said Gover “At the Line 5 portion where Enbridge proposes an underwater pipeline tunnel the Anishinaabe people and many local residents currently depend upon the health of the Straits of Mackinac to support commercial and subsistence fishing and hunting and hunted at this sacred waterbody with a feeling of respect to be alive and present in such a unique place Oil leaks and spills into the Great Lakes would be tragic.” BMIC President Whitney Gravelle submitted testimony describing the negative impacts the project would have to the waters and land in and around the Straits of Mackinac and the Great Lakes which the Tribe has reserved access to through treaty for fishing “It is dangerous to construct a tunnel and route a pipeline through lands and waters that are central to our existence as Indigenous people and as a Tribal Nation,” wrote Gravelle “The project poses a serious threat to our treaty rights our cultural and religious interests in the Great Lakes and the health and welfare of our Tribal citizens.” Enbridge has a long-documented record of oil leaks that have caused environmental damage to Tribal lands and treaty-reserved gathering Though Michigan had revoked Enbridge’s bottomlands easement in 2021 due to the corporation’s repeated violations of the easement agreement Enbridge continued to operate Line 5 illegally in the Straits of Mackinac while seeking approval from the Commission to build a pipeline tunnel underneath the lakebed the tunnel would allow Enbridge to operate the pipeline for decades perpetuating greenhouse gas emissions and further jeopardizing the lifeway of Tribal communities native to the Great Lakes Basin Several academic experts underscored how numerous species critical to the Upper Peninsula’s larger ecosystem and economy already struggle to adapt to warming temperatures due to the effects of climate change the “lakes in the Great Lakes region have warmed more than the global average,” the experts’ testimony states including Walleye fish that support Tribal subsistence Experts also highlighted the rapid loss of wild rice a crop revered as an “irreplaceable cultural and commercial resource and sacred relative” to Native peoples in Michigan Expert climate change witnesses submitted written testimony detailing their concerns about the tunnel project’s detrimental climate impacts Director and Senior Economist of the Applied Economics Clinic Elizabeth A explained how shutting down Line 5 and not building a replacement was a “reasonable and prudent” alternative in light of the pressing need to shift to clean energy sources an administrative law judge in Michigan excluded valuable witness testimony from the information the Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC) should consider as it deliberated the issuance of a permit for the proposed Enbridge Line 5 pipeline tunnel the judge granted Enbridge’s request to strike from the record portions of testimony about serious risks that the tunnel poses to public safety BMIC intervened in the review process to alert the public service commission about threats that a new pipeline tunnel would pose to the Tribe’s food and water The Tribe has lived along the Straits of Mackinac since time immemorial and retains treaty-protected access for hunting Portions of the excluded testimony explained the cultural and spiritual significance of the Straits to the Anishinaabe people and stressed the catastrophic impact an oil spill in these waters would have on every aspect of their existence: “The Straits of Mackinac is a place of deep spiritual and cultural meaning to my people where there are important cultural and historic resources still being learned of and where Bay Mills and other Tribal Nations have Treaty rights,” testified BMIC President Whitney Gravelle “It is dangerous to construct a tunnel and route a pipeline through lands and waters that are central to our existence as Indigenous people and as a Tribal Nation.”Photo of Bay Mills Point by Whitney Gravelle The administrative law judge also struck a portion of the testimony from BMIC Vice President Jacques Leblanc a lifelong commercial fisherman who detailed the ecological and cultural impacts of a spill in the Straits: “If the Great Lakes ecosystem is harmed I will have no means to continue supporting my family through treaty subsistence and commercial fishing or harvesting of medicines and animals,” testified BMIC Vice President Leblanc “Beyond the harm that an oil spill or other event would have on the health of lake trout and whitefish any disruption of the fishery for an extended period would stifle the transfer of fishing knowledge to younger generations.” On a positive note, the judge allowed the testimony of chemical engineer and pipeline expert Richard Kuprewicz who testified about the serious risk of an explosion in the proposed underwater pipeline tunnel to remain on record. This means the MPSC must consider how Enbridge’s proposed tunnel design could cause a loss of human life for workers in the tunnel and an environmental catastrophe in the Straits should the volatile mix of fuel and ignition sources encased in a Line 5 oil pipeline tunnel explode the Michigan Public Service Commission needed to know the critical information these witnesses presented for consideration on behalf of the impacted tribal communities MPSC will now have to weigh the value of increased corporate profit for Enbridge against the impacts and damages a Line 5 oil pipeline tunnel would cause for the public while hearing only part of the story,” said NARF Senior Staff Attorney David L and environmental groups brought together a variety of powerful arguments as they petitioned the Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC) to deny a permit for the Enbridge Line 5 tunnel project The groups underscored the serious risks a tunnel in the Straits of Mackinac would pose to Tribal treaty rights The Bay Mills Indian Community (BMIC) has lived along the Straits of Mackinac for centuries and retains treaty-protected access to the waterway One of the intervening parties opposing the project the Tribe has been a vocal opponent of the existing pipeline and tunnel replacement and has had been battling Enbridge for nearly a decade The BMIC stressed to the Commission how constructing an underwater tunnel to transport crude oil through such ecologically sensitive waters poses an untenable risk to its frontline Indigenous communities “The Straits of Mackinac are a precious and culturally sacred part of our ecosystem that should not be jeopardized in the name of corporate greed,” said BMIC President Whitney Gravelle “It’s more than just our food and water that’s at stake It’s our connectedness to the natural world and deep sense of community that this landscape keeps alive This is not just a tribal fight; we are fighting on behalf of all who value the Great Lakes and our environment,” the likelihood of a catastrophic explosion that would cause irreparable harm to the Great Lakes and to surrounding communities is also a serious concern “Enbridge’s proposal to run a liquids pipeline through an enclosed tunnel has never been done before and creates the conditions for a catastrophic explosion in the Straits,” said Christopher Clark which represents the Tribe before the public service commission along with the NARF “This is not the right time or right place for such a dangerous experiment.” “Climate change is disproportionately ravaging the natural resources, economic livelihoods, and safety of the Tribal Nations located in Michigan,” said NARF Senior Staff Attorney David L. Gover “These are the very same communities that are bearing the brunt of the unacceptable risks posed by the existing Line 5 pipeline and this tunnel replacement.” the potential climate impacts of proposed fossil fuel infrastructure are being considered under the Michigan Environmental Protection Act (MEPA) during a separate but simultaneous permit hearing “This decision to allow consideration of potential climate impacts sets precedent that climate change is within the scope of MEPA,” said Environmental Law Policy Center Senior Attorney Margrethe Kearney MEPA can be a much more powerful tool in preventing investments in fossil fuels that create a worst-case climate scenario.” Michigan Public Service Commission requested additional information concerning the safety risks posed by the Enbridge Line 5 pipeline segment in the Straits of Mackinac and its proposed tunnel replacement The Commission’s order came on the heels of reports from frontline Tribal Nations about the health and financial risks to the Great Lakes Basin Pipeline safety expert Richard Kuprewicz also underscored to the Commission the increased likelihood of an explosion in the Straits when transporting crude oil through a tunnel which would have catastrophic impacts to water supply “Any decision that may jeopardize the very livelihoods of Tribal Nations deserves serious and careful consideration,” said BMIC President Whitney Gravelle “The Straits are the center of creation for our people and the construction of a tunnel through this sacred area endangers our livelihoods Every day that the Line 5 dual pipelines continue to pump oil and gas through the Great Lakes amounts to a violation of our treaty-protected rights and an acceleration of climate change We must stop the tunnel project and shut down Line 5.” stating: “I am hopeful that the Commission will join Tribal and state governments in guarding public safety and the Great Lakes ecosystem from a risky and unnecessary project.” the Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC) received testimony that Enbridge’s plan to dig a pipeline tunnel beneath the Straits of Mackinac could create a catastrophic explosion Geologist and engineer Brian O’Mara and pipeline safety expert Richard Kuprewicz testified that the release of oil from such an explosion would devastate the freshwater “I am very concerned about a methane explosion occurring in the proposed tunnel,” wrote engineering consultant Brian O’Mara in his testimony “A methane explosion in a confined space like the tunnel project would be like a shotgun blast….” The experts identified two sources of flammable gas present that could set off an explosion under the Straits: the crude oil and natural gas liquids transported through Line 5 and methane that could leak into the tunnel through groundwater The testimony came almost two years after Enbridge received a state order to shut down the existing Line 5 dual pipelines due to the company’s “persistent and incurable” safety violations After Kuprewicz flagged the serious risk of an explosion in the tunnel during a hearing last year the Commission ordered Enbridge to provide more details about the tunnel’s safety features Enbridge submitted a probability analysis in an attempt to dismiss the concerns as unlikely to occur Kuprewicz explained that downplaying the risks of an explosion in the tunnel project undermines federal pipeline safety regulations “An operator who adopts this approach to the construction and operation of a pipeline will inevitably drive the line toward failure,” wrote Kuprewicz BMIC President Whitney Gravelle wrote in her additional testimony that Enbridge’s analysis “does not negate that fact that it could happen in year one of operation or year 99 of operation […] All it takes is one time and one spill to destroy my people and destroy all that we hold dear.” The United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues (UNPFII) released the report from its April 2023 session, where BMIC and the Anishinabek Nation rebuked the Canadian government for protecting the Enbridge Line 5 pipeline The report recommended that Canada and the United States decommission the Line 5 pipeline because of its impact on the region’s Indigenous communities which snakes oil and gas products from one part of Canada to another for processing takes a short-cut through the Great Lakes in the United States The route threatens the health and safety of Tribal and other communities along its path At the time of the report, the aging Line 5 pipeline already had leaked at least 33 times and discharged more than 1.1 million gallons of oil. The UNPFII 2023 report states: “The Permanent Forum calls on Canada to re-examine its support for the Enbridge Line 5 oil pipeline which jeopardizes the Great Lakes in the United States The pipeline presents a real and credible threat to the treaty-protected fishing rights of Indigenous Peoples in the United States and Canada The Permanent Forum recommends that Canada and the United States decommission Line 5.” The Canadian government used diplomatic and legal channels to keep Line 5 operational Canada’s advocacy intensified after Michigan Governor Whitmer determined that—for public safety—Enbridge should decommission the segment running through the Straits of Mackinac The corporation ignored the Governor’s order and continues to operate Line 5 without a valid state easement The Canadian government supported Enbridge in court proceedings Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues recommendation adds to the chorus of voices demanding the decommissioning of Line 5 I hope President Biden and Prime Minister Trudeau hear everyone urging them to choose people over profit and protect 84% of North America’s fresh water from the risk of an oil spill and the planet,” said BMIC President Whitney Gravelle Line 5 is an existential threat to treaty-protected rights, resources, and the fundamental way of life of the Anishinaabe people. Accordingly, all twelve Tribal Nations located in Michigan oppose the continued operation of Line 5 and support its decommissioning “One oil spill in the Great Lakes would be devastating to our home and way of life,” said BMIC President Gravelle A coalition of more than 60 Tribal Nations from across the Midwest and Canada led by BMIC weighed in on Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel’s lawsuit to remove the Line 5 oil pipeline from the heart of the Great Lakes. The Tribes submitted an amicus brief supporting Nessel’s claims in asking the U.S Court of Appeals for the 6th Circuit to remand Nessel v a move opposed by the Canadian giant Enbridge Line 5 is an outdated oil and gas pipeline that poses unacceptable risks of a spill especially as it travels along the lakebed through the Straits of Mackinac in a four-mile section known as the dual pipelines Anishinaabe people have united to protect the Great Lakes,” said Bay Mills Indian Community President Whitney Gravelle “We stand behind Attorney General Nessel because we know that shutting down Line 5 is the only way to protect everyone who depends on the land and natural resources within the Great Lakes including Anishinaabe people exercising our treaty rights.” Not only do the Great Lakes provide fresh drinking water to more than 40 million people but in the creation stories of the Anishinaabe the Straits of Mackinac are where the Great Turtle emerged after a flood to create the North American continent which the Anishinaabe refer to as “Turtle Island.” Bay Mills and other Tribal Nations have hunted and gathered medicines in the Straits for thousands of years—since time immemorial they ceded vast acres of land and water including the Straits to the U.S but kept the right to continue to use the ceded land “That 1836 treaty guarantees these Tribes the right to maintain their way of life in the ceded territory—a right that will be irrevocably destroyed if an oil spill from the dual pipelines contaminates the waters and aquatic life of the Straits,” said Native American Rights Fund (NARF) Senior Staff Attorney David Gover Nessel sued Enbridge in Ingham County Circuit Court in June of 2019 alleging that Enbridge is violating the Michigan Environmental Protection Act (MEPA) and the public trust doctrine by operating Line 5 in the Straits of Mackinac Although the case has been ready for a decision by the state court for more than two years Enbridge has prolonged it by attempting to move the case to federal court despite missing the deadline by more than 850 days “Enbridge is plainly trying to game the system but no oil company is above the law,” said Earthjustice Associate Attorney John Petoskey “The 6th Circuit should remand this case to state court where the attorney general’s claims can be swiftly resolved.” the Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC) granted Canadian oil giant Enbridge a permit to replace the existing Line 5 dual oil pipelines in the Straits of Mackinac with an untested underground pipeline tunnel BMIC fought to prevent this outcome in a lengthy contested case before the MPSC Safety experts warn that the tunnel project could lead to a massive explosion and an oil spill in the heart of the Great Lakes which hold 84 percent of North America’s surface freshwater BMIC and their legal partners condemned the decision BMIC President Whitney Gravelle: “Instead of complying with a Governor’s public safety order to decommission Line 5 in Michigan individuals working at a state agency granted Enbridge a permit for a project for which they hold no property rights and no safety track record in good standing Today’s decision is another notch in a long history of ignoring the rights of Tribal Nations We must act now to protect the peoples of the Great Lakes from an oil spill to lead our communities out of the fossil fuel era and to preserve the shared lands and waters in Michigan for all of us.” Gover said: “While Enbridge Energy may have a permit from a state agency to proceed the idea to build a pipeline tunnel under the Great Lakes at the Straits of Mackinac remains unsound and too risky The proposed project still needs other permits to move forward We cannot allow one corporation to imperil the ecosystems and lives of all those that live nearby or depend on the Straits for their well-being.” BMIC also challenged a separate permit for the tunnel project that was granted in 2021 by Michigan’s Department of Environment which planned to release a draft EIS in spring or summer of 2025 and Nottawaseppi Huron Band of the Potawatomi have lived on the lands of present-day Michigan since time immemorial The four Tribal Nations have vigorously opposed the Line 5 tunnel project before the Michigan Public Service Commission the four Tribal Nations filed notice that they will appeal the MPSC approval of a permit for Canadian oil giant Enbridge to build the Line 5 tunnel project beneath the Straits of Mackinac A statement from BMIC President Whitney Gravelle: they put on their blinders and chose to ignore the critical perspective of Tribal Nations throughout the Great Lakes Indigenous communities have not once been consulted since 1953 when this pipeline was first constructed Let me be clear: Line 5 remains a threat to not only the tribes but anyone and everyone who utilizes the Great Lakes The question is not if the pipeline will leak Studies show that Line 5 could be decommissioned with almost no impact on jobs Yet the MPSC did not even pause to ask if we still need this pipeline they approved a permit to extend the life of Line 5 for another century They are prolonging the danger of another oil spill in the Great Lakes the source of 84 percent of North America’s surface freshwater The tunnel project is based on a flawed design that has never been tried anywhere else and would produce a mountain of waste rock as tall as a twenty-story building and as long as a football field it would perpetuate the transfer of 23 million gallons of oil per day just when we need to switch to clean energy sources The MPSC’s decision is a disaster for all of us It’s important to remember that Enbridge does not yet have the final permit they need from the US Army Corps of Engineers to build the tunnel project As we appeal the MPSC’s disastrous decision we also demand and expect that the Army Corps conduct a thorough and meaningful environmental impact statement and uphold the treaty trust responsibilities of the United States We cannot allow history to repeat itself through the destruction of sacred land for private profit Enbridge’s proposed tunnel project is opposed by multiple Tribes Line 5 was operating in violation of a shutdown order from the Governor of Michigan and in unlawful trespass on the reservation of the Bad River Band of Lake Superior Chippewa in Wisconsin On April 11, 2024, four Tribal Nations filed a brief asking the Michigan Court of Appeals to overturn the Michigan Public Service Commission’s (MPSC’s) recent approval for Canadian oil giant Enbridge to build the Line 5 tunnel project beneath the Straits of Mackinac The tunnel project would extend the operational life of the pipeline pumping oil through the middle of the Great Lakes for decades The Tribes argue that the Commissioners unlawfully barred key evidence about the public need for Line 5 and about the risk of future oil spills along the pipeline’s length “We agree the dual pipelines must be removed from the Straits but the Commissioners never considered that Michigan does not need to keep this pipeline operating at all They’ve simply acted as a rubber stamp for Enbridge gambling our most important resource for the sake of foreign oil profits Every Tribal Nation and ever Michigander deserves better than this,” said BMIC President Whitney Gravelle Line 5 has spilled more than 1.1 million gallons of oil The Commission barred the Tribal Nations from submitting evidence about the history of spills and the risks that Line 5 presents NARF and Earthjustice filed the challenge on behalf of the Bay Mills Indian Community and Nottawaseppi Huron Band of the Potawatomi who have lived on the lands of present-day Michigan since time immemorial including national and local business and environmental groups Enbridge’s own analysis showed that Line 5 could be decommissioned with almost no impact on Michigan gas prices a decision that would also hasten the state’s transition to clean energy sources Yet the MPSC refused to allow the Tribal Nations to submit evidence on these topics and Energy (EGLE) granted Enbridge a wetlands permit in 2021 NARF and Earthjustice represented BMIC in challenging the granting of the EGLE permit (Petition: MOAHR 21-008197) which EGLE granted in the absence of information about impacts that affect the Tribal Nation and its citizens Enbridge’s EGLE permit will expire before the U.S Army Corp of Engineers completes a final Environmental Impact Statement and Record of Decision both of which must happen before Enbridge could use the EGLE permit to begin construction BMIC and Enbridge agreed to a stipulated dismissal of the contested permit case before the Michigan Office of Administrative Hearings and Rules Enbridge agreed to not rely on the contested EGLE permit and is expected to apply for a new permit “Enbridge needs to provide an accurate picture of how constructing a tunnel under the Great Lakes at the Straits of Mackinac would damage wetlands habitat A new permit application gives EGLE the opportunity to conduct a thorough review of the project’s impacts which the Bay Mills Indian Community has been requesting for years,” said NARF Senior Staff Attorney David L Tribal intervenors and appellants filed their replies concluding the briefing for the appeal of the Michigan Public Service Commission’s December 2023 issuance of a permit to Enbridge for the Line 5 pipeline tunnel project The proposed Line 5 tunnel project threatens natural and economic resources in the Straits of Mackinac and throughout Michigan that have vital importance to intervenor-appellants BMIC The MPSC approved the tunnel project permit without the benefit of a full and fair record MPSC prohibited Tribal Nations from submitting entire categories of evidence The Commission barred intervenors from conducting discovery and putting forth expert testimony on both the question of public need for the petroleum products transported through Line 5 and the environmental impacts related to Line 5’s operation in Michigan The Michigan Environmental Protection Act requires the MPSC to consider those impacts “The Michigan Public Service Commission lacked a full and fair record of the public’s needs and the damage such a risky project could cause to the survival of Tribal Nations and Michiganders A new tunnel under the Straits of Mackinac puts everyone in the Great Lakes region at dire risk: everyone needs clean drinking water and no one wants an oil and gas pipeline tunnel with a high explosion risk running through their community,” said NARF Senior Staff Attorney David Gover The Michigan Court of Appeals heard argument on January 14 On April 2, 2025, four Tribal Nations and environmental advocates asked the Michigan Supreme Court to consider overturning a lower court decision that upheld the Michigan Public Service Commission’s permit for the Line 5 tunnel project Commissioners voted to approve Enbridge’s plans to build a massive and unprecedented tunnel project to house the Canadian fossil fuel pipeline facilitating the flow of oil underneath the Straits of Mackinac in the Great Lakes for another 99 years The Tribal Nations argue that decision violates the words and purpose of the Michigan Constitution and the Michigan Environmental Protection Act “Even if the public has been misled into believing this tunnel project is safe the truth is that it is not,” said President Whitney Gravelle of the Bay Mills Indian Community “Enbridge’s track record speaks for itself—catastrophic spills and a complete disregard for tribal sovereignty and the rights of future generations.” “The Straits of Mackinac are not just a waterway; they are the heart of creation for Anishinaabe people and a vital source of life for all who depend on the Great Lakes not only to our way of life but to the entire region,” said President Gravelle “This fight is about more than just one pipeline—it’s about protecting our waters We cannot allow corporate interests to dictate the fate of the Great Lakes for another century.” Tribes and environmental groups challenged the Commission’s approval for the tunnel project before the Michigan Court of Appeals “Michigan’s constitution and laws require agencies to protect the state’s natural resources from pollution and destruction,” said Earthjustice Senior Associate Adam Ratchenski “The Commission violated that requirement when it approved the fossil fuel tunnel project without properly considering the risk of oil spills.” In addition to the Commission’s permit, Enbridge still needs a federal permit and a permit from Michigan’s Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy to proceed. Two weeks ago, several Tribal Nations withdrew their cooperation from a deeply-flawed review process after learning that the U.S Army Corps of Engineers is likely to fast-track federal approval at the direction of President Trump “The federal government is bending over backwards to fast track required permits in support of a Canadian company’s fossil fuel project that provides minimal benefit to domestic energy production,” said Native American Rights Fund Senior Staff Attorney David L. Gover it’s up to Michigan’s courts and elected leadership to be responsible public stewards for clean water and for every community along the Great Lakes.” “The state of Michigan and its agencies have a mandatory legal obligation to protect and preserve these waters for the public,” said Liz Kirkwood “We expect the Court to make sure the law is followed.” Read More about: the fast-tracked environmental review Δdocument.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value" KQED Live Events PRX Podcast Garage Events Events Around the Bay Area Member Benefits with KQED Live Videos from KQED LiveWatch recordings of recent KQED Live events Featured That's My WordAn ongoing exploration of Bay Area hip-hop history See Senior Director of TV Programming Meredith Speight’s recommendations from this month’s KQED 9 Watch recordings of recent KQED Live events Support KQED by using your donor-advised fund to make a charitable gift but by the Pacific Ocean and myriad rivers Yet most of the bodies of water you drive past are devoid of people we had to drive out to one of the few places you’re allowed to swim: Lake Del Valle near Livermore with respect to a reservoir in which water is stored for domestic use include recreation in which there is bodily contact with the water by any participant.” A reservoir is a natural or artificial lake that stores water for flood control The drinking water reservoirs are what we’re primarily concerned about here Back when California was building the State Water Project — the massive series of dams and reservoirs that bring water from Northern to Southern California — it commissioned a study to find out how clean all those reservoirs were That study found non-body contact (such as hiking and boating) didn’t significantly impact the water quality but swimming could lead to fecal coliform and other bacteria (i.e. the state developed a set of guidelines in the 1970s for our drinking water reservoirs assistant deputy director for the Division of Drinking Water said back when the regulations were written So there was a need for it to be very clean Filtration requirements started around 1990 and these days water treatment is a lot better There are a lot more options for first filtering the water and then treating it we probably wouldn’t need to ban swimming everywhere “I’m not sure if you’d make the same law today,” said Souza “You’d probably make it the other way where you would require a certain amount of treatment for a certain type of recreation.” Although there are some reservoirs where animal fecal matter does become an issue largely human pathogens are what get humans sick But you’re allowed to swim in drinking water reservoirs in other states and countries California has different rules developed in a different time so those reservoirs can get really small and the water can sit around for a lot longer That’s partially why you’ll see more places on the East Coast that allow swimming the water turns over fast. That’s also why we have different rules here for rivers and moving bodies of water And how can I get swimming allowed at *my* lake there were specific exceptions listed — all of which come with requirements for additional treatment and testing all of San Diego County got an exemption for their reservoirs a long time ago And all State Water Project reservoirs were exempted as part of the arrangement to get voters to approve funding for the project Lake Del Valle is part of the State Water Project There are no other exemptions in the Bay Area if you want a new exemption to allow swimming at a reservoir near you, then you have to get a law passed by the state Legislature The last time one of those got signed into law was in 2013 for Bear Lake There are some amazing swimming locales farther afield — in the foothills or down toward Big Sur — but if you want to keep it closer to home here are a bunch of Bay Area swimming spots where jumping in the water is allowed: (If you remember swimming in Almaden Lake not that long ago, you might be surprised to know you can’t anymore. It’s been closed because of water pollution for a few years as the lake undergoes an improvement and cleanup project does not allow swimming in its lakes and reservoirs.) Did we miss your favorite swimming spot? Let us know. baycurious@kqed.org *We’ve added more swimming spots based on your recommendations To learn more about how we use your information, please read our privacy policy. We take on many of the biggest environmental and health challenges of our time and stick with them. The law makes change. The Line 5 pipeline has already leaked over 1 million gallons of oil to date and threatens the Great Lakes Time is running out to stop one company’s dangerous plans to keep the oil flowing By Alison Cagle / Tribal Partnerships Program A battle is raging over the largest surface freshwater system in the world But the Line 5 pipeline puts it all at risk the Canadian oil giant Enbridge has been shuttling toxic fossil fuels through the Great Lakes since the 1950s The Line 5 pipeline transports up to 23 million gallons of crude oil and gas each day from Wisconsin to Ontario It runs through hundreds of interconnected waters and the treaty-reserved territory of tribal nations including the Bay Mills Indian Community in Michigan and the Bad River Band of Lake Superior Chippewa in Wisconsin None of the Tribes were consulted during Line 5’s construction yet they have lived with its catastrophic risk for decades An oil covered bird sits on the side of the Kalamazoo River after an oil spill of approximately 800,000 gallons of crude from the Line 5 pipeline near Marshall (Michigan Department of Environmental Quality.) Line 5 has a terrible environmental track record The pipeline has leaked over 1.1 million gallons of oil over its lifespan polluting important watersheds and surrounding communities it is operating 20 years past its engineered lifespan risking malfunction due to corrosion and pressure Line 5 is also a huge contributor to planet-warming emissions spewing about 87 million metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent annually — the equivalent of 19 million gas-powered cars Line 5 poses an unacceptable risk of an oil spill in some of the earth’s most sensitive and treasured ecosystems where dual Line 5 pipelines cross under waterways that connect Lakes Huron and Michigan The straits are the site of creation for the Anishinaabe people and gathered medicinal plants there since time immemorial and continue to do so today Line 5 also threatens the Kakagon-Bad River Sloughs a wetland of international importance in northern Wisconsin that harbors the region’s largest bed of wild rice The Bad River Band is fighting to remove the Line 5 oil pipeline from their homeland along Lake Superior A federal judge ruled that Enbridge has been illegally trespassing for over a decade and must be shut down by 2026 Enbridge now wants to re-route the pipeline to get around the Bad’s reservation keeping the oil and profits flowing while prolonging the threat to the Band’s home Both sides are now challenging that decision before the 7th Circuit Court of Appeals A diver examines the Line 5 pipeline in the Straits of Mackinac (Courtesy of National Wildlife Federation) Enbridge is now hoping to keep Line 5 on life support by proposing two ill-conceived projects One proposal is the oil tunnel project underneath the Straits of Mackinac Multiple safety experts have warned that the tunnel project design is flawed and untested and that it could cause a massive explosion and an oil spill in the heart of the Great Lakes The tunnel project construction also threatens to harm an area that is replete with cultural and spiritual significance for Bay Mills and other Tribal Nations As the erosion in 2023 showed, building a pipeline through the region around the Bad River is a disaster waiting to happen. The watershed around the Bad River Band’s Reservation feeds into Lake Superior, so any pollution from the pipeline would flow downstream to the Great Lakes and through the Kakagon-Bad River Sloughs There is also a risk that pollution from the pipeline’s construction would contaminate groundwater which would impact the Band’s drinking water A tree falls into the Bad River in Wisconsin on June 1 Rapid erosion had left the Line 5 oil pipeline just a few yards from being exposed to the powerful current of Wisconsin’s Bad River (Bad River Band of Lake Superior Chippewa) Both proposals threaten the Great Lakes and tribal lands — and our climate Extending Line 5’s operation needlessly extends our use of which would exacerbate the effects of climate change at a time when the United States must transition to clean energy Both of Enbridge’s proposals — a tunnel under the Straits and a new pipeline around the Bad River Band’s reservation — have drawn local Earthjustice is challenging both proposals We are also working to remove and shut down the current pipeline. In 2023, Earthjustice represented a coalition of 63 Tribal Nations from across the Midwest and Canada in an amicus brief supporting Michigan’s Attorney General in a lawsuit to remove the Line 5 pipeline from the heart of the Great Lakes the president of the Bay Mills Indian Community Tribal Partnerships Program We fight to ensure our tribal and Indigenous clients’ natural and cultural resources are protected for future generations The legal case: Line 5 (Enbridge) - Michigan Tunnel The legal case: Line 5 (Enbridge) - Wisconsin Reroute “This is what Earthjustice does so well — enforces the law when government is unwilling to do so.” Stay informed on how we hold accountable those who break our environmental laws © 2025 Earthjustice. We respect your privacy Bitte aktiviere Javascript in deinem Browser und lade die Seite dann erneut SEITE NEU LADEN Four Michigan Tribal Nations and environmental advocates yesterday asked the state Supreme Court to consider overturning a lower court decision that upheld the Michigan Public Service Commission’s permit for the Line 5 tunnel project and a complete disregard for tribal sovereignty and the rights of future generations.” In addition to the Commission’s permit, Enbridge still needs a federal permit and a permit from Michigan’s Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy to proceed. Two weeks ago, several Michigan Tribes withdrew their cooperation from a review process after learning that the US Army Corps of Engineers is likely to fast-track federal approval at the direction of President Trump “The federal government is bending over backwards to fast track required permits in support of a Canadian company’s fossil fuel project that provides minimal benefit to domestic energy production,” said Native American Rights Fund Staff Attorney David L. Gover it’s up to Michigan’s courts and elected leadership to be responsible public stewards for clean water Read more about Bay Mills’ long-standing fight to protect its homelands, sacred places, and treaty rights → When the Wright Brothers gave us the engine-powered airplane in the early 20th century they didn't just give us a new way to get around Flight also gave us an entirely different perspective on the things around us (or the things below us) people became tiny specs and fields looked like brown and green squares tilled together like a quilt pilots began noticing something even more interesting What we once thought were just simple isolated ponds and wetlands along the Atlantic coast began to be seen as a pattern of thousands of egg-shaped depressions that were oriented exactly the same way it almost looks like a giant from outer space sneezed all the way from Florida to New Jersey leaving shallow depressions in his wake The origins of these depressions is still a scientific mystery today but these ponds are as important to the landscape now as they were millions of years ago The native Algonquins called these shallow depressions pocosins but they are more commonly referred to as Carolina Bays because of the large number of these water pockets along the coast of North and South Carolina "Carolina Bays occur in low spots in the landscape and because they typically only fill up from precipitation they may dry out during the hot and dry portions of the year." "Because the elliptical Carolina Bays are almost always oriented along a northwest to a southeast axis and because they can be really concentrated on the landscape it was suggested in the 1950s that a meteor shower formed all the Carolina Bays," Barrett says To discover the true origins of the unusual formations "There have been studies that use radiocarbon dating of buried organic sediments or other techniques to estimate their age," says Barrett Carolina Bays were not all formed at the same time Some were formed tens of thousands of years apart "Some wetlands are estimated to be over 100,000 years old whereas others may 'only' be 15,000 years old or less." This age difference led scientists to believe the bays were not caused by a meteor shower since they would be around the same age "There isn't any support for this [meteor shower] idea since they don't have the same origin date and no material has been found in the soil to suggest extraterrestrial formation," Barrett explains the Carolina Bays don't outline an otherworldly message and scientists have not found remnants of space matter It's suggested that during the late Pleistocene period (2.5 million years ago) very strong southwesterly winds on ponds caused currents Those currents washed against the southwest and northwest sides of ponds and resulted in sediment deposits on the northeast and southeast sides they formed what we now know as the Carolina Bays there may have been as many as 200,000 Carolina Bays but researchers say that nearly 97 percent of Carolina Bays have been impacted by agriculture and logging Human impact hasn't just erased a piece of our geological past it's also disrupted a delicate ecosystem of marshes that are important to many wetland species like salamanders and frogs in North America along with other types of isolated wetlands offer a wide range of environmental benefits Many insects and amphibians are particularly abundant in these wetlands since Carolina Bays are without fish most of the time," Barrett explains are more abundant in patches of forest containing a Carolina Bay than equal-sized forested areas without one." are also essential in preventing flooding and improving water quality "Water quality is particularly important since many bays occur in agricultural areas where fertilizers and herbicides may be common," Barrett points out Unfortunately, many bays have been repurposed for human use like farmlands, the development of homes or businesses, or expanded into ponds. Any wetlands that aren't near a permanent stream or river, Barrett says, aren't protected by the Clean Water Act (CWA) This is because protecting thousands of small wetlands is a burden to landowners if you look at aerial imagery (on Google Maps you'll see loads of elliptical shapes along the coast of the Carolinas that used to be wetlands but are now filled in for agriculture," says Barrett The result is that wildlife takes on the burden of wetland loss Barrett suggests an expanded interpretation of the CWA could protect important wetland locations "I don't know that every isolated wetland needs to be federally protected — that seems like it could create an unreasonable burden for many landowners But I do think a broader interpretation of the CWA would help save many important isolated wetlands States could also enact protections that better address local issues related to wetland loss." Carolina Bays are just one example of Earth's natural mysteries that are important elements of our North American ecosystem When land is filled in for pasture or crops it doesn't just take away important habitat's wetland species; it also disrupts a balance of water flux and natural flooding protections which is bad for our homes and livelihoods Furthermore, Barrett reminds us that without these wetland habitats, we miss out on some of the most biologically varied ecosystems in North America "Many people don't have an opportunity to see the incredible amphibian and reptile diversity we have in the Southeast," he says are an incredibly important home to these species Visiting these wetlands can open your eyes (and ears when the frogs are calling) to some of the underappreciated gems of the eastern U.S." One rare species that inhabits the Carolina Bays is 25 different types of carnivorous plants The Carolinas are the only places where these insect-eating plants Please copy/paste the following text to properly cite this HowStuffWorks.com article: `;return t.byline_authors_html&&(e+=`By: ${t.byline_authors_html}`),t.byline_authors_html&&t.byline_date_html&&(e+=" | "),t.byline_date_html&&(e+=t.byline_date_html),e+=`\n\t\t\t\t Torch Lake, often referred to as the "Caribbean of the North," is a popular summertime destination known for its pure turquoise waters, white sand, and boisterous gatherings. It is situated in the northwestern portion of the US State of Michigan, right off Lake Michigan Torch Lake is considered the state's second-largest inland lake that covers about 18,770 acres It is also Michigan's largest lake by volume as well as its deepest inland lake that reaches a maximum depth of 94m The Torch Lake was ranked as the third-most beautiful lake in the world by National Geographic Torch Lake is Michigan's longest inland lake that has a length of 31km It is also the state's second-largest inland lake having a surface area of 18,770 acres and a shoreline length of 41 miles The Torch lake forms a part of the Elk River Chain of lakes The weather is cool and temperate in Torch Lake. Even in the driest month, Torch Lake receives significant rain. The lake gets about 38.7 inches of rain per year. The temperature typically reaches 80 degrees; however, there are occasional days when it can reach 70 or 90 degrees. Due to the lake's location in the Midwest summertime humidity levels can be significant Torch Lake remains chilly until about the middle of July The warmest months for Torch Lake are late July and early August when the top layer of deep water reaches low 70°F temperatures Water from underground springs that range in temperature from 48 to 50°F often enters the lake You can broaden your boating experience by traveling along the Chain of Lakes Water Trail because Lake Torch is connected to numerous other lakes and rivers Interconnected lakes and rivers that empty into Lake Michigan make up this path The majority of the year offers fantastic fishing opportunities To increase your chances of catching a trophy fish or to have the experience of a lifetime There are many shops close to Torch Lake Bed & Breakfast whether you're looking for priceless antiques or the newest boutiques which has a charming tea parlor and a wonderful sweets store The breathtaking view and the serene surroundings are some of the things that make this lake so unique Swimming and snorkeling are some fantastic water activities on Torch Lake Nearby to the Torch Lake Bed & Breakfast is a golf course A wide selection of excellent courses can be found in Northern Michigan You can pick a golf course to suit your skill level Coldwater fisheries in Torch Lake are renowned for producing self-sustaining populations of lake trout and whitefish the burbot is frequently found in deep-water communities This lake is a favorite fishing spot for anglers Fishes that can be caught here include rock bass The amount of fishing pressure is typically thought to be low Torch Lake does not produce a lot of fish due to its barren nature Torch Lake has all you need for a fantastic summer vacation in Michigan with its renowned Caribbean-blue waters that are stunningly pure At the southern end are the shallow sandbars which are a favored spot for wild summer parties and where colorful boats and crowds of tourists may be seen in plenty during the summer if you're in Michigan and looking for a small piece of heaven Torch Lake is one of the state's best places to visit Link IconCopy linkFacebook LogoShare on FacebookXShare on XEmailShare via EmailLink copied to clipboardIs this really the Shore Mainland towns get popular with second-home ownersPriced out of the barrier islands people are turning to such towns as Somers Point North Cape May and Cape May Court House for their “Shore houses.” But are they pricing others out The people who are buying up second homes on spec at the Stone Harbor Lakes development off Route 9 in Cape May Court House in Middle Township might like to think so The banners along the brand new residential streets which are an intracoastal waterway away from the barrier islands helpfully reinforce the idea: Five miles to Avalon At least these second-home owners can afford to buy on the mainland (“off Shore” to locals) with prices starting about $800,000 in Stone Harbor Lakes and half that in such towns as Somers Point and North Cape May and all but the super-wealthy are being priced out “I do feel like we’re an extension of the island because it’s so accessible,” said Jennifer McGraw who scooped up one of the first townhouses at Stone Harbor Lakes last spring after seeing a sign on Route 9 and veering off at the next dogleg to check it out She had been renting a condo on the bay in Stone Harbor a right on Route 9 for Stone Harbor,” she said but I wouldn’t say it’s a full disconnect.” they can walk to the Stone Harbor Golf Club and own a vacation home that is a fraction of the cost of one that’s actually in Stone Harbor Another cul-de-sac development is coming to Stone Harbor Lakes in three to six months “I could never afford this on the island,” McGraw said and cars with Pennsylvania and Delaware plates are lining driveways and model home parking lots The 201-unit development is half-sold already “It’s people from all over,” said Jake Yoshioka, a salesperson at Stone Harbor Lakes, which is being built by NV Homes “A lot of people are weighing options on and off island: a couple million or under a million off the beach.” He shakes off the idea that Stone Harbor Lakes is not close to the beach depending on if you get stopped at the lights.” One woman from Bucks County was picking out finishes for the Stone Harbor Lakes townhouse she purchased She wanted to be identified only by her first name because she said members of her family still don’t know about the decision to sell the three-bedroom condo in Wildwood to go off-island a condo would cost her twice that of a four-bedroom townhouse in Stone Harbor Lakes and the new construction with amenities is appealing We can stay on the island and find something that needs a lot of work or come here There’s a bike path that goes to Cape May; the zoo is right there.” She says she definitely feels as though she’s “at the Shore,” in Stone Harbor Lakes “We have definitely seen the off-Shore market become a second-home market,” said Ann Delaney a Realtor at Tim Kerr Sotheby’s International Realty (Newer transplants and homeowners tend to say off-island.) Delaney cited the developments near golf courses off Route 9: the Links at Avalon where she estimates at least 50% are seasonal occupants The influx of second-home owners turning these towns into vacation destinations is not helping with a housing crunch for year-round residents said Middle Township Mayor Christopher Leusner “One of the things we’re struggling with is having housing that entry-level police officers and teachers and young professionals who are starting out can afford,” Leusner said “You can argue that so many second-home owners kind of drives the prices up,” he said The Airbnb market that used to be primarily on the islands has also shifted to the mainland taking over homes that had been year-round rentals The housing situation may also be an issue for Cooper Health which just purchased the local Cape Regional hospital and is looking to attract employees to the area whose grandfather bought in 1947 and founded Gregory’s Hotel (now Gregory’s Restaurant & Bar) says her neighborhood by the Great Bay Golf Course is changing Some places are becoming short-term rentals for summer visitors there are four homes that are now “Shore homes.” “Many of our new neighbors are folks who sold their Ocean City properties and are enjoying having room for families to visit and park nearby,” she said she pointed out the nearby properties now owned by transplants looking for places at the Shore One took down the big old trees to build a pool and added typical Shore house decorative touches such as lighthouses a quick e-bike ride over the bridge to Ocean City were purchased for prices unheard of on the islands “Our towns are no longer the little quaint villages,” Evans said “It’s a different kind of neighborliness,” she added But they stay together and have company come.” said he and his wife spend about half their time in Somers Point now “I didn’t want to be on the island,” he said Unlike the Route 9 towns farther south in Cape May County The town has its own bayside beach and boat launch “We ride our bike or drive over to Ocean City Or we got to the Somers Point public beach.” Somers Point is closer than the barrier islands and towns farther south came from North Jersey to live at the Shore after spending a month in Ocean City who she says are happy to ride over the bridge to see the ocean Michael and Terry Shields have owned in North Cape May for years and love the wineries and small-town feel of the area (not to mention autumn) The town has lately become a popular short-term rental location (”minutes from the beach”) “People think they want to live in Stone Harbor It’s insane to pay what you have to pay for all the congestion He noted that Cape May residents pay significantly more for their water McGraw allowed that she loved renting on the bay in Stone Harbor But she drives over the bridge to Stone Harbor every morning to do yoga and ride her bike She muses that maybe some day she’ll return there she’s looking to build her off-island community I might have had a chance for a small condo on the bay before the real estate market went off the rails,” she said Hawaii is known for its lush volcanic terrain, sandy beaches, smiling faces, floral shirts, and water – lots and lots of water. The eight major islands that make up the Pacific Ocean archipelago are engulfed by sparkling But the grand off-shore expanse is not the only source of blue enchantment Some surprising inland bodies will punch up any hiker's daily wanderings If you are ready for a break from the surfing scene then branch out and explore the following most beautiful lakes (or reservoirs or ponds) that can be found across the Aloha State offers free admission and also includes campsites for those wishing to sink into the paradisiacal vision for an extended period Also located on the windward coast of Oahu is one of only four remaining fishponds of the estimated 97 that existed prior to the 20th century Kahalu'u is part of the large and sheltered Kāneʻohe Bay and sits between the communities of Kahaluu and Waikane The 173-acre pond is divided from the bay by a roughly 1,215-foot-long seawall National Register of Historic Places and is only available to be visited if leased by the property owners It currently makes for a popular wedding destination and garden there to usher in the magical moment Wahiawa Reservoir welcomes catch-and-release anglers to the North-Central portion of the island this 400-acre reservoir sits within the Wahiawa Freshwater State Recreation Area in the Honolulu County town of Wahiawa This well-stocked body of water represents the second-largest artificial lake in the state and is one of the few lakes around that allows for fishing and some boating (albeit only for fishing purposes) Those less inclined to the sport can still enjoy some relaxing time on the shore quietly cheering on the patient hobbyists from a picnic table Though the waters can be on the muddy side during the winter (due to excess rains) things clear up nicely during the rest of the year the privately-owned Waita Reservoir is available for select groups only Folks can access this sizable manmade lake by joining up with a local ATV tour or fishing boat or by harnessing into the zip line network that traverses the forest and crosses over the water The mountainous surroundings greatly enhance the aesthetic of the Waita Reservoir the remnants of the Old Koloa Sugar Mill (i.e. the first viable sugarcane plantation in Hawaii) can also be seen Waita sits just East of the community of Koloa in Kaua'i County Just be forewarned that the picturesque nature of this humble entry will vary depending on the year Waiau may be a piddly puddle that looks like it's on its last legs or proudly fill the entire volume of its benevolent crater high-altitude environment surroundings to the dense montane rainforest encapsulating the moderately-high-altitude Violet Lake Violet Lake also sits at a respectable altitude of 5,020 feet above sea level (1,530 meters) on the Mauna Kahālāwai volcano of Maui's Western prominence This small body of water sits alongside the West Maui Forest Reserve and the West Maui Natural Area Reserve giving a home to the gorgeous Maui violet and possibly even the traditional island goddess Waiākea Pond is a pleasant spot to visit for the afternoon It is located within the Wailoa River State Recreation Area in the East Coast town of Hilo The lovely waterway is fed by the Wailo River The lightly-developed area features comforts like pavilions provided the appropriate license is obtained in advance there is also the two-gallery Wailoa Art Center located at the Southern base of the pond and a few coffee shops sprinkled around the perimeter Another one of the six remaining ancient Oahu fishponds can be found on the East-Central coast near the small windward district community of Ka'a'awa Huilua is also a National Historic Landmark as it so clearly demonstrates the aquafarming practices of the indigenous Hawaiian people three or four-foot-wide seawall that framed seven acres of the bay allowing smaller species to come and go freely A hike up one of the adjacent trails in Ahupuaʻa ʻO Kahana State Park will provide an excellent bird's-eye view of the remaining structure as well as the quintessential Jurassic-park-esque Hawaiian coastline This last one is a way removed from Hawaii's main archipelago and can only be visited with special permission but it is still a special sight that deserves some limelight Laysan (or Kauō) sits in the middle of the Northwestern Islands within the protective boundary of the Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument In the middle of this 1-mile by 1.5-mile coral atoll is a 100-acre hypersaline lake that effectively makes Laysan look like a floating Cheerio – one that is covered in white sand This area is also vital for nesting seabirds and migratory shorebirds The brilliant blue water of the omnipresent Pacific Ocean is not the only draw for aquaphiles in the area. The islands of Hawaii harbor many lakes and the like that are well worth some intentional side trips lap up the rays and ride some waves at all the usual awesome beaches but remember to say aloha to a few of these nine off-the-beaten-path beauties and you may even have to save one for your wedding day but keep your eyes open for any special opportunities Please enable JS and disable any ad blocker Signing up enhances your TCE experience with the ability to save items to your personal reading list Our team will be reviewing your submission and get back to you with any further questions Thanks for contributing to The Canadian Encyclopedia Surveys suggest that there may be as many as 2 million lakes in Canada While some look like small scratches on the country’s surface Nearly fourteen per cent of the world’s lakes with surface areas over 500 km2 are located in Canada Below is a list of the largest of these large lakes The list is ordered by the lake’s total surface area not just the portions within Canadian borders Test your knowledge of Canadian geography by taking this quiz, offered by the Citizenship Challenge! A program of Historica Canada, the Citizenship Challenge invites Canadians to test their national knowledge by taking a mock citizenship exam Lake Superior is one of the largest bodies of fresh water in the world, containing more water than all the other Great Lakes combined — 12,100 km3. Called Kitchi-gummi in Anishinaabemowin (meaning “great lake” or “great water”) it was later named Lac Supérieur (meaning “upper”) by the French as it was the most northern of the Great Lakes There's tons of fishing and plenty of areas to relax when it's warm outside it's vital to stay on the lookout for snakes when visiting these bodies of water in Rhode Island that doesn't mean non-venomous snakes are fun to be bitten by Here are the most snake-infested lakes in Rhode Island While there aren't tons of bodies of water in Rhode Island's 1,500 square miles of area, one place locals know is filled with snakes is Wilbur Pond Dam. This area is close to Bowdish Lake another lake where folks find plenty of wildlife Wilbur Pond Dam is home to the Northern Water snake and while the animal isn't filled with venom it still reaches a maximum length of 55 inches Be on the lookout for these snakes during spring and fall as that's when they're most likely to approach you Northern Water snakes prefer being in the sun and relaxing during these months which is why you'll likely never find them in the water that's when swimmers should be on the lookout It's important to still seek treatment if you're bitten by one of these snakes This body of water is perfect for a picturesque day in the Northeastern part of America anyone who gets in the water should be wary of their surroundings Narragansett Bay is home to the garter snake which is known for making its home in and around water the garter snake isn't poisonous and doesn't grow to be too big as nobody wants their perfect day interrupted by a snake Trustom Pond is one of the most popular fishing locations in Rhode Island it's also not completely uncommon to see a common watersnake slithering around the pond Watersnakes shouldn't cause too much of a panic you should still make your way out of the water and away from the area Just because they don't have venom doesn't mean you want to risk being bitten by one Even though Rhode Island is one of the places folks don't have to worry about coming across a venomous snake today there was once a time when rattlesnakes called the area home Timber rattlesnakes were once slithering around Rhode Island it's almost as if the snakes just all left the area together After the timber rattlesnake left Rhode Island no venomous snakes were remaining in the area While Rhode Island is the smallest state in the United States there are still some bodies of water that contain snakes It's vital to stay aware of your surroundings when you take a trip to these areas Snakes are a valuable part of Florida’s ecosystem as prey and predators They control the populations of rodents and insects dangerous snakes throws the ecosystem out of balance Floridians and researchers alike fear that these snakes will permanently damage the ecosystem by eliminating crucial key animals There are 46 species of snakes native to Florida along with the five species of non-native and well-established snakes and Burmese Pythons) are invasive species and are causing shifts in the natural ecosystem Burmese Pythons are by far the most invasive species in Florida able to challenge even apex predators like alligators and crocodiles Below are 13 of the most snake-infested areas in Florida and some of the reasons for the populations In the bluffs, ravines, and forests of Apalachicola many snakes from the 41 species known to northern Florida can be found Most snakes thrive here among the subtropics The reason for this sudden decrease in Indigo Snakes was directly linked to the endangered Gopher Tortoises which created the habitats of the snakes among other animals other species went unchallenged without one of their main predators Researchers have been quick to resolve the issue by breeding Indigo snakes in the Central Florida Zoo and reintroducing them into the Apalachicola Bluffs 126 Indigo Snakes have been reintroduced into the wild All of this shows the importance snakes can have on an ecosystem Coiled Timber Rattlesnake (Crotalus horridus) in New Jersey Three of Tampa's most common venomous snakes are the Timber Rattlesnake These snakes thrive in the bay because of the hot humid subtropical weather in the area and the easy source of food It is important not to fall into popular myths about these potentially deadly animals They are not aggressive and usually avoid people but will bite if aggravated or startled Rattlesnake likes to hide under lumber and in rocky crevices and Florida Cottonmouth) can often be found cooling off in swimming pools or other bodies of water the best thing to do is contact snake removal professionals and give the snake plenty of room Red-bellied watersnake with its head emerging from a small pool of water Lake Talquin is a 10-square-mile lake with roughly 40 miles of shoreline The state forest has a total of nearly 19,380 acres of protected land This makes for the perfect sanctuary and habitat for snakes of all kinds The most common snakes in the area are Red-Bellied Watersnakes but there are a total of 41 species that can be found in the area Despite the number of snakes in the lake and forest snakes are a constant animal that residents must become accustomed to which is how some of the non-native species came to Florida in the first place Aucilla River feeds from Sneads Smokehouse Lake and stretches for almost 89 miles before letting out into Apalachee Bay The river has a drainage basin of 747 square miles which is a Marine protected area where snakes often collect One of the most common snakes along the river is the Dekay’s Brown snake non-venomous snake rarely reaching more than 13 inches in length Kayakers and fishermen may encounter these animals while on the river but should know they are relatively harmless unless provoked Dekay’s Brown snake is less likely to be found on the east side of the river likely due to a higher level of predators present Along the Peace River 18 species of snakes have been documented by the Peace River Wildlife Center including six venomous snakes and the deadly Eastern Coral Snake The Eastern Coral Snake is one of the most venomous snakes in North America and one of only a few snakes in the cobra family present in the US Coral Snakes like to live in areas that have excellent drainage and can often be encountered by farmers seeking the same land for crop production are not naturally aggressive towards people and will flee if given the option Common non-venomous snakes around the Manatee River are the Southern Black Racer The River makes for a great source of food as prey animals to the snakes come seeking water The damp climate also makes for great nesting among snakes The venomous snakes in the area include the Water Moccasin Experts advise against this 36-mile-long river full of not only Water Moccasins but also American Alligators snakes still thrive in the area due to the climate and water access Nearly 27,692 acres, Lake Istokpoga is a common waterhole infested by snakes like the Water Moccasin and non-venomous Eastern Mud Snake A typical food source for the snakes here is the significant number of Osprey nests Snakes can often be found sneaking into bird nests and devouring eggs whole despite the Osprey being a potential predator as nearly 10,000 alligators inhabit these waters as the non-native Burmese Python invasion moves further north the local alligators begin to be challenged for the top spot The State has extensively modified the Upper Kissimmee Basin to control flooding in the area But because of the previous flooding and current water features which create a home to some of the largest snakes in the state many snakes have been pushed up into the basin and further north One such report mentions a 12-foot-long Anaconda captured in the Kissimmee River Native to the Ocala National Forest are dozens of snakes but only four venomous species: the Water Moccasin The National Forest consists of 673 square miles of dense underbrush with many small streams and creeks giving homes to snakes Hikers and mountain bikers can often encounter one of these snakes experts suggest waiting for the snake to pass and giving them plenty of room but most snake bites come from people trying to move or capture snakes without proper training Snakes are all over these wet marshes and rivers in Potts Preserve Hunters and boaters may come across any number of snakes such as common Florida rattlesnakes and Water Moccasins The wetlands in this area are essential parts of the Tsala Apopka Chain of Lakes and the Withlacoochee River systems providing habitats to multiple common watersnakes and other reptiles Researchers hope the conservation efforts in this area will show the importance of preserving reptiles and snakes in their natural habitats and preventing the spread of non-native species like Pythons The Three Lakes Wildlife Management Area consists of Lake Kissimmee There have been four documented observations of the Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnake and 3 of the Eastern Coralsnake in the area Garter snakes and Banded Water Snakes are familiar sights in the area and insects in the area provides an excellent diet for these snakes There have not been any documented reports of pythons in the area yet which also lends to the amount of native snakes making their home here Lake Okeechobee supports a vast and diverse ecosystem the most common on the lake are the Brown Water Snake python sightings in the lake have been few and far between This lake is sadly one of the most contaminated lakes in southern Florida polluted by stormwater runoff and dumping chemicals used in agriculture into the lake water snakes and other reptiles still thrive in and around the lake but people are discouraged from swimming or partaking in other water activities The famed Everglades of southern Florida is the most snake-infested area in Florida with the invasive non-native species of Burmese Python These snakes were initially brought from South Asia as pets and zoo exhibits but escaped in devastating tropical storms Pythons have no natural predators in Florida and view everything as prey They devour other snakes and have even been known to eat adult alligators and crocodiles Burmese Pythons are one of the largest species of snakes in the world Researchers have conducted countless studies on the impact of this python invasion in southern Florida and the overall impact on the ecosystem Residents have been encouraged to hunt these invaders to control the population and allow other species to regrow Snakes are an important predator and prey animal in Florida and invaluable to the ecosystem But when non-native species like pythons were introduced becoming the dominant species in the most snake-infested areas in Florida Conservation efforts have been largely successful in bringing back endangered species like the Indigo Snake and restoring balance to many areas while pushing back against the invasive species of snakes People who have snakes as pets should take care in securing them in case of a storm because even one or two invasive species being introduced to an ecosystem can be disastrous Residents should do all they can to learn of their serpentine neighbors these animals are abundant in every part of the land Researchers encourage residents to help in conservation efforts and volunteer at research centers and preserves Only with a better understanding of these creatures can people truly come to respect them Rejuvenate yourself in the glimmering hues of emerald and blue—discover the natural wonders of NorCal lakes Northern California’s swimming holes are your salvation Rejuvenate yourself in the glimmering hues of emerald and blue—discover the natural wonders of California lakes or pitch a tent near the gorgeous NorCal wilderness await you one thing’s certain—you’re in for an exciting adventure. Does your business rank among the best in California Learn more about our selection criteria and vetting process If you're trying to find the best lakes in Northern California for swimming, look no further than Donner Lake. This eastern Sierra Nevada destination is a great addition to your weekend getaway in Truckee; the scenic wilderness will rejuvenate you. Home to the biggest lake trout in California as well as kokanee salmon, Donner Lake is lovely for fishing and swimming ski to your heart’s content here—Donner Lake isn’t called the “Jewel of the Sierra” for nothing If you’re looking to get away from the crowds and swim in peaceful solitude This tranquil reservoir is Plumas County’s best-kept secret; you’ll find it hidden between the Sierra Nevada and Cascade ranges With immaculate vistas and rugged mountainous terrain Lake Almanor is an adventure waiting to happen Not only is this undiscovered gem one of the best lakes to swim in Northern California, but it also boasts superb fishing opportunities. Black bullhead, brook trout, and golden shiner are well-known residents of the reservoir—don’t miss your chance to practice those angler moves Formed by the Box Canyon Dam on the Sacramento River Lake Siskiyou’s crystal-clear water is what comes to mind when thinking about swimming in NorCal the reservoir is 2.3 miles from Mount Shasta—the ultimate escape from the roaring city buzz Swim and kayak for miles along the picture-perfect shoreline and find primo accommodation in nearby Redding if pitching a tent isn’t your kind of thing Bask in solitude at the Oregon Creek Day Use Area where a pristine secret swimming hole in Northern California awaits With access to the confluence of the Oregon Creek tributary and the Middle Yuba River this area is just the quiet scene you’re looking for Relax on either side of the creek—both shaded by towering trees—and discover small cascades and granite slabs slightly upriver Is your remedy to mid-summer heat splashing around in emerald waters Then you’d better head to Standish-Hickey State Recreation Area in northern Mendocino The sparkling streams of the Eel River flow through redwoods welcoming breathtaking vistas you can swim through The recreation area is home to an enticing swimming hole that’s deep enough for rock jumping and family-friendly watersports—safe to say Bass Lake is a pine-trimmed reservoir located about a half hour’s drive south of Yosemite National Park. Many think of this NorCal destination as a smaller version of Lake Tahoe the little lake with the big alpine feel is its own element the surface waters become blissfully warm in the summer—making it one of NorCal’s best lakes for swimming Named after the Spanish explorer Juan Bautista de Anza this Northern California swimming lake boasts fresh water for days Wildcat Creek provides Lake Anza with most of its recreational waters which take up a large scenic portion within Tilden Regional Park This peaceful swimming lake and its surrounding beaches offer plenty of amenities No list of the best swimming lakes in Northern California would be complete without the charming Whiskeytown Lake. Though it's a reservoir, it still has the heart of a natural lake. Drive west from Redding and dip your toes in the warm, crystal-clear waters, enclosed by 36 miles of shoreline. There’s plenty of space for sunbathing, summer reading There isn’t a place more beautiful than Potem Falls this cascading showstopper offers the perfect respite from Shasta County’s scorching summer heat While this glorious NorCal water hole can be visited year-round it’s the summer months that are magical Swim out and around the postcard-worthy waterfall pool and feel like Tarzan as you swing on a rope high above the ground Want to spice up your getaway to the Shasta Cascade? Head on down to Hatchet Falls—one of the best places to swim in NorCal. Split in half by a fallen tree (used now as a makeshift staircase), this cascading cliff-jumping destination offers dizzying hikes and the splash of a lifetime. While it’s one of those waterfalls you have to hike to the payoff of this Northern California swimming hole is definitely worthwhile Spanning more than 70 miles, the picturesque McCloud River never falls short of surprises. Despite offering exceptional vistas of the neighboring Cascade Range, this stunning California river is also known for fishing and swimming Lower falls—one of the three cascading beauties in the area—offers just the right temperatures for you to dive in The waterfall drops approximately 15 feet into a warm pool surrounded by flat bedrock We’ll be your trustee Little Tokyo guide with a day’s worth of fun things to do in Little Tokyo If you're looking for something fun to do there are plenty of fun and free things to do in San Francisco Feel the knowledge flood from its elegant red-tile roofs as you wander the town’s beautiful college campus in search of hidden finds Enjoy the perfect California spring weather at these ideal spots for a spring vacation in California Check your inbox soon for the latest from California.com. 2021 1:01 PM EDTWith summer still in full swing you’re gonna want to use every opportunity to spend time outdoors before the weather turns cool and there’s really no better place to do it than by the lakeside If you've always been more of a beach person mix things up and head to a destination lake this year or just make a day trip to chill out by the water here's a list of some of the best lakes in America We’re highlighting 14 of the best lakes for launching adventures that’ll help you shake off the winter blues and usher in a new season which is roughly 10 miles long and winds its way around the lake Almost any time of day you can find runners and a steady stream of super-fit people that’ll inspire you to push yourself even farther and faster than you’d planned It’s almost guaranteed to help you take relaxation to another level The only downside is it might going back to your day-to-day life even tougher than before when he netted a lot of bass on the way to earning a tidy $112,000 payday Related Links:• Remote & Refined the most spectacular vista in the park lies 7.5 miles from the asphalt at Lake Solitude an aquamarine pond circled by rings of exposed granite mountains Explorers can catch the boat shuttle across Jenny Lake then follow the trail up Cascade Canyon a valley dotted with trees and crawling with alpine flowers but this alpine oasis is hardly empty: Don't be surprised to see bears or a gigantic bull moose minding his own business in the stream but the best bet is to set up camp on the lake's grassy shores watch the towering peaks bathe in alpenglow as the sun dips behind the ridge More information: Hikers can also follow the 11.5-mile trail to Lake Solitude from String Lake through Paintbrush Canyon Lake Mead, NevadaLake Mead is so famous for the spring break parties and its proximity to Las Vegas that its beauty frequently goes overlooked Visitors to Boulder Beach have to confront the area's beauty as they dash across luxuriously soft sand towards bright and partiers, so visitors would do well to wear shoes lest they end up with broken bottles in their feet but the atmosphere is inviting and the smell of BBQ is always welcome Swim out into the lake and look back if you want to put the celebration in some natural perspective famous for the shoreline lodge that shares its name is everything everyone wants a mountain lake to be Surrounded by dense woods and spiky mountains the lake is thick with Rainbow Trout and ensnared by a maze of hiking trails the water is warmer than one would expect (just don't try to dive) and offers a refreshing break from the intense Idaho sun Add to all that the fact that the lake is just a quick drive from the charming town of Stanley and the Salmon River Lake Okeechobee, Florida Okeechobee is Seminole for "big water," and the Florida lake known as The Big O is certainly that: At 730 square miles "While there are plenty of great bass fisheries in Florida Lake Okeechobee is better right now than it has been in years," says VanDam Although be warned: Since the O is just 30 miles from the Atlantic Ocean a casual trip can quickly turn into a grand fishing tour of southern Florida century-old East Channel Lighthouse standing on the shore of Grand Island a series of hollowed-out rock formations on the shore of Lake Michigan so take a kayak along the jagged coast until you reach the outcroppings lining the cliff walls then venture into the shallow caves and let out a primal wail Another stellar place to experience the lake is Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore In the evening, catch the sunset over the bay, then grab a beer in the Nautical Inn's spacious garden "It's a different world," says Dawn Estes the beaches—it's just beautiful." Stay: Little Sister Resort at Pebble Beach, a group of cottages in a small Green Bay cove. [From $158 a night; littlesisterresort.com] Do: Door County Kayak Tours in Cave Point. [half-day with rental/$55; doorcountykayaktours.com] yet rewarding.” That about says it all Lake Tenkiller, OklahomaJust south of Tahlequah Lake Tenkiller in Eastern Oklahoma offers up all manner of bass and trout the lake is home to numerous fishing tournaments Nearby Lake Gibson offers up a similarly diverse angling experience outdoorsy town in a part of the country that is most definitely country Blessed with over 4,000 lakes and reservoirs and the world-renowned Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming is one of the best states for outdoorsy tourists Enjoy a classic weekend getaway by the lake in the state's best nature or attempt to climb peaks and explore the area around with wildlife watching Visiting tourists and residents alike immerse themselves in the national natural treasures that surround these lakes with remote nature that matches the scenery Alcova Reservoir is about 40 miles southwest of Casper Enjoy the serene string of beaches and boat rentals along the lakeside and great amusement with nightlife entertainment not far away The next-door Pathfinder Reservoir and National Wildlife Refuge have more swimming beaches and wildlife trails with numerous species of birds This reservoir is a kayakers' haven with open-water wetlands and waterways Take the seasonal shuttle service for kayakers of any skill level to enjoy the canyon and self-journey back to the resort Enjoy the scenic paddling on your escape from the city like the sky-high rocks hugging the narrow waterway of the canyon wall The city's National Historic Trails Interpretive Center and Fort Casper Museum and Historic Site offer insights into the natural area around This beautiful lake within the scenic Wind River Mountain Range is only a couple of miles from Pinedale in west-central Wyoming Fremont Lake offers a great weekend respite from the city or a whole summer vacation along the banks as the southern gateway into the Grand Teton National Park The state's second-largest lake is great for swimming and boating Try windsurfing or camping in the nearby Bridger-Teton National Forest Snatch a lake house and moor your boat privately next to a pier which is also perfect for sunset strolls and fishing for plentiful trout and salmon Hike the nature trails with wildlife sightings like black bears Rent in the quiet town of Pinedale just south and enjoy a vacation complete with restaurants This natural lake is fed by the Snake River at 6,772 feet above sea level and was first formed by a large glacier Jackson Lake is part of the Grand Teton National Park in northwest Wyoming and has been expanded since then for farming Jackson Lake is among the US' largest high-altitude lakes while the original log-built Jackson Lake Dam also increased the lake's volume in 1906 Choose to relax along the primitive western shoreline or head to the east side for plenty of marinas The state's fourth-largest lake is a 25,540-acre vacation land amid spectacular scenery with plenty of outdoor activities Enjoy swimming and boating amid mountain peaks while the lake's 438-foot depth means great deep diving and exploring around its 15 islands The largest Elk Island and Donoho Point are ideal for setting up remote picnics and blissful fishing for brown trout One of the most visited places in the expansive Grand Teton National Park Jenny Lake is particularly popular among the summertime crowd Tourists enjoy the beautiful lake with a sweet name and refreshing waters for a post-hike dip and sunbathing away from the shaded haven of the park originally formed and shaped more than 12,000 years ago by the way of glaciers The ice sheets pushed "rock garbage," making the Cascade Canyon and this opening was filled with the astoundingly delightful waters of Jenny Lake Having evolved since then and developed during the 20th century it has become one of the most famous hotspots of the Grand Teton National Park Find many climbing trails around the 1,191-acre lake at 6,783 feet above sea level amid some of the tallest peaks in the Teton Range Jenny Lake is also the gateway to climbing courses and trailheads and boat-worthy lake amid a stunning alpine environment and is one of the state's best lakes just for the views dates back thousands of years to when it was formed by a massive landslide from Lake Mountain This lake lies amid the magnificent surroundings of the Bridger-Teton National Forest at an elevation of 7,745 feet so pack up your tent and head over to immerse yourself in pure natural bliss on a tranquil holiday getaway at one of the nine campsites at the southeast corner and more in the park 230-acre remote lake means there is little chance of running into other tourists for all the tranquility in small groups Enjoy backpacking and hiking through the area or set up a relaxing picnic by the water's edge Enjoy the unique opportunity of reeling in the only pure lake strain of naturally reproducing Bonneville cutthroat trout found here This 1.5-mile-long and 0.75-mile-wide body of water south of Jackson Lake in the Grand Teton National Park in northwestern Wyoming will stun you with its isolated beauty complete with a jumping rock as a diving board Find tons of hiking trails starting along the shores for a day in nature like the Death Canyon Trailhead through the rugged rocks and pine forests The fairly easy Phelps Lake Loop Trail is a great day outing for families and even small children can enjoy the views The off-the-beaten-path location at 6,633 feet above sea level gives you the vantage point of the towering mountains and the mouth of Death Canyon but there are also no nearby towns or vacation rentals along the lake You can snag a place to settle at Teton Village or Wilson so arrive by foot from the Death Canyon Trailhead or Laurance S Rockefeller Preserve and bring along a fishing rod for all the cutthroat trout The small String Lake on the south side of Jackson Lake in the Grand Teton National Park boasts incredible scenery all around during your favorite outdoor pursuits The warm and shallow waters are great for family days on the lake Settle along the south side of the lake in the peaky shadow and you will also enjoy quick access to Jenny Lake above Enjoy the picturesque lake via paddleboard or take a hike along the Paintbrush Canyon Trailhead or the Jenny Lake Trail in the morning when there is no wind This is the best time for calm waters and to spot the park’s resident moose and elk Enjoy peace and serenity with no towns around or head down to Jackson for a small-town vibe and great food You can also rent a cool inflatable paddleboard at Rendezvous Sports in Jackson Hole Yellowstone Lake is your geyser-gazing haven in the northwestern corner of Wyoming, in the dead center of Yellowstone National Park. The meeting point with the Yellowstone River along the north shore is strewn with vacation rentals for the best views and most activities at hand The nearby Fishing Bridge and its Fishing Bridge Visiting Center offer education on and reeling in aquatic life You can rent a boat or kayak at the Bridge Bay Marina to get personal with the lake or choose from the multitude of trails around for hikes and biking Head to the Lake Village for more lodges and a camping area Find the natural geysers at the West Thumb part of the lake and learn more about this part of Yellowstone’s unique geology Enjoy the hot springs after a trek to the famed Old Faithful The biggest lake in the park is also the biggest freshwater lake in North America at an astounding 86,400 acres and 110 miles Find your private spot on a dreamy escape for camping with climbing and cycling trails veering off and a fishing pier at the north tip of the lake Join the popular one-hour guided boat tour Wyoming, the state with two renowned national parks Immerse yourself in nature's best along one of these beautiful lakes on a quick city respite or a summer vacation along the shores You can explore the Grand Tetons or spend relaxing days sunbathing and fishing from the banks Set up camp in the area and enjoy easy access to provisions in town to set up evening picnics by the water From endless shore strolls to sunset views that will leave you breathless with scenery on the spot you will leave with lasting memories of the best getaway ever spent Mercury (Hg) biomagnifies in aquatic organisms meaning that concentrations in tissues of biota increase as trophic position in food chains increases Highest Hg concentrations are expected in top predators such as trout The effects of environmental factors including biomass dilution in concert on biomagnification of Hg remain insufficiently known and warrant investigation Various environmental variables have been shown to correlate positively (water temperature organic matter in the sediment) or negatively (conductivity possibly in part resulting from effects on biomagnification the effect of plankton biomass on Hg biomagnification and concentrations in fish appears more controversial zooplankton and fish have been shown to be lower in eutrophic lakes than in oligotrophic lakes with similar contaminant loading as a result of dilution by higher plankton biomass in the more eutrophic lakes This lead to the conclusion that biomagnification of Hg is higher in oligotrophic lakes others have shown higher Hg concentrations in fish in more eutrophic lakes compared with oligotrophic lakes whether and how plankton biomass affects Hg biomagnification is not clear the objectives of this study are: to compare Hg concentrations and Hg biomagnification in the food webs of three lakes Lake Rotomahana and Lake Tarawera in the Bay of Plenty Region in New Zealand and examine links with environmental factors These lakes are within the Taupo Volcanic Zone and have elevated Hg concentrations associated with geothermal inputs mesotrophic to oligotrophic as defined by their respective concentrations of algal biomass There are also marked differences between the lakes in terms of their physico-chemistry Samples of organisms were collected for analysis of Hg and isotopic ratios of nitrogen and common bullies (Gobiomorphus cotidianus) and chlorophyll a (a proxy for algal biomass) were used to examine relationships with environmental factors We used stable nitrogen isotopic ratios (d15N) to examine the relationship between trophic position and Hg concentration in components of the food web and to infer biomagnification of Hg in the food web d15N is a useful indicator of trophic position in food webs because it increases along the food chain from primary producers to the top predator Hg biomagnification is expressed as the trophic magnification factor (TMF) which is the antilog of the slope of the linear regression of log Hg against d15N measured in the various organisms in the food webs of each lake Food chain length was calculated as the difference in δ15N between phytoplankton and trout Log transformed ratios were calculated of Hg concentrations in trout and water and of Hg concentrations in trout and algae The average concentration of Hg in trout exceeded the maximum recommended level for consumption by up to 440% While there were differences between lakes in food chain length Hg concentration in trout did not increase with food chain length suggesting other factors were more important Hg in phytoplankton decreased with increasing eutrophication Hg biomagnification and Hg concentrations in trout were controlled by environmental physico-chemistry and were highest in the eutrophic lake and least in the oligotrophic lake all eight measured physico-chemical variables had values more conducive to higher Hg in fish than in the other resulting in favorable conditions for Hg transfer into and up the food chain Differences between the lakes in biomagnification and Hg concentration in trout correlated as expected from previous studies with eight physico-chemical variables including anoxia in bottom water resulting in enhanced biomagnification of Hg in the eutrophic lake ratios of Hg concentrations in trout and water and by ratios of Hg concentrations between biota that biomagnification was greatest in the most eutrophic lake and least in the oligotrophic lake Our results regarding Hg biomagnification and its relationship with plankton biomass conflict with what was expected from earlier work which suggested biomass dilution by high plankton biomass in eutrophic lakes to result in lower Hg biomagnification for biomagnification to be reduced in eutrophic lakes under this biomass dilution scenario Hg concentrations in higher-trophic-position organisms would have to decrease proportionally more than in lower trophic position organisms This has not been previously pointed out nor has a mechanism been proposed to explain it Our results suggest that predictions of Hg biomagnification in food webs and Hg concentrations in fish based on phytoplankton densities should be considered skeptically Biomagnification of Hg in the food webs of our study lakes and Hg in trout was more strongly affected by differences in physico-chemistry between lakes than by differences in biomass dilution resulting from differences in the trophic state of the lakes Our results may be explained in part by the fact that lower oxygen in bottom water and higher organic matter in the sediment are typical features of highly productive lakes higher bottom temperatures are found in productive lakes because these are usually shallow higher temperatures may result in higher Hg in fish independently from methyl Hg (MeHg) concentrations in the sediment It is therefore not surprising to find high Hg concentrations in fish in lakes with high algal biomass this becomes increasingly more important because low oxygen conditions in bottom water in lakes are expected to become more common which may result in enhanced production of MeHg and higher mercury concentrations in fish Mercury biomagnification in three geothermally-influenced lakes differing in chemistry and algal biomass […] have met long-term water quality goals and website in this browser for the next time I comment ©2025 Fondriest Environmental Inc. | Questions? Call 888.426.2151 or email customercare@fondriest.com Satisfy your inner wanderlust on your next getaway and set sail on the best boating lakes in California Boating in California is all about experiencing the undulating waves as you take in the surrounding scenic beauty. With over 3,000 lakes and reservoirs, the Golden State is dotted with lake views that leave you breathless. From splashing around in San Diego to smooth sailing at Lake Shasta Just outside of Yosemite National Park Mono Lake is one of the best lakes for boating in California Open to both motorized and non-motorized boating the gorgeous scenery invites all families to hop on board. Mono Lake spans more than 65 square miles. Not only is it one of the oldest existing lakes in North America, but it’s also one of the saltiest. Spend the day in the great outdoors kayaking your way around Mono Lake. If you’re in the mood for a boat tour, the Mono Lake Committee offers fantastic canoe and kayak opportunities Experience the unmatched ecology of Mono Lake on an unforgettable canoe tour. Powered by both engine and sail, Castaic Lake stands out as a premier destination for boating enthusiasts across the state. Welcoming everyone from paddlers to jet ski aficionados, this expansive reservoir is the largest of its kind in Southern California, managed by the state water project. Its close location to Los Angeles places it among the top spots for boat tours in the region The lagoon at Castaic Lake is particularly renowned featuring three miles of inviting shoreline and 197 acres of navigable shallow waters It's a favorite spot for floating tube enthusiasts and those who prefer fishing from non-motorized boats For those looking to soak up more of this idyllic setting Whether you're pitching a tent or bringing an RV it's an ideal spot to enjoy some of the finest boating and lakeside camping Southern Travel two hours north of San Francisco to visit Lake Berryessa—one of the largest, prettiest, and simultaneously weirdest places in California Blessed with over 165 miles of radiant shoreline the lake is a year-round watersport delight Mild temperatures are Lake Berryessa’s best feature—no wonder one million people beat the heat here every year Lake Berryessa boasts a handful of sandy beaches and secluded coves. Spend hours appreciating the backdrops and snap a picture or ten. On the southern shore, you’ll find Pleasure Cove Marina a houseboat rental that takes care of your needs Live the aquatic lifestyle without having to actually own a boat on one of the best houseboat lakes in California. is undoubtedly one of the nation’s finest Spanning state borders between California and Nevada the dazzling blue charmer is among the best lakes in California for boating. While the crystal clear water keeps you afloat you’ll fall in love with the granite mountainous reflections on the lake—what better way to spend the weekend Want to experience the best houseboating vacation ever? Lake Shasta is the perfect place for exactly that. Nestled in the heart of the Shasta-Trinity National Forest the 30,000-acre reservoir boasts plenty of water-related activities A typical summer’s day boasts crystal blue waters sprinkled with almost anything that floats—inner tubes Lake Shasta features nearly 370 miles of shoreline. If you’re looking for the best houseboat rentals in Lake Shasta, Bridge Bay is your best bet Offering four models of houseboats with top-notch amenities the company provides a quintessential lake experience you’ll never forget With 50 miles of shoreline and superb recreational areas, Lake Sonoma secures its coveted spot among the best boating lakes in Northern California. The scenic area is equipped with a variety of rentals—canoes, ski boats, wakeboards, and jet skis are all found at this boater’s paradise. Lake Sonoma Marina located just 10 minutes west of Healdsburg Grab your boating supplies from the marina; it’s time to go sailing Trinity Lake offers unparalleled views minus the crowds The bluest waters you’ve ever seen make Trinity NorCal’s number one boating destination Cruise by tree-lined shores and secluded coves Your blissful afternoon is further enhanced by the breathtaking vistas of the Shasta-Trinity National Forest Enjoy the very best of the Sierra Nevada foothills at Folsom Lake one of the best boating lakes in California the massive reservoir offers a fun-filled day waiting to happen While boating activities are a highlight at Folsom Lake and jet skiing are among the popular ones. Folsom Lake Marina—located at Browns Ravine—offers 674 wet slips and 175 dry slips accommodating boats up to 26 feet Get onboard a pontoon and sail along the gorgeous waters. Bass Lake is a gem for boaters and water enthusiasts alike Adventure awaits on the south shore at Miller’s Landing Resort Providing a variety of exciting watersport activities Launch into your next adventure at Big Bear Lake Southern California's ultimate year-round destination for those who love the water Renowned as one of the region's premier spots for boating Big Bear Lake consistently delivers unforgettable aquatic experiences The lake's scenic shoreline is home to six marinas offering ample opportunities to enjoy the water Renting a pontoon boat is a popular choice for visitors looking to fully embrace lake life equipped with straightforward controls for throttling and steering making it easy to explore the expansive seven-mile stretch of shoreline For adventurers inclined to engage more directly with the elements and a variety of other watercraft for an up-close experience with the lake's serene beauty The breathtaking Silverwood Lake is a mere 90-minute drive from Los Angeles the reservoir attracts many crowds for endless watersports adventures. As one of the best lakes in California Silverwood Lake provides prime boating opportunities Rent a fishing boat and set sail along the smooth waters surrounded by the marvelous snow-capped peaks keep an eye out for animal sightings—rock wrens and California mule deer are all dear residents of the area. A recent article in the Detroit Free Press compared the depths of the Great Lakes, and the numbers were fascinating Lake Eerie came in at 210 feet and Lake Huron at 750 feet deep Next were Lake Ontario at 802 feet and Lake Michigan at 925 feet deep Lake Superior lives up to its name at an amazing 1,302 feet deep Lake depths here pale in comparison to the massive Great Lakes let's look at what are likely the five deepest lakes in the state While Arkabutla is generally considered shallower than Enid the deepest point in both is 54 feet according to Navionics Marine and Lake Charts Both are popular crappie fisheries and Enid Lake produced the world record white crappie weighing 5 pounds, 3 ounces in 1957. Arkabutla Lake produced the state record black crappie weighing 4 pounds, 4 ounces in 1991 Grenada Lake is a flood-control lake located in Grenada County near Grenada. According to the US Army Corps of engineers, the lake is 36,000 acres. The lake, which is also a popular crappie fishery is 58 feet deep at its deepest point according to Navionics and comes in at No Sardis LakeSardis Lake comes in at No. 3 on the list. It is located in Lafayette, Marshall and Panola counties and according to USACE is 32,000 acres Although it's a flood-control lake like the previous lakes and subject to fluctuation Navionics has the deepest point at 61 feet Located in in Prentiss and Tishomingo counties along the Tennessee-Tombigbee Waterway The lake is 8 miles long and covers 6,700 acres It's a popular lake for bass fishing and has produced two state record fish weighing 4.66 pounds was caught there in 2000 and the state record chain pickerel weighing 6 pounds Okhissa Lake covers 1,075 acres and is located in Franklin County near Meadville and is our deepest lake The lake is a destination for bass anglers. World-renowned bass fisherman Bill Dance was involved it its design and it is his first signature lake Note: This story replaces an earlier version that included incorrect published data Contact Brian Broom at 601-961-7225 or bbroom@gannett.com Nebraska is an underrated but that does not hinder its natural beauty influence from calling the names of adventurous travelers across North America Nebraska is not lacking in the bodies of water category boasting loads of natural parks From small lakes to 35,000-acre lakes spanning across state lines Nebraska is a charming state with loads to offer Travelers must ensure they do not miss out on the stunning marine life and outside adventures offered by the great state of Nebraska Lake Wanahoo was primarily conceived to serve as flood prevention in the 1990s it passed all expectations and began to thrive as a sought-after vacation spot for many visitors across Nebraska Being a smaller lake unlike some larger bodies of water in the state its smaller size of 662 acres is not necessarily a bad thing especially for families with young children Its size never stopped the stunning lake from hosting a variety of family and senior-friendly activities such as swimming Lake Wanahoo is perfect for a summer heat wave getaway Nestled along the Republican River in beautiful south-central Nebraska Harlan County Lake is an extremely popular destination for travelers from all over who are searching for the perfect summer getaway Due to the Harlan County Reservoir's large size covering over 13,000 acres the beautiful body of water wins the award for being the second-largest lake in the refreshing state of Nebraska Packed to the rim with fascinating wildlife the gorgeous Harlan County Reservoir is a slice of heaven for nature lovers The lake is home to a variety of fish species such as walleye At a whopping 31,400 acres, Lewis and Clark Lake is a huge reservoir located in Cedar County, situated around the northeast border of beautiful Nebraska and the gorgeous state of South Dakota Named after the Lewis and Clark expeditions the lake sits along the Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail Fishermen will be beyond excited to toss their lines into Lewis and Clarke lake due to the many different species of fish present including walleye there is a large variety of equestrian trails along with wonderful campgrounds you are sure to enjoy the Lakeview Golf Course at the very east end of the Lake on the Nebraska side as well as other recreational areas surrounding the glistening waters the magnificent Glenn Cunningham Lake is a well-loved lake named after former the Mayor and Congressman Popularly used for sailing and kayaking despite its smaller size of 390 acres Glenn Cunningham Lake remains a great choice for travelers and a relaxing scenic getaway Nature lovers are bound to fall in love with the beautiful Glenn Cunningham State Park adorned with spectacular trees and trails If fishermen are looking for a lake to fish for largemouth bass then Glenn Cunningham Lake is sure to deliver in that category and is also home to channel catfish and black crappie Glenn Cunningham Lake is definitely an underrated lake Sitting just east of the Platte River located near the quaint village of Clarks in Nebraska Morning Star Lake is a wonderful lake open to the public nestled within the beauty of nature Morning Star Lake is perfect for swimming and safe for boating The best time of the year to visit Morning Star Lake is definitely during the lake's Fourth of July celebration Morning Star Lake has loads to offer and is surely an amazing travel experience This 1,800-acre lake created for flood control as part of the 20 Salt Valley Lakes is a lake you will never forget with sunsets decorating the beautiful sky over the stunning lake view visitors will feel enchanted by Branched Oak Lake For visitors looking to take a fun swim in this ravishing lake Other popular activities include boating and camping along the stunning lake area definitely a relaxing and fun experience for visitors Branched Oak Lake is an attractive destination .st1{fill-rule:evenodd;clip-rule:evenodd;fill:#2a2a2a} The beach on Lake Huron at Port Crescent State Park in Port Austin on May 23 Owning lakefront real estate in Michigan doesn't have to be a million-dollar dream A report from LakeHomes.com, a multi-state brokerage and real estate database, offers a peek into where the most affordable lakefront real estate can be found in Michigan. The list ranges from little-known lakes to two locations along one of the Great Lakes. The quarterly list, known as the Lake Market Report, uses MLS data to find the average listing price for all for-sale homes in each market on a specific date. The most recent report pulled MLS data for Sept. 1, 2018. The top 10 most affordable lakes for lakefront homes in Michigan are listed below, with the most affordable lake at No. 1. The beach on Lake Huron at Port Crescent State Park in Port Austin. Sitting along Lake Huron at the tip of Michigan's Thumb, Port Austin is home to the geological wonder known as Turnip Rock. Port Austin is at the tip of Michigan's Thumb. This 4,000-acre lake in the eastern U.P. is known for being a great walleye fishery, but of course is popular for other outdoor recreation as well. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Amelia Davis (@amelialeona) This historic bayfront city is also home to a beautiful collection of historic architecture, including many mansions that once belonged to lumber barons. Photo by Dan Staudacher | MLive file photo Bay City area, Lake Huron. Image via Google Maps View this post on Instagram A post shared by Nilesh Mate (@nileshmate) Just shy of 2,000 acres, Wixom Lake is 40 feet deep at its deepest point, and is home to a variety of species of fish. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Chuck Dryer (@chuckdryer) At 175 acres, Budd Lake is fairly small compared to the previous lakes on this list. It's located in the middle of the Lower Peninsula, in Clare County, and is home to Wilson State Park. Another Clare County lake, this one weighs in at 187 acres and is an all-sports lake also known for great fishing. This double-lobed lake near Lake Lancer (further on down the list) is home to walleye and the occasional pike. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Grand Rapids Foodie (@grandrapidsgrubbing) long lake along the Tittabawassee River encompasses 600 acres and has a sandy bottom beloved by swimmers is the largest of four lakes comprising White Birch Lakes Recreational Association a hybrid property owners association and gated community with amenities like a campground it's very secluded and very beautiful," said supervisor Scott Lubs which keeps things tranquil -- a welcoming setting for loons White Birch Lake is part of White Birch Lakes Recreational Association Related: Top 10 Michigan lakes with the most expensive homes Use of and/or registration on any portion of this site constitutes acceptance of our User Agreement, (updated 8/1/2024) and acknowledgement of our Privacy Policy, and Your Privacy Choices and Rights (updated 1/1/2025) © 2025 Advance Local Media LLC. All rights reserved (About Us) The material on this site may not be reproduced except with the prior written permission of Advance Local Community Rules apply to all content you upload or otherwise submit to this site YouTube's privacy policy is available here and YouTube's terms of service is available here Ad Choices View this post on Instagram A post shared by Amelia Davis (@amelialeona) View this post on Instagram A post shared by Nilesh Mate (@nileshmate) View this post on Instagram A post shared by Chuck Dryer (@chuckdryer) View this post on Instagram A post shared by Grand Rapids Foodie (@grandrapidsgrubbing) Lake Michigan occupies the western portion of Lake Michigan-Huron and when combined the Lake Michigan-Huron forms the 4th largest lake by volume and the world’s largest freshwater lake that covers a combined area of 117,000 sq while the Illinois Waterway connects Lake Michigan to the Gulf of Mexico Lake Michigan receives its primary inflows from several rivers and tributaries that flow into the lake The primary outflows include the Chicago River The large Green Bay forms the northwestern arm of the lake while the Grand Traverse Bay forms its northeastern arm Located in the northern part of the lake is its deepest region that is referred to as the Chippewa Basin The shallow Mid Lake Plateau separates the Chippewa Basin from the South Chippewa Basin Lake Michigan features several inland beaches and has often been referred to as the “Third Coast” of the US after the Atlantic and the Pacific coasts while some are covered by sand cherries and green beach grass The eastern shore of the lake features the largest freshwater dunes in the world that rise to a height of more than 700ft Several national parks and forests are located along the shoreline of the US States of Indiana and Michigan that features some of the most unique and expansive dunes The beaches of the western shore and the northern east shore are covered by sands and rocks Petoskey stone is a pebble-shaped stone that is unique to the lake’s beaches in Northern Michigan The northern part of the lake features several islands Some of these lake islands include Beaver Island Beaver Island is the largest island that is located in Lake Michigan The waters of Lake Michigan support a variety of fish species and other invertebrate fauna Some of the native fishes that are found here include lake trout round gobies are found in the lake’s waters which have led to serious declines in the populations of native flora and fauna and rainbow trout were introduced in the lake’s waters to reduce the number of invasive species Lake Michigan also supports many water birds like ducks Geologists believe that Lake Michigan was formed about 1.2 billion years ago due to the splitting of two tectonic plates that resulted in the generation of a Mid-Continent Rift The Lake Michigan region was originally inhabited by the Hopewell Native Americans and in the later years by the Late Woodland Native Americans the French explorer Jean Nicolet became the first European to explore the Lake Michigan region During the time of the European exploration the area was inhabited by the descendants of the Woodland Indians namely the Miami The term “Michigan” has been derived from the native Ojibwe word “michi-gami” which means “great water” Several European fur trade posts like Fort Michilimackinac and Fort Mackinac were eventually established along the shores and islands of Lake Michigan Lake Michigan played a significant role in shaping the economy of the city of Chicago and the other Midwestern US States more than 350 shipwrecks have been found buried in the deep waters of Lake Michigan Visit one of its beautiful lakes for a relaxing weekend getaway or a summer vacation for your next outdoor outing for a stunning experience amid the best of NorCal's nature The beautiful hidden lake along Northern California's eastern slopes of the Sierra Nevada was not named after the Rendeer but the ill-fated Donner Party The lake with its alpine beauty is strewn with 155 campsites along the shores for days of camping with its rejuvenating ambience and mountain air Find the scenic lake just a hop over from Truckee and enjoy fishing for rainbow and brown trout and Kokanee salmon Venture into the wild Donner Memorial State Park for more picnics as well as wet activities like kayaking including those around the lake for wistful strolls and you can kick up your feet in style at a condo or a vacation rental around the lake The lake nestled in the Eastern Sierra of California does this "Switzerland of California" region justice, with scenic shores amid jagged peaks and high-altitude attractions. Gull Lake is one of the chain of June and Grant lakes with endless hiking trails around like the favorite June Lake Loop for nature lovers Turn on your mode of relaxation and utilize the Gull Lake Campground Escape the hustle and bustle of the city amid breathtaking scenery with popular pastimes like fishing Reel in some rainbow trout and cook it right along the shores for the coziest evening by a campfire There are several beaches for summertime getaways where you can sunbathe and take a refreshing dip post-hike You can also rent a canoe or paddleboard from the Gull Lake Marina which is also a beautiful spot to watch the sunset Lake Almanor was named after the power company vice president's three daughters He created a large reservoir by damming the Feather River in 1914; it is the state's widest lake as well as one of Northern California's most breathtaking The scenic locale is a water sports enthusiast's playground and there are feel-good pursuits along the vast shorelines with hiking trails and mountain views With a surface area of 44 square miles (113.3 square kilometers) enjoy plenty of space for recreation without crowds and unobscured views while sailing Dive from the boat in the middle of the ocean-like lake which holds 1,308,000 acre-feet (1.613109 m3) of water with up to 90 feet of depth This powerful reservoir provides hydroelectric power generation but you can consider it the most beautiful lake and leave it at that while enjoying camping This beautiful lake with a picture-worthy name is the largest in California’s Napa County, which is already telling of the many activities you can enjoy on the locale. Come to the immense Lake Berryessa and enjoy endless water pursuits With an area of 32.3 square miles and about 165 miles of scenic shoreline The reservoir also supplies water and hydroelectricity to the San Francisco Bay Area’s North Bay area while tourists come for boating that feels like an ocean cruise While some say that Lake Helen's beauty is unbeatable The lake was named after the first woman to ever reach the summit of Lassen Peak in 1964 Sightsee this summit today in Lassen Volcanic National Park south of Lassen Peak and west of Bumpass Mountain The natural lake was formed when water filled an earth's cavity by way of glacier movements Thanks to the mineral-rich waters of the glacier lake the breathtaking scenery of the translucent sapphire effect is a beautiful sight to behold the higher elevation keeps Lake Heenan in a frozen state for most of the year It lacks in pursuits but makes up in sights which you can attain on a hike from the Lassen National Park to the Lassen and Eagle Peaks for an eagle's eye view of this beautiful lady The widely sought-after lake is one of the best in Northern California to play Check out this favorite destination for generations along the Feather River for yourself; it is a nationally renowned area for bass fishing and coho salmon supplied from the Feather River Fish Hatchery The sizable reservoir is also a water skiers and wakeboarders' haven part of the California State Water Project also helps prevent saline intrusion into the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta and protects a habitat for fish and wildlife Lake Oroville was created by impounding the Feather River with the Oroville Dam in northern California’s Butte County The shores also serve as a state recreation area for discreet tourism The divine Northern California lake is renowned as a US vacation destination as well as a popular day trip among locals. Shasta Lake is the state's largest reservoir and your ultimate playground to savor the serene surroundings through favorite pursuits and many trails through the Shasta-Trinity National Forest Take a journey to this paradise for recreation and NorCal's favorite camping spot Enjoy some fancy-pants time on a rented houseboat over a weekend trip for a few days amid vast waters There are also plentiful accommodations around impounded the river to create this largest artificial lake which is also used to generate hydroelectricity and prevent floods in the Sacramento Valley Lake Tahoe is a one-of-a-kind destination With a moniker like "Jewel of the Sierra," world-wide fame taking off a few days from work is worth it NorCal's second-biggest lake spans a surface area of 191.58 square miles (496.2 square kilometers) making it truly unbeatable for outdoor activities Lake Tahoe is also the largest freshwater lake in terms of water volume and one of the US' deepest lakes Find this national treasure in the scenic Sierra Nevada Enjoy easy access and the fun fact that the distinct lake is 99.994% pure ancient saline lake on the edge of California’s arid Great Basin The uninhabited lake lacks fish but hosts trillions of brine shrimp and millions of birds the tall calcium carbonate or limestone columns that reach from below lake level and are made from spring water and saline lake water chemical reactions makes for one hell of a destination and an imminent getaway if you already live in this part of the state and haven't experienced the sight There are free naturalist-guided walks around the lakes to see and learn about the strange tufa towers The Mono Basin National Forest Scenic Area Visitor Center is the first national scenic area in the US Trinity Lake is your getaway to the greatest of the outdoors on the Trinity River Enjoy everything from endless water adventures to getting lost in the surrounding red woods along the hiking trails Trinity Lake is one of California’s biggest reservoirs and serves for irrigation and hydroelectric generation in Trinity County with some of Northern California's best swimming along the river and fewer crowds than around Lake Shasta Take a long and winding road to the shores of Trinity Lake once formed by damming the river into one of NorCal's largest and most beautiful reservoirs Get away from it all at the man-made lake with a surface area of 25.8 square miles and a 2,447,650-acre capacity with a choice of pursuits like going for a soak and scenic boating around its many arms and crystalline inlets Clear Lake is about 19 by 6 miles large and a beauty to behold This largest naturally occurring freshwater lake which is wholly within the Golden State's borders spreads between Napa County and San Francisco Enjoy easy access to the wine-drenched region and the entertainment of big city life Visit Clear Lake during the summer and dive into fun water pursuits amid a total surface area of 68 square miles or 180 square kilometers The 2.5-million-year-old lake is your glorious escape for fishing The basin is a year-round habitat for populations of pelicans You can also catch sight of the modest mountain lions These beautiful lakes are sprinkled throughout the north of the state for your ultimate convenience on your next weekend escape to the greatest of Northern California's outdoors Enjoy water pursuits and recreation amid mountain vistas and with nearby flowing rivers Set camp near the shores for easy access to fishing With many rentable cabins and cottages and nearby towns with hotels you can kick up your feet in any style to spend a fun weekend by the lake or enjoy a wide range of pursuits for your next best vacation in NorCal Have you ever wished you had your very own Wisconsin lake house? Luckily you can feel like you do with these Wisconsin cabins and cottages on the water There are plenty of cozy resorts and privately owned rental cabins that offer private shoreline serene sunset views and plenty to do like swimming Read on to discover your own little slice of Wisconsin’s beautiful lakes to enjoy with your favorite people this summer Though this resort offers camping and a lodge, staying in the authentic Thunderbird Log Home will have you feeling at home in your own lake house This spacious 5-bedroom log cabin is the perfect mixture of rustic charm and new amenities and sleeps up to 14 people making it perfect for a family or friends' retreat While you can still enjoy the comforts of home with a large-screen TV and fully equipped kitchen you’ll also be one with nature as you kayak or fish on beautiful Lake Arbutus and hike (or bike) on the numerous trails surrounding the area End the night around a crackling campfire amidst the trees bordering the Black River State Forest and embrace an unforgettable Northwoods getaway with your favorite people Charming downtown Stoughton and nearby attractions like Lake Kegonsa State Park and Eugster’s Farm Market and Petting Farm will keep your whole group entertained while cabin views of the shimmering lake offer much-needed vacation relaxation Lake Superior has never looked better than from the deck of a Wisconsin cabin like DePerry’s on the Lake With a breathtaking view of the water and the nearby Basswood Island this is one of the best ways to experience northwestern Wisconsin with your favorite people but the best part is the peace and seclusion that DePerry’s has to offer The two suites each have a private deck with an incredible view If you’re up for a journey beyond your little oasis, visit the nearby world-renowned music venue Big Top Chautauqaua, or take a trip to experience the natural wonders of the Apostle Islands This stunning A-Frame on the Bay sits atop the limestone cliffs of the Niagara Escarpment overlooking sparkling Green Bay Stay with your special someone and enjoy the waterfront views take out the boats and bikes provided and create lasting memories that will stay with you for years to come Staying in a cabin at Serenity Bay Resort gives you and your crew access to 600 feet of shoreline on Little St stand-up paddle boards and kayaks and a private deck perfect for lounging Bring the family along to enjoy the playground near the water and explore the area around the resort for go-cart racing water ski shows and everything that makes for a quintessential “Up North” Wisconsin summer Choose from 11 charming lakeside cottages at this resort in St. Germain that’s been run by the same family for over 100 years you can curate your vacation on the water to be a romantic getaway or time spent with the whole family Explore the property’s 100 wooded acres and take a dip at the sandy bottom beach And don’t forget the fishing poles–Little St Germain Lake is considered one of the most biologically fertile waters in northern Wisconsin with panfish Browse more cabins and cottages in our directory, and check out these Wisconsin cabins with lofty views Montana is home to many scenic towns and endless state parks and national forests These six most-beautiful towns in the state offer a real breather away from the city for a taste of lakeside living Polson is set on the southern shore of the Flathead Lake at the forefront of the gorgeous Mission Mountains Northwestern Montana's rugged beauty contrasts the jaw-dropping explosion of rouges and pinks with seasonally blooming cherry orchards around town The glorious blaze is celebrated yearly through the Cherry Festival in summer Polson is home to attractions for the whole family to enjoy at the peaky backdrop There is also the proximate National Bison Range and nearby bird sanctuaries for peaceful strolls through nature The town is a great base for best Lake County experiences including water recreation and great outdoor ventures The Flathead Lake is the epicenter of action with swimming and all-level watercraft including sailboats Culture fans appreciate the Native American history within Flathead Indian Reservation One must stock-up and mingle at the farmer's market to immerse in local lifestyle and learn more secrets about this gem-town The town on a vast plain is a hot-spot destination for the naturally-beautiful world around It is set just 20 miles east of the Rocky Mountains and one-and-only The rolling hills give-way to a welcoming Main Street Street with an old-timey vibe and white Rockies peaking outside of town Going-to-the-Sun Road winds for 50 scenic miles through the park's dramatic peaks and valley-views The Scenic Freezout Lake is incredible for recreational pursuits Choteau is embraced by national forests and the Native American reservation with more hiking through fresh woodlands and Montana's renowned history trails. The nearby Lewis and Clark National Forest and trail offers insightful while The Dinosaur Trail is great for families on a stroll It leads to the downtown's Old Trail Museum with intriguing local history caches Western Hemisphere's largest collection of dinosaur eggs and baby skeletons Fort Peck has a suitable name for its tiny townscape in nature's embrace It is home to surprisingly plentiful services for a modern vacation within small-town feel There's the incredible Fort Peck Marina's water vistas and galore of supplies and information to explore the town's scenic offerings The Fort Peck Lake contrasts the town's size with an impressive 1,500-mile shoreline It is a heaven for boat aficionados and fishers Fort Peck is an ideal base-camp for natural adventures of all levels on a getaway from the city Russell National Wildlife Refuge offers hiking or driving around the lake with wildlife sightings like elk The in-town is home to old-school sites and atmosphere like the historic hotel with comfortable rooms Its wide porch-facing sweet prairie views is great to step-out for a morning coffee in the fresh air The delightful Fort Peck Theater hosts live performances including local thespians in a range of plays and musicals The town is the ultimate escape into the endless natural ventures at the Yellowstone National Park The small townscape atmosphere is easily accessible from two states on a getaway from the city It is set at the border of Montana and Wyoming with best scenic drives all-around and jaw-dropping lookout points Family's love visiting the Grizzly & Wolf Discovery Center and the Wild West Yellowstone Rodeo for cowboy action and many museums offers fun insights into history The next-door Yellowstone National Park is one of the nation's most popular and beautiful with ample seasonal pursuits There's the world-famed Old Faithful geyser and the West Thumb Geyser Basin with epic The Hebgen Lake is one of the best still-water fishing lakes in Montana while the picturesque Yellowstone Lake calls for peaceful cruising There are also endless hiking ops through the immense park's scenery with birdwatching along the way Whitefish is about an hour drive-worth to the World Heritage Site of the Glacier National Park The classic mountain town is perched at the foot of the pristine eponymous lake within surrounding wilderness It is a beloved base for road-trippers and trekkers with hiking trails through forests that extend into the peaks and valleys full-of local wildlife and breathtaking view points Whitefish is also a destination in its own right turning many visitors into locals with quaint streets and plentiful attractions to keep busy in the shadows of Northern Rockies lively vibe among flavorful dining and drinking options and best nightcaps at the Great Northern Bar & Grill Whitefish is overrun in winter for world-class skiing along with annual festivals and events like the Ski-Joring races The nearby Whitefish Lake State Park and City Beach are must-visit during summertime vacation The small town on the northeast corner of the Flathead Lake is home to big, scenic fun at the largest freshwater lake west of Mississippi The “Village by the Bay” along the pretty Swan River is one Just off-the Bigfork Bay one will find the heart of town home to lively streets lined by art galleries and boutique shops in the shadow of the beautiful Swan Mountains The wintertime scenery prevails with snow-covered trees and roofs Bigfork's traditional festivities with unique small-town flavor win attention from the national media Summertime brings action to Montana's best Eagle Bend golf course attracts nation-wide creatives for the popular Bigfork Festival of the Arts in August Bigfork is an artsy community inspired by rich local nature with streets-full of first-rate bronzes paintings and other local craft for viewing delight and sale “MyRealMontana” sells locally-made art and gifts while the Traditions Restaurant's elk tenderloin will keep energies high for seasonal activities There are two dozen-more establishments for gastronomic variety including fine dining on French gourmet cuisine or watching the Bay engulf the winter's sun from a cozy room at the Inn on Bigfork Bay The last rays cast reflections on the water until finally sizzling-out in a protesting blaze and most-magical time "theatre by the bay," hosts live performances of Northwest's finest professional talent from around the US These beauties of the state offer the most magical time-spent relaxing with with friends The scenic galore of activities include water-pursuits Don’t get us wrong—we love the Pacific for its dramatic but the rough surf and frigid ocean temps aren’t exactly swimmer-friendly So we found 11 Northern California spots within driving distance of the city where the weather is hot and the water is perfect for cooling off on long summer days From popular swimming holes only a short hike from the road to secluded lakes that require more of a trek into the wilderness we’ve got options for every kind of summer adventure Editor’s Note: Always check conditions carefully before taking a plunge Swift currents and changing water levels can make some of these swimming holes dangerous Use extra caution before diving or cliff jumping in case of submerged boulders it’s time for a day cooling off in one of the many swimming holes along the crystal-clear Yuba River This is a very popular day trip to beat the heat so go early in the morning to score a parking spot in the small lot or along Highway 49 Take a moment to marvel at the historic cement arch bridge that dates back to 1921 before setting off on the main trail towards Hoyt’s Crossing Make the steep descent down any of the many spur trails to large sculpted granite boulders and a seemingly endless number of calm pools along the river Picture a sunny swimming hole along the San Lorenzo River in Henry Cowell State Park surrounded by redwoods and Douglas fir trees Boulders frame two deep but relatively calm pools and a small sandy beach presents the perfect picnic spot It’s no wonder this gem in the Santa Cruz Mountains is called Garden of Eden get there early and spend the day floating on the water New Melones Lake is a go-to Gold Country destination in the summertime for boating but follow the Coyote Creek tributary away from the reservoir to the naturally carved limestone caverns called Natural Bridges for a bolder adventure Bring sturdy shoes and watch for poison oak—this is not a trail for flip flops Protected from the chilly coast in Point Reyes is this idyllic lake bordered by trees and rolling hills You’ll have to hike about three miles in (watch out for poison oak) you’ll have all afternoon to float on a raft or test out the rope swing at this unofficial swimming spot before you reach the gate into Yosemite National Park is a treasure that summer travelers have been frequenting since the 1920s and there was even a lodge up on the cliff with a diving board into the largest of the three pools but there’s still plenty of room for everyone to sun themselves on the surrounding rocks A two-mile stretch of the South Fork of the Eel River is just what you need on hot summer days in northern Mendocino County Here you’ll find deep holes and calm shallow areas of emerald waters surrounded by redwoods perfect for a cool dip Adrenaline junkies will enjoy cliff jumping but there’s also a sandy beach for basking in the sun If you’re the type who likes long hikes on summer days, then this is the trip for you. From the South Bay’s Henry W. Coe State Park you’ll start your 10-mile round-trip journey but the challenging climb through chaparral and creek-side woodlands is worth the mid-hike reward: a secluded swimming hole with a small sandy beach and big About seven miles off Highway 80 in Colfax the North Fork of the American River beckons This is where you’ll find Yankee Jim’s bridge and swimming hole named after a miner who found gold a few miles away from this spot in 1850 There’s a series of briskly refreshing pools and cascading waterfalls surrounded by smooth granite and evergreen forest there are cliffs for jumping…and the nearby river rafting is good here too There are only 12 legal parking spots in pullouts near the bridge so go very early or enjoy this area mid-week instead Glistening turquoise waters await at this swimming hole on the Mad River in far Northern California It’s too far of a trek for a regular weekend getaway but the perfect stop on a longer road trip upstate you’ll be rewarded with a refreshing pool and rope swing for a playful Shasta-Trinity National Forest is calling this summer where you’ll find three stunningly beautiful waterfalls—each with its own swimming hole—as the trail winds its way through a canyon of basalt lava rock We like Lower Falls for its easy access and wooden platform for jumping but Middle and Upper Falls are just a short hike away Invasive zebra mussels have now infested 130 Wisconsin lakes and rivers announced the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources The WDNR last week added ten new lakes to its list of water bodies riddled with the mussels Zebra mussels first entered the Great Lakes region through Lake Michigan at the beginning of the 1990s they had infiltrated the Bay of Green Bay and from there began infesting a number of surrounding water ecosystems including every major water body in Northeast Wisconsin and several smaller lakes Zebra mussels can be a mixed blessing and a curse along with any suspended sediments or toxic substances within the water they act as natural water filters and are able to make the water clearer and cleaner The WDNR notes the biggest issue is they can make the water so clear that sunlight is able to reach deeper in the water and feed massive growths of weeds which profoundly alter the aquatic ecosystem We also wrote a few months ago how research shows that the zebra mussels can introduce toxins into the food chain under certain circumstances Since the zebra mussels consume tremendous amounts of water they also absorb pollutants and thus pass it up the food chain when they’re eaten WDNR Aquatic Invasive Species coordinator Bob Wakeman told the Wisconsin Radio Network that Wisconsin’s lakes are actually still in relatively good shape he said 95 percent remain free of non-natives invests a tremendous amount of its funding into fighting the mussels and other invasive species about $4.3 million each year on prevention and control of all aquatic invasive species,” said WDNR Aquatic Invasive Species Coordinator Brenda Nordin “It’s a lot cheaper and economically sound to prevent aquatic invasives from coming in than to go back and try to fight them.” since boaters are likely the means by which the zebra mussels and non-native plants can spread Wisconsin law mandates that boaters check for plant or animal life that may be clinging to their boat’s hull and they must flush out ballast tanks before moving to another lake “You need to have a clean boat when you come to the launch and you need to have a clean boat when you leave the launch,” Wakeman said zebra mussels can be a mixed blessing and a curse But Lake Tahoe is also The Farthest -- the 200-plus-mile drive from SF takes three and a half-ish hours if there isn't any traffic (hahahaha.. Good news though: there are other lakes in NorCal (whaaaaaaaa?) the Pacific Rod & Gun Club lost its 80-year lease so no more practicing your aim at clay pigeons here Bonus: the 4.5-mile paved loop around the lake is prime real estate for retro track suit spotting where they've got both a steam train AND a horse-drawn old-timey train (how many little kid dreams can come true in one little regional park?) and exhibited flora and fauna at the Botanic Garden Also don’t forget: this is environmental-friendly Berkeley so you’ll see South Park Dr seasonally closed to cars to protect “newt migration” across the road Bass Lake is the first sizable lake you approach on the Coast Trail The resting platform can get crowded when San Franciscans try to escape the cold but a clearing right above the lake provides a picnicking area for several groups Traverse/swim on the right side to get to the rope swing (keep an eye out for poison oak) then finish off a day in the sun with dinner in the sleepy lagoon surf town of Bolinas This swim/bike/run event is actually really good for complete newbies (so.. where you also rent kayaks for your paddle but a whopping 13 miles from the Del Valle trailhead so you may want to try that over a couple of days) and a grocery where the long-distance hikers of the Pacific Crest Trail resupply Echo Summit was also the site of the high-altitude training camp for athletes preparing for the 7,400ft-high competition in Mexico City in 1968 Sign up here for our daily San Francisco email and be the first to get all the food/drink/fun SF has to offer Experience the thrill of turkey hunting as a group of hunters pursue the elusive North American Turkey Slam Live turkey activity updates from our experts in each region Coverage from the annual trade show in Las Vegas With thousands of inland lakes and plenty of frigid bays fed by Lake Superior Michigan's Upper Peninsula provides seemingly perfect habitat for northern pike -- and for the anglers who target them (May 2010) By Darren Warner Michigan DNR officials suggest targeting Upper Peninsula northern pike on the lakes and bays connected to the Great Lakes Photo by Eric Engbreston.They remain motionless for hours they strike with amazing agility and quickness catching their prey in their needlelike teeth and then devouring them whole They're among the most aggressive and widely distributed freshwater fish in the world -- kings of the cold water "The best places to catch (northern) pike are lakes and bays connected to the Great Lakes," said Bill Zigler Michigan Department of Natural Resources fisheries biologist that means looking for northerns in any of the estimated 4,300 inland lakes and countless bays fed by the frigid waters of Lake Superior shallow weed beds and submersible vegetation smaller lakes provide perfect pike habitat Pike season starts May 15 and runs until March 15 in the Upper Peninsula Moving from east to west across the land above the bridge let's look at some of the best spots for catching northern annihilators a 75-mile-long river that flows southeast and empties into Lake Huron lake herring and crayfish provide plenty of room and food for big pike to reach their potential Marys are really aggressive," said Matt McConnell of Sault St "The water gets a little murky in some spots so I like to slow-troll using yellow or bright green spinners." Marie lies a veritable cornucopia of pike-fishing water Start out by taking M-28 east until it dead-ends at Lake Nicolet the lake is home to record pike and muskie Munuscong Lake feeds into the Potagannissing Bay island-strewn bay northwest of Drummond Island Be sure to ask permission to go ashore on any of the bay's 53 named or countless unnamed islands LUCE COUNTYFirst stop is 800-acre Muskallonge Lake and anglers can keep up to five pike per day Easy access is found at the Muskallonge Lake State Park a lumbering town in the late 1880s and former home to one of five U.S Life-Saving Service Stations found along the coast of Lake Superior between Munising and Whitefish Point Anglers interested in landing bigger pike can travel seven miles west of Muskallonge Lake State Park to the Blind Sucker Flooding an artificial impoundment created in 1950 to help loggers get their logs to mill more quickly A 2007 netting survey conducted by the MDNR revealed that 22 percent of northerns in the Blind Sucker Flooding were greater than or equal to the legal size limit "You'll have to practice a lot of catch-and-release and patience but there are some trophies in the Flooding," said MDNR fisheries biologist Jim Waybrant ALGER COUNTYJust south of M-28 between Munising and Marquette is Au Train Lake a body of water that holds a plentiful supply of pike Look for access from the north off of North Shore Road or from the south shore at the U.S Nawakwa Lake near Grand Marais is another spot pike anglers shouldn't overlook The lake has ample shoreline vegetation and plenty of sunken logs creating good cover and supporting a healthy food chain and anglers can keep up to five fish per day MARQUETTE COUNTYTravel along the Lake Superior shoreline to hit some pike fishing honey holes the lake's produced many trophies over the last several years and work your way south to the mouth of the Yellow Dog River These small bodies of water don't get much traffic "I took the largest pike I've ever caught out of Mountain Lake a couple years ago so I'm sold on fishing small lakes for the big boys," said Marquette resident Jim Hillenbrandt BARAGA COUNTYFirst fish the big three: Keweenaw For those who want less traffic on the waters try Lake Beaufort near the town of Three Lakes and King Lake near Covington Both are less than 500 acres but harbor northerns that haven't been educated by anglers HOUGHTON COUNTYPike aficionados will tell you that fishing for northerns in Houghton County begins and ends with Portage Lake a 9,500-acre body of water that splits the Keweenaw Peninsula into northern and southern halves big lakes produce big fish," said pike angler Bill Miller of Lake Linden "I've seen many 40-plus-inch pike come out of the Portage." just off of M-26 on the north side of the lake those who want to get away from it all should fish Rice Lake near Lake Linden The 676-acre lake holds good-sized pike ripe for the catching GEAR & TECHNIQUESThe aggressive nature of pike and the fact that they're not the brightest fish in the lake make them a cinch to catch Anglers vary in which lures and techniques they use to land large northerns shoals and under lily pads are also good spots to find pike Try using a large sucker minnow -- or any other type of minnow for that matter Big trophies love to lie in wait and take out smaller bass they'll predominately be found in shallow waters Some of the most popular lures are the red and white Daredevil and the yellow 5-of-Diamonds Daredevil cast high and jerk it just before it hits the water so the lure slaps the surface Crankbaits and spinnerbaits also work well keep the rod tip low while reeling in slowly use a two-inch grub tail with them to create more movement Remember that plastic worms aren't just for bass fishing -- pike love them too once you feel the big bite of large pike and win the ensuing battle As Kevin undertakes another day of pursuing the elusive Rio Grande Turkey demonstrates effective patterning and preparation techniques for a successful turkey hunt Kevin Steele continues the thrilling North American Turkey Slam right in his backyard exploring his home state of California in search of the elusive Rio Grande species The North American Turkey Slam challenges hunters to harvest all four species of North American turkeys: the Rio Grande Kali Parmley kicks off the adventure by heading to Florida to pursue the elusive Osceola In this episode of “Crash Course,” host Shane Beilue takes a look at the buzz toad a versatile lure that pairs the topwater action of a buzzbait with the anti-fouling properties of a weedless frog Packing all of your essentials is a necessity when heading out to camp But you must have a vehicle to get everything from point A to point B And the Polaris Xpedition has ample cargo space to transport most anything you could possibly need all while providing a fully enclosed ride along the way Gone are the days where your side by side exposes you to the elements The fully enclosed Polaris Xpedition keeps you comfortable and dry regardless of what Mother Nature throws your way during your camping adventures Fishing an unfamiliar body of water can be equal parts exciting and overwhelming Our eagerness to dial in the bite is often weighed down by the magnitude of the task at hand In this episode of “Crash Course,” host Shane Beilue provides some tips that can make the process a bit more methodical Many bass fishermen agonize over the color of whatever lure they are using Game & Fish “Crash Course” host Shane Beliue contends that taking note of things like forage and water clarity are more important than having every color under the sun at your disposal Tungsten Super Shot (TSS) loads in 12 gauge 28 gauge and .410 bore have taken turkey hunting by storm but there are some misconceptions about what TSS is and what it can do in the turkey woods Join Adam Heggenstaller and John Taranto from Game & Fish as they sit down with Jason Lonsberry of Apex Ammunition and Michael Waddell of Bone Collector to discuss the advantages that TSS loads provide to turkey hunters address the cost of TSS turkey loads and recount the performance of TSS ammo during recent spring gobbler hunts Use the onX Hunt app's Compass Mode and Rangefinder Tool to boost your turkey hunting success this spring See All Other Magazines See All Special Interest Magazines Get the top Game & Fish stories delivered right to your inbox every week This website uses online tracking technologies, such as cookies and pixels, to serve advertising and improve our services. 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