The Drought in Northeastern Minnesota is Over

Burning restrictions, no open flames, don't water the grass. All the mantra of the day this past summer. With practically no rain this summer the fire danger was pretty high.

It was a dryer then usual summer last year, followed by a winter of low snow accumulation. Northeastern Minnesota entered this past Summer well behind in precipitation. Last years fires in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area were an indication of how dry the forests had become.

This year didn't fair any better. With the Ham Lake fire, 20 miles Northwest of Grand Maris, MN, burning out many seasonal cabins, and year round residents. All Summer burning restrictions have been in place. Camping just isn't the same without the evening campfire, but in most Counties they were banned for the summer.

The water level on Lake Superior is getting close to it's all time lowest recorded level. Jay Austin, Assistant Professor, at the University of Minnesota Duluth, states," Lake Superior is Changing, Fast." Lakes like Superior are reacting to climate change more rapidly then previously suspected. His article observes that the decrease in ice cover during the winter is allowing the surface water to remain warmer.

With summer temperatures rising, and ice cover decreasing, the ambient temperature of Lake Superior is likely to increase by a degree centigrade every 10 years. This will have a dramatic affect on fish life in the big lake.

USA Today reports Lake Superior is at a 81 year low, with the level 20" below average and a foot below last years level. This is more then just an environmental concern, it's become an economic nightmare. Shipping is hauling 10% less cargo, the ship canals aren't deep enough for the big lake carriers to take on a full load. Sand bars have become islands, creating hazards for pleasure craft. Resort owners have boat docks that don't reach the water.