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March 26, 1999 ( note: edited to reflect April level)
The Commercial Record
790 Lake Street
P.O. Box 246
Saugatuck, MI 49453
Dear Editor:
Please be aware that water levels on Lake Michigan and Kalamazoo are not at "historic lows" as your "summer preparations" article contends on the front page in the March 25 issue. The truth of the matter is that as of today Lake Michigan/Huron is two feet and two inches over the record low established in 1964. According to the United States Army Corps of Engineers daily water level analysis at http://www.lre.usace.army.mil/levels/hmpglv.htmlas , we are currently nine inches below average. In fact, if you subtract the recent thirty-year wet period, that caused extreme shoreline damage, we are nearly at average for the preceding period that extends back well into the 19th century.
Unfortunately, during the period of abnormally high water levels many of our citizens and businesses adjusted to the situation without considering the consequences of a return to average conditions. The return to average conditions has in effect shocked our citizenry to conclude something is amiss. The reality is that we are just getting back to the way it used to be. One should look at charts at Saugatuck Harbor to make reasoned judgements to how their business or personal life will be affected by normal depths of the water. We are now at nine inches over the chart values (Chart Datum). Should we recede further this could cause great disruption to recreational boaters and ancillary concerns. Should readers be in this situation they should consider alternatives. Perhaps an improved (Regulation Plan 1977-A) Great Lakes Outflow Regulation Plan might help alleviate low water discomfort? Call or write Congressman Peter Hoekstra or Representive Birkholz if you are worried. Reform of Regulation Plan 1977-A will help to alleviate both high and low extremes. The US Army Corps of Engineers has been unwilling to perform their duty relative to this issue.
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