Kakagon Sloughs
Water in Lake Superior has reached a near-record low of 182.86 meters, according to the NOAA. A drop of about 6 inches will bring it within reach of the historic low of 182.69 meters set in 1926.
The Kakagon Sloughs, the largest coastal wetland in the Great Lakes, are turning into dry land. Only a year ago the water in the area was 1 to 2 feet higher. The change threatens one of the largest wild rice beds in the world.
A lack of water in the growing season could destroy large portions of the bed, which is managed by the Bad River Band of Lake Superior Chippewa.
The tribe has harvested wild rice, a staple of its diet, from the bed for centuries. Now, some members may be forced to go off their reservation to find it. It could take years of steady precipitation to reverse the effect of warmer summers, less rain and a longer growing season.
April 26, 2007 7:00 AM | Category: Global Warming