And not much rain came down this morning.

Relentless heat and a lack of rain are pushing more and more of Michigan into drought, jeopardizing the state’s lucrative fruit and grain crops in a trend that one meteorologist calls “alarming.”

Nearly 80 percent of the state is in abnormally dry or drought conditions, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

Almost a quarter of Michigan is experiencing at least moderate drought conditions, up from 8 percent last week, according to a report this week from NOAA. Some areas in southwest Michigan, along the Indiana border, are in severe drought.

Across the state, rainfall totals this year are well below normal, and forecasters warn that chances are slim for significant rainfall anytime soon.     Detroit News

Today I met with local resident Barb Termaat. She and her husband John Matthews are two members of the fairly new Elk Rapids Community Action Committee. It is a grassroots organization that is an outgrowth of the 215 Dexter Street controversy. In fact, the name of the organization comes from the title page of the petition that circulated around town recently and was posted on the Village Web site. General membership comes mainly from those who signed the petition, but others are welcome.

The recent article in the Elk Rapids News was submitted as a paid advertisement for two reasons. It was likely (1) too long and (2)  too controversial to be a Letter to the Editor. Several committee members contributed money to pay for the ad.

Barb stated that the group’s goals are broader than the Dexter Street issue. The committee promotes improved communication, a better focus on process to resolve disputes, a more business-friendly Village Council and an emphasis on establishing a 12-month economy.

Future plans for the committee are to become more official and visible as well as to seek and sponsor candidates for public office who share its goals.

Right now, the only official way to reach the committee is via its email address: er_citizenaction@yahoo.com

 Previous Posting

Excerpt from Cover Letter

The Great Lakes are in distress and under threat. It has long been assumed that these magnificent bodies of water could withstand any amount of extraction, diversion, and exploitation. But this is not the case. Lake Huron and Lake Michigan in particular are experiencing unprecedented low water. Levels continue to decline, and climate change may be pushing the system beyond its capacity to adjust. 

Complete Cover Letter

Excerpt from Position Paper

Although each of the Great Lakes has serious problems—pollution, invasive species, decline of fish stocks, eutrophication—Lakes Huron and Michigan have an even bigger problem, and one that makes all the others worse—loss of water. These middle lakes (Huron-Michigan are really one big lake joined at the Straits of Mackinac) have been losing water now for over a dozen years. 

Complete Position Paper