To the Editor:

I have been a regular reader of The St. Ignace News since 1963. I have learned much about the northern Michigan area from this well-written newspaper.

As a property owner and part-time resident, I have observed the fluctuations of the Great Lakes levels. From what I understand, the lake levels go through a normal fluctuation. At present, we are in an up cycle from a previous low, but instead of having an increase in lake level, we are experiencing a continued decline. This decline has been attributed in large part to the dredging of the St. Clair River and thereby significant drainage of Lake Huron and the Georgian Bay area. In addition, a decrease in snow accumulation in Canada has meant less water draining into the Great Lakes. In the past several years, we have experienced a decline in rainfall. A warming of the climate has produced increased temperatures in the lake water and, therefore, an increase in water evaporation.

I have just described a current ongoing phenomenon in the Great Lakes region that has been a concern for almost a decade. It is because of this serious decline in Great Lake water levels that I am wondering why you published the article about the Great Lakes Governors Priority on page 13 of the November 29 edition of The St. Ignace News. It was placed at the bottom right hand corner of the page, following a large article on pre-construction of the Mackinac Bridge and photographs for an historical book. The article about the governors speaks about a very present problem we are all facing.

I encourage you to make the Great Lakes water levels a major priority and front page news in future issues of The St. Ignace News. The St. Ignace News covers historical events very well. I urge you to turn your attention with regards to the past to the issue of lake levels so that we can gain an understanding of the current situation and predictions for future well-being of the Great Lakes.

Martha S. Haines Sewickley, Pennsylvania