CLADOPHORA IS GREEN AND SLIMY: Great Lakes threatened by return of slimy algae

This form of algae faded from the Great Lakes about four decades ago but is making a comeback, according to experts.

"The nightmare may be poised to repeat itself," the Michigan Environmental Council said in a statement accompanying a report released Wednesday.

Algae blooms have been on the rise since the mid-1990s in parts of all the Great Lakes except Lake Superior, whose icy waters aren't as hospitable to the slimy aquatic plants.

The problems in the 60s were caused by high levels of phosphorus, and measures to cut down in the 70s are credited with solving them. But phosphorus is still around and apparently levels are rising. And I just pointed out that levels in Lake Macatawa were down a few weeks ago.

UPDATE: Meanwhile, the Feds are helping fund a scenic heritage route along a 170-mile stretch of Lake Michigan shoreline between New Buffalo and Ludington. What are we going to have? Spring Algae Tours?