I just spoke to the Champion's Auto Ferry office so this is the update:
The ice is flowing heavy on the North Channel of Harsens Island.
The plan is for the ferry to stay open until 8pm tonight (IF POSSIBLE) and then close for the night.....it all depends on the ice, so make your plans early and get to the place you want to spend the night...island or mainland.
Closing the ferry for the night allows the ice to set up and freeze together so the ferry can then make a path in the morning.
That is the plan for today.
Check back here for updates.
Showing posts with label North Channel. Show all posts
Showing posts with label North Channel. Show all posts
Monday, February 21, 2011
Thursday, April 01, 2010
Seaplane crashes along St. Clair River, killing 1
CLAY TOWNSHIP, Mich. (AP) — A single-engine seaplane crashed into a dock near a home on the St. Clair River, killing the 80-year-old pilot.
The St. Clair County sheriff's department says the Grosse Pointe man was flying the plane about 1 p.m. Thursday when witnesses said the plane circled, went sideways and crashed into a dock in Clay Township.
His name wasn't immediately released.
Dock owner Ronald Mikolajczyk tells the Times Herald of Port Huron he heard a propeller buzzing and then the sound of the plane hitting the dock.
Federal Aviation Administration spokeswoman Elizabeth Isham Corey says the pilot was the only person aboard. The FAA and National Transportation Safety Board were investigating the crash about 30 miles northeast of Detroit.
Man dies after plane hits St. Clair River dock
Detroit Free Press
CLAY TOWNSHIP — The plane that crashed into a St. Clair River dock is owned by Michigan Sport Aviation LLC out of Grosse Pointe, according to Federal Aviation Administration records.
The plane has tail number N853CZ and is a fixed-wing, single-engine craft manufactured in 2007.
Police said the pilot, who was killed, was an 80-year-old man. His name and residence are not being released pending notification of family.
St. Clair County Sheriff Tim Donnellon said the pilot was the only person in the plane. The craft was flying south over the river’s North Channel when it banked hard and hit the dock at 4965 Pointe Tremble Road about 1 p.m.
Liz Cory, an FAA spokeswoman, said officials are investigating. The lead investigator is the National Transportation Safety Board.
She said there is no indication of why the plane crashed. An investigation typically takes several weeks, she said.
Ronald Mikolajczyk, who owns the dock, said he heard a propeller buzzing and then the “thump” of the plane hitting the dock.
Mikolajczyk, 53, said he and neighbors rushed to the plane, and the pilot was unresponsive and had no pulse. He said the plane hit the dock at a 45-degree angle.
“It is real nerve-racking, a terrible scene,” he said.
Mikolajczyk said the craft is a small amphibian plane, which allows it to land and take off from the water.
“It was a big thump with a crunch,” he said of the plane crashing. “You know it was a sound of something happening that shouldn’t happen.”
Mikolajczyk, who has lived in the house for 11 years, said he’s never seen anything like it.
“Boats run into the docks, but not airplanes,” he said.
According to a Times Herald reporter on the scene, the plane’s nose is in the water, smashed into the dock. The tail of the plane is bent over the cockpit.
The plane is silver, with blue on the tips of the wings. There is a blue and red stripe down the side.
| 80-Year-Old Man Killed in Small Plane Crash WXYZ CLAY TOWNSHIP, Mich. (WXYZ) - The pilot of a small plane was killed when his plane crashed in a channel near Harsens Island. The plane crashed in the North Channel of the St. Clair River. The 80-year-old pilot who died was from Grosse Pointe. He was flying alone when the crash happened. St. Clair County Sheriff Tim Donnelon says the pilot was flying south at a low altitude. "He circled toward the north, the plane went sideways, and he crashed into the dock just after one o’clock this afternoon,” Sheriff Donnellon reports. A couple was outside doing yard work when they reportedly saw the plane crash. The husband and wife said the plane nearly hit their home. That's when they say it did a nose-dive and crashed into the water. They say they rushed over to help, but say the man did not have a pulse. It is not known where the man was coming from or headed to. The pilot's name is not being released until members of his family are notified. |
Saturday, March 27, 2010
Ferry & Ice Conditions Update
As soon as we posted that the airboat would run I dashed to get across...had to pick up prescriptions.
The ice was moving pretty good in the middle of the North Channel as we went across, but no problems with Bobby's excellent captain skills.
Thanks to the kind gentleman who drove me to the drug store...sorry I'm terrible with names.
I was back to the DNR in a flash, but had to wait there for nearly 2 hours. The line was long...I immediately calculated I would be on the 6th airboat trip back to the Island.
Not too bad except in my haste to get off the Island, I was only wearing canvas slip on shoes and a light jacket...no gloves, no hat...not too bright for an Island Girl!
My daughter, Shannon, was on the Island side at the Boy's Club waiting for me and giving me updates...the airboats were not going over any more...they were sitting at the island. I called Daryl and got the scoop...the ice was now moving too fast for safe airboat transport and we would have to wait for it to slow down.
The temperature kept dropping as the now approximately 20 people jumped from foot to foot trying to keep warm.
After what seemed an eternity the airboat started running again...then along comes the US Coast Guard cutter heading down the North Channel...we all groaned thinking they would get the ice moving again and delay our frozen bodies return to a warm place once again, but their presence seemed to make no difference in ice movement...thank God!
After waiting 4 trips, (it would have been one, but Middle Channel Mike could not be bribed with the offer of a free T Shirt!) it was my turn to go. I jumped (not literally) onto the airboat just after the sun had set and the temperatures had plummeted...I could no longer feel my feet...but that was great for my foot injury. The return trip to the Island was freezing but uneventful. We could see the USCG still working the ice downriver from the ferry...hope they are successful tonight!
Once I got home and started to thaw I began to notice the severe pain in my recently injured, frozen foot....guess two hours on my feet was too much, but it was the only way to stay warm. Then my nurse mind started taking over...need to elevate that foot and put some ice on it...oh great!
The ice was moving pretty good in the middle of the North Channel as we went across, but no problems with Bobby's excellent captain skills.
Thanks to the kind gentleman who drove me to the drug store...sorry I'm terrible with names.
I was back to the DNR in a flash, but had to wait there for nearly 2 hours. The line was long...I immediately calculated I would be on the 6th airboat trip back to the Island.
Not too bad except in my haste to get off the Island, I was only wearing canvas slip on shoes and a light jacket...no gloves, no hat...not too bright for an Island Girl!
My daughter, Shannon, was on the Island side at the Boy's Club waiting for me and giving me updates...the airboats were not going over any more...they were sitting at the island. I called Daryl and got the scoop...the ice was now moving too fast for safe airboat transport and we would have to wait for it to slow down.
The temperature kept dropping as the now approximately 20 people jumped from foot to foot trying to keep warm.
After what seemed an eternity the airboat started running again...then along comes the US Coast Guard cutter heading down the North Channel...we all groaned thinking they would get the ice moving again and delay our frozen bodies return to a warm place once again, but their presence seemed to make no difference in ice movement...thank God!
After waiting 4 trips, (it would have been one, but Middle Channel Mike could not be bribed with the offer of a free T Shirt!) it was my turn to go. I jumped (not literally) onto the airboat just after the sun had set and the temperatures had plummeted...I could no longer feel my feet...but that was great for my foot injury. The return trip to the Island was freezing but uneventful. We could see the USCG still working the ice downriver from the ferry...hope they are successful tonight!
Once I got home and started to thaw I began to notice the severe pain in my recently injured, frozen foot....guess two hours on my feet was too much, but it was the only way to stay warm. Then my nurse mind started taking over...need to elevate that foot and put some ice on it...oh great!
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
Ferry Remains Closed
The conditions have not changed so the ferry to Harsen's Island remains closed at this time.
The airboat is running now and will continue until 7pm.
The situation will be assessed as conditions change...remember Champion's wants to run...they don't make any money with the ferries sitting in the docks.
Lot's of rumors and predictions being spouted out there, but unless someone has a crystal ball.....
Please let us know by Email or comment if you have more information...we'll keep our ears open too and will post as events happen...thanks for your help!
Ferry Closed Today
Due to ice in the North Channel, Champion' Auto Ferry to Harsens Island is closed today.
Bob Bryson will be running the airboat from 4pm to 7pm later toady.
The Coast Guard is working the ice and conditions could change....we'll keep you posted.
Monday, March 22, 2010
All upbound traffic has been halted for 24 hours
Ice halts northbound ships
Port Huron Times Herald
Freighters heading north up the St. Clair River and into Lake Huron have been halted as the Coast Guard works to flush ice out of the area.
Lt. Dixon Whitley with the U.S. Coast Guard Sector Detroit said several ships are working today to break up the piles of slushy ice clogging the shipping channel.
“It’s a very abnormal situation,” he said. “It was kind of the perfect storm of the wind, the current … and just the stage of the ice that was pushed in there – very thick and water-logged ice.”
U.S. Coast Guard icebreakers Mackinaw and Biscayne Bay are working alongside Canadian ship Griffon to clear ice in southern Lake Huron, while the U.S. Coast Guard icebreaker Neah Bay is working in the north and middle channels near Harsens Island.
Whitley said all upbound traffic has been halted for 24 hours.
Whitley said the ships will likely continue efforts to clear the ice Tuesday.
“We’re going to continue until it’s gone, which hopefully is sooner rather than later,” he said.
Port Huron Times Herald
Freighters heading north up the St. Clair River and into Lake Huron have been halted as the Coast Guard works to flush ice out of the area.
Lt. Dixon Whitley with the U.S. Coast Guard Sector Detroit said several ships are working today to break up the piles of slushy ice clogging the shipping channel.
“It’s a very abnormal situation,” he said. “It was kind of the perfect storm of the wind, the current … and just the stage of the ice that was pushed in there – very thick and water-logged ice.”
U.S. Coast Guard icebreakers Mackinaw and Biscayne Bay are working alongside Canadian ship Griffon to clear ice in southern Lake Huron, while the U.S. Coast Guard icebreaker Neah Bay is working in the north and middle channels near Harsens Island.
Whitley said all upbound traffic has been halted for 24 hours.
Whitley said the ships will likely continue efforts to clear the ice Tuesday.
“We’re going to continue until it’s gone, which hopefully is sooner rather than later,” he said.
Tuesday, March 16, 2010
Ferry & Ice Conditions Update
So far, so good.
We saw a Coast Guard Cuter downriver from the ferry earlier today, working the ice.
Although conditions can change at any time, David Bryson, Owner of Champion's Auto Ferry to Harsen's Island, says he does not EXPECT problems due to the large amount of ice floes passing down the North Channel. He expects to be able to keep to a regular schedule tonight and tomorrow....time will tell, so check back here often for changes and updates.
Lake Huron ice no longer a concern
Port Huron Times Herald
Monday, March 15, 2010
Ice Watch in Effect for Harsen's Island
I just heard on the scanner that the Canadian Ice Office told Sarnia Coast Guard that there was a "significant" amount of ice coming into the river from Lake Huron. As I write this Sarnia is contacting the various ferry operators to alert them.
I DO NOT KNOW HOW MUCH ICE AND I DO NOT KNOW WHETHER IT WILL CAUSE OUR FERRY ANY TROUBLE. However, it is enough to have Sarnia Traffic Control sending out warnings to the downstream ferries.
Charles Miller
President
Harsens Island St. Clair Flats Association
cmiller79@comcast.net
I DO NOT KNOW HOW MUCH ICE AND I DO NOT KNOW WHETHER IT WILL CAUSE OUR FERRY ANY TROUBLE. However, it is enough to have Sarnia Traffic Control sending out warnings to the downstream ferries.
Charles Miller
President
Harsens Island St. Clair Flats Association
cmiller79@comcast.net
Sunday, March 07, 2010
Harsen's Island in the News
Coast Guard, ferry service clash after five ferry shutdowns
The Voice News
By Jeri Packer, Voice Staff Writer
Published: Thursday, March 4, 2010
Friction between the U.S. Coast Guard and Clay Township was more abrasive than ever this year, as the Harsen's Island ferry experienced one interruption in service after another as ice cutters busted through the North Channel.
The first ice jam of the season occurred early, on Jan. 8, said Champions Auto Ferry owner Bob Bryson.
"There's been ice in river ever since," he said. "We've been shut down five different times by the coast guard, sometimes for one day, other times two to three days."
According to the Coast Guard, unless Mother Nature throws another curve ball, it looks like water levels are settling along the nine-mile stretch of the St. Clair River Coast Guard cutters must keep clear. Water levels north of Clay Township were rising, causing some flooding and to the south, levels were dropping by at least two feet. The Coast Guard cutters also assisted many freighters across the waterway after getting stalled in frozen waters.
The Voice News
By Jeri Packer, Voice Staff Writer
Published: Thursday, March 4, 2010
The first ice jam of the season occurred early, on Jan. 8, said Champions Auto Ferry owner Bob Bryson.
"There's been ice in river ever since," he said. "We've been shut down five different times by the coast guard, sometimes for one day, other times two to three days."
According to the Coast Guard, unless Mother Nature throws another curve ball, it looks like water levels are settling along the nine-mile stretch of the St. Clair River Coast Guard cutters must keep clear. Water levels north of Clay Township were rising, causing some flooding and to the south, levels were dropping by at least two feet. The Coast Guard cutters also assisted many freighters across the waterway after getting stalled in frozen waters.
Saturday, February 27, 2010
Ferry Running - All is Clear
My husband, Steve, took a ride all around the Island....
North Channel - Clear
South Channel - Clear, with scatter ice floes
The small black USCG Cutter went down the North Channel around 9:30 this morning. Hopefully it is working the ice downriver.
The Island roads are much better than last evening when we had extremely icy roads! The salt trucks came over last night.
North Channel - Clear
South Channel - Clear, with scatter ice floes
The small black USCG Cutter went down the North Channel around 9:30 this morning. Hopefully it is working the ice downriver.
The Island roads are much better than last evening when we had extremely icy roads! The salt trucks came over last night.
Friday, February 26, 2010
Ferry & Ice Conditions Update
Noon Report on Champion's announcement machine:
Look for the ferry to Harsens Island to open around 2pm.
The Coast Guard has come and has the ice moving in the North Channel. We expect to be back in operation sometime around 2pm.
There should be no problems after that.
Look for the ferry to Harsens Island to open around 2pm.
The Coast Guard has come and has the ice moving in the North Channel. We expect to be back in operation sometime around 2pm.
There should be no problems after that.
Thursday, February 25, 2010
Ferry is Shut Down
The ferry to Harsen's Island is shut down due to unexpected ice coming down the North Channel because of a wind change.
The ferry will not run the rest of tonight, and David Bryson says he will have to see what the situation is in the morning, but they probably won't run before 6am.
Update 8:20pm: You may hear that the ferry will try to run in 2 hours....NO....that was before David was able to get to the ferry and assess the situation..the ice is extremely heavy and is packing in tight.
The ferry will not run the rest of tonight, and David Bryson says he will have to see what the situation is in the morning, but they probably won't run before 6am.
Update 8:20pm: You may hear that the ferry will try to run in 2 hours....NO....that was before David was able to get to the ferry and assess the situation..the ice is extremely heavy and is packing in tight.
Ferry & Ice Conditions Update
There is a river full of ice in the North Channel right now that is causing delays at Champion's Auto Ferry to Harsen's Island.
The Coast Guard says there is at least a mile of ice coming our way due to the ice damn in Algonac letting loose.
We'll keep you posted....expect delays.
The Coast Guard says there is at least a mile of ice coming our way due to the ice damn in Algonac letting loose.
We'll keep you posted....expect delays.
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
Ferry & Ice Conditions Update
From Gail's scanner...thanks Gail!
The Canadian Coast Guard Cutter, Risley, talking to Champion's Auto Ferry:
There is very little ice coming down now, there should be no problems with ice unless the wind changes...
The Canadian Coast Guard Cutter, Risley, talking to Champion's Auto Ferry:
There is very little ice coming down now, there should be no problems with ice unless the wind changes...
Ferry & Ice Conditions Update
The Harsen's Island ferry is running. Lots of ice on the way, but the Coast Guard says it should thin out over the next few hours.
David Bryson says they do not ANTICIPATE a shut down today, but to expect delays due to ice.
David Bryson says they do not ANTICIPATE a shut down today, but to expect delays due to ice.
Monday, February 22, 2010
The REAL Harsen's Island Ferry Report
I know many newspapers are reporting conflicting information about the ferry schedule, airboat schedule etc.
But....they are not here on the Island and are not talking to the persons who make these decisions....we are!
David WAS told by the Coast Guard that they would not be by the ferry until 9pm or so tonight HOWEVER things changed during the night...ice moved creating an ice dam that the Coast Guard decided they had to break this morning...it was out of the control of the ferry owner, David Bryson. The Coast Guard made that decision to change the time back to 10am at the last minute.
Per David Bryson the ferry will not run again today, they made a trip to get the school children back to the island, and the bus is now waiting at the ferry to get back across. As soon as there is a opening, that will occur.
There will be NO ferry service tonight and PROBABLY NOT tomorrow morning, but they (at the ferry) will have to re-check that when they see the ice conditions in the morning. NOTHING IS SET IN STONE RIGHT NOW.
BOB WILL RUN THE AIRBOAT UNTIL 6PM TONIGHT ONLY....THE ICE IS TOO THICK TO NAVIGATE AT NIGHT...per Daryl Dupage.
The Harsen's Island/Clay township airboat is available for emergency transportation by calling either 911 for major emergency or calling the Clay Township Police at 810-794-9381 for minor emergencies.
But....they are not here on the Island and are not talking to the persons who make these decisions....we are!
David WAS told by the Coast Guard that they would not be by the ferry until 9pm or so tonight HOWEVER things changed during the night...ice moved creating an ice dam that the Coast Guard decided they had to break this morning...it was out of the control of the ferry owner, David Bryson. The Coast Guard made that decision to change the time back to 10am at the last minute.
Per David Bryson the ferry will not run again today, they made a trip to get the school children back to the island, and the bus is now waiting at the ferry to get back across. As soon as there is a opening, that will occur.
There will be NO ferry service tonight and PROBABLY NOT tomorrow morning, but they (at the ferry) will have to re-check that when they see the ice conditions in the morning. NOTHING IS SET IN STONE RIGHT NOW.
BOB WILL RUN THE AIRBOAT UNTIL 6PM TONIGHT ONLY....THE ICE IS TOO THICK TO NAVIGATE AT NIGHT...per Daryl Dupage.
The Harsen's Island/Clay township airboat is available for emergency transportation by calling either 911 for major emergency or calling the Clay Township Police at 810-794-9381 for minor emergencies.
Sunday, February 21, 2010
New Plan for Monday's Ferry Operations
Note: 7:30pm editor changed post time to keep this at the top of the page until this news changes. Scrool down for other posts today.
David Bryson, owner of Champions Auto Ferry, has been talking to the Coast Guard regarding ferry operations on Monday. There is a NEW PLAN for working the ice jam between St. Clair and Marysville and operations in the North Channel.
They will be able to keep the ferry open until at least 9pm on Monday, and shut down for the midnight shift (10pm to 6am Tuesday).
At that time they will reopen Tuesday morning...IF CONDITIONS ALLOW.
WITH THE WARM WEATHER, CONDITIONS MAY CHANGE.....SO CHECK BACK OFTEN FOR UPDATES.
Tags: Harsens Island, Harsen's Island Michigan,
David Bryson, owner of Champions Auto Ferry, has been talking to the Coast Guard regarding ferry operations on Monday. There is a NEW PLAN for working the ice jam between St. Clair and Marysville and operations in the North Channel.
They will be able to keep the ferry open until at least 9pm on Monday, and shut down for the midnight shift (10pm to 6am Tuesday).
At that time they will reopen Tuesday morning...IF CONDITIONS ALLOW.
WITH THE WARM WEATHER, CONDITIONS MAY CHANGE.....SO CHECK BACK OFTEN FOR UPDATES.
Tags: Harsens Island, Harsen's Island Michigan,
Friday, February 19, 2010
Coast Guard to Close Ferry Monday
Just heard the news from Champion's Auto Ferry,...the USCG will be closing the Harsen's Island ferry on Monday at 10am for 3-4 days
Note: changed post time to keep this at the top of the page for Friday 2/19/2010...Melon
Tags: Harsens Island, Harsen's Island Michigan,
Note: changed post time to keep this at the top of the page for Friday 2/19/2010...Melon
Tags: Harsens Island, Harsen's Island Michigan,
Candice Miller Press Release re: Coast Guard Games
Congresswoman Candice S. Miller
Michigan’s 10th Congressional District
House Homeland Security Committee
House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee
For Immediate Release
February 19, 2010Contact: Erin Sayago
202-226-4709
Deployment of Additional Coast Guard Ice Breaking Resources for Ice Jam in the St. Clair River
Miller: Assistance Cannot Come Soon Enough
WASHINGTON – U.S. Congresswoman Candice Miller (MI-10) today commended the deployment of additional U.S. Coast Guard resources to complete a three to four day mission to breakup the nine mile ice jam forming in the St. Clair River by the Algonac, Harsens Island area. This ice jam is affecting the water levels north of the jam which is causing the water to rise and some flooding, and the water levels south in Lake St. Clair dropping precipitancy by at least two feet. The mission cannot begin until Monday, February 22nd while the necessary ice breaking capabilities are in transit to the ice jam site.
“This mission can’t begin soon enough, to give relief to the area and the surrounding properties, and minimize any further damage caused by this ice jam,” Miller said. “I was recently aboard the USCGC Hollyhock and saw the ice jam and its incredible size – immediate assistance is needed. Additionally, the Harsens Island Ferry service will be suspended temporarily for several days while these cutters complete their mission. This is a very unique situation and it hasn’t been since 1984 that our area has seen an ice jam of this magnitude. The condition must be addressed and the Coast Guard is on the scene working hard to address the situation.”
The mission’s operations will be preformed by the USCGC Mackinaw from Cheboygan, Michigan, the USCGC Mobile Bay from Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin, the USCGC Neah Bay from Cleveland, Ohio and the Canadian CCGS Samuel Risley from Parry Sound, Ontario.
Tags: Harsens Island, Harsen's Island Michigan,
HISCFA Takes a Stand
Be aware that the Harsens Island St. Clair Flats Association has taken a position on the ice issue.
From: Charles Miller
Date: February 18, 2010 9:16:37 AM EST
To: "Rep. Candice S. Miller" imami10@mail.house.gov
Subject: Coast Guard Operations on the North Channel of the St. Clair River
Rep. Candice Miller:
As you know, efforts by the Coast Guard to work the ice in the St. Clair River have raised the ire of many citizens here in Clay Township and, in particular, Harsens Island because of repeated ferry closures.
Historical experience from past Coast Guard flushing efforts combined with visual observation of the current activity indicates that the attempts to flush the North Channel and Middle Channel of the St. Clair River will have marginal, if any, effect on the ice conditions in the lower river and the flats region. Unfortunately, these efforts have a major impact on reliability of the Harsens Island Ferry, our only transportation connection to the mainland.
Two primary barriers to the flushing effort exist. First, the fact that Lake St.Clair is frozen prevents surface ice movement out into the lake from the connecting channels. Second, the existing low water levels will inhibit the ability of the flushed ice to migrate under the lake ice pack, a condition not experienced during the earlier flushing attempts in the mid 1980's and late 1990's (which also occurred during the spring breakup). In essence, the Coast Guard is now presented with another version of a "perfect storm".
MODIS satellite imagery for the Lake St. Clair area shows that the Detroit River remains free of ice, and the open water extends a short distance into the lake. Given the scarcity of options, perhaps the Coast Guard might consider focusing their assets on an effort to open up a channel across Lake St. Clair using the existing ship channel. Initiating flow of ice from the bottom of the lake toward the flats would relieve back-pressure and, with time, open up that portion of the lake deep enough to handle thicker concentrations of ice. Shallower draft tugs, such as the Manitou could assist in working the channel margins to widen the pathway. Ice dams in the upper river could be addressed by the larger cutters from the U.S. and Canada as the need arises.
The Coast Guard efforts, while laudable, are counterproductive. Perhaps it is time to think out of the box.
Sincerely,
Charles Miller
President
Harsens Island St. Clair Flats Association
cmiller79@comcast.net
Tags: Harsens Island, Harsen's Island Michigan,
From: Charles Miller
Date: February 18, 2010 9:16:37 AM EST
To: "Rep. Candice S. Miller" imami10@mail.house.gov
Subject: Coast Guard Operations on the North Channel of the St. Clair River
Rep. Candice Miller:
As you know, efforts by the Coast Guard to work the ice in the St. Clair River have raised the ire of many citizens here in Clay Township and, in particular, Harsens Island because of repeated ferry closures.
Historical experience from past Coast Guard flushing efforts combined with visual observation of the current activity indicates that the attempts to flush the North Channel and Middle Channel of the St. Clair River will have marginal, if any, effect on the ice conditions in the lower river and the flats region. Unfortunately, these efforts have a major impact on reliability of the Harsens Island Ferry, our only transportation connection to the mainland.
Two primary barriers to the flushing effort exist. First, the fact that Lake St.Clair is frozen prevents surface ice movement out into the lake from the connecting channels. Second, the existing low water levels will inhibit the ability of the flushed ice to migrate under the lake ice pack, a condition not experienced during the earlier flushing attempts in the mid 1980's and late 1990's (which also occurred during the spring breakup). In essence, the Coast Guard is now presented with another version of a "perfect storm".
MODIS satellite imagery for the Lake St. Clair area shows that the Detroit River remains free of ice, and the open water extends a short distance into the lake. Given the scarcity of options, perhaps the Coast Guard might consider focusing their assets on an effort to open up a channel across Lake St. Clair using the existing ship channel. Initiating flow of ice from the bottom of the lake toward the flats would relieve back-pressure and, with time, open up that portion of the lake deep enough to handle thicker concentrations of ice. Shallower draft tugs, such as the Manitou could assist in working the channel margins to widen the pathway. Ice dams in the upper river could be addressed by the larger cutters from the U.S. and Canada as the need arises.
The Coast Guard efforts, while laudable, are counterproductive. Perhaps it is time to think out of the box.
Sincerely,
Charles Miller
President
Harsens Island St. Clair Flats Association
cmiller79@comcast.net
Tags: Harsens Island, Harsen's Island Michigan,
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