Caitlin Looby

1 week ago | jsonline.com | Madeline Heim |Caitlin Looby

Northwestern Wisconsin has experienced three catastrophic floods in less than 10 years, leading to significant infrastructure damage and a shift in perspectives on water management. Wetland restoration is being implemented as a cost-effective solution to mitigate flooding. The success of the Wisconsin program is generating interest in other states, potentially offering a national model for natural flood resilience.

1 week ago | thelensnola.org | Madeline Heim |Caitlin Looby

ASHLAND, Wis. — In less than 10 years, three catastrophic floods ravaged northwestern Wisconsin and changed the way people think about water. The most severe, in July 2016, slammed Ashland with up to 10 inches of rain in less than a day — a month’s worth of rain fell in just two hours. As rivers swelled to record highs, major highways broke into pieces and culverts washed away. It took months for roads to reopen, with more than $41 million in damage across seven counties.

2 weeks ago | sooeveningnews.com | Caitlin Looby

Warmer temperatures are preventing Lakes Michigan and Huron from mixing in winter, which could disrupt nutrient distribution and oxygen levels. The long-term consequences of this change on the lake ecosystem are still being studied. This phenomenon is part of a larger trend of warming winters and declining ice cover in the Great Lakes region.

2 weeks ago | yahoo.com | Caitlin Looby

Lakeshore State Park, on the shores of Lake Michigan near the Summerfest grounds, was set ablaze Tuesday morning — intentionally. The goal: to introduce fire to the landscape and help native plants thrive. The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, along with Good Oak Ecological Services, conducted the first-ever prescribed burn at the park, which features one of Milwaukee County's rare urban prairies.

3 weeks ago | jsonline.com | Caitlin Looby

Contrary to reports earlier this week that the main ferry from Michigan's Upper Peninsula to Isle Royale National Park is stuck without a crew, the National Park Service says it does not anticipate any disruptions for the upcoming season. Only accessible by boat or seaplane, Isle Royale National Park, located in the northwest part of Lake Superior, is considered one of the most remote and least visited national parks.