The lakeshore – 89.1 FM

Thanks to Dan Bindert, who so graciously hosted an interview this morning to promote Lake Michigan Coastal Awareness month and Indiana Archaeology Awareness month.  We’ll see if we can get a copy to post on the blog.

Cheers

Dr. K

Lake Michigan Coastal Awareness month & Indiana Archaeology Awareness month

In recognition of Lake Michigan Coastal Awareness month & Indiana Archaeology Awareness month, we are giving a presentation about the project results.  Hope to see you there!

Program Details:

Date: Tuesday, September 20, 2011
Time: 7:00 p.m.
Place: Lake County Public Library: Central Library, 1919 West 81st Avenue (on US 30) Merrillville, Indiana 46410-5488

Phone: 219.769.3541

Program Title: A Quarter Century of History: Indiana’s Historic Shipwrecks of Lake Michigan
Program Summary: A quarter century ago, the Indiana DNR and State Archaeologist, Gary Ellis, undertook a survey of historic shipwrecks in Lake Michigan. Another survey, sponsored by IDNR Lake Michigan Coastal Program, was conducted in summer 2011 to re-locate these wrecks and search for previously unidentified sites. The project involved historical research, archaeological survey, and public outreach. Of the 14 sites previously identified, 9 were positively relocated. Several potential new sites were also identified. This program will provide information as well as pictures and videos from 25 years ago and from 2011, of some of these historic shipwrecks. Remote sensing techniques, such as sub-bottom profiling and sidescan sonar, have been used to locate, re-locate, and identify shipwrecks. Direct survey methods, such as snorkeling and SCUBA diving were also used to verify the condition of the shipwrecks for archaeological documentation and management considerations. The project has developed a management plan focused on conservation and preservation of these resources that allow for current and future public uses while recommending ways to minimize or eliminate impacts to the resources.

 

Back to the Muskegon

Notes from the field: Day 31

Diving day with volunteers.  We packed a lot in because of the 4-8 foot waves expected this afternoon.  We made a dive to the Muskegon and to verify some targets.  Although visibility was only 1-2 feet, there were pieces of wreckage at the targets.  Still…very, very cool.  Done with fieldwork: onto public outreach and involvement.  We are planning a presentation and a wreck dive for Lake Michigan Coastal Awareness month in September.  If you are a diver and interested in diving an Indiana historic shipwreck contact us at kkaufmann@ccrginc.com.

Cheers

Dr. K.

One ship, Two ship, Three ship, More…

Notes from the field: Day 30

Dr. Seuss says – “Sometimes the questions are complicated and the answers are simple.”  We were out really early today – much calmer “seas” than yesterday.  We revisited some target points from last month.  One particular area is puzzling.  Do we have more than one site or a site with multiple pieces of wreckage?  Further research necessary… But lots accomplished today.  Busy weekend with the “in-water” boat show at Michigan City

Cheers

Dr. K.

Surfing on Lake Michigan?

Notes from the field: Day 29

Needless to say – a little windy on the Lake today.  We did some onshore survey and worked on getting all the electronic data in order.  Saturday will be our make-up day for the winds today.

Cheers

Dr. K.

Roller Coaster Ride!!

Notes from the field: Day 28

We did a snorkel survey of one site this morning.  The morning’s site was very cool: A Shipwreck with a complete rudder, propeller, and machinery.  It was our back up plan because far offshore was a little rough.  We conducted more survey in the afternoon.  Waves got up to 4 feet, so getting back into harbor was quite the roller coaster ride!  Thanks to Mr. Banks (CMS Marine) for fixing the electrical that was shaken loose from the rough trip back.

Cheers

Dr. K.

Surprise

Notes from the field: Day 27

We’re back on the water (with our back-up to the back-up to the back-up…..).  Surprise!  We went to revisit an area near to where we had previously surveyed and did re-locate one of the wrecks from 20+ years ago.  It does appear to be buried by sand (very buried actually).  This is great from a preservation perspective.  We hope to dive soon to verify!

We were also able to do some additional survey before being chased off the lake again.  Right now there is a small craft advisory (with 6 foot waves, I would hope so!).  So, we are working in the lab/field house getting all our electronic data in order.  Windy/lightening days are actually very helpful because we can keep up to date with notes and lab work.

Cheers

Dr. K.

Wrecks of the sparkly sand!

Oh, how the sand sparkles!

Notes from the field: Day 26

We accomplished our first snorkel survey and it went very well!  We were able to map and better document two wrecks close to shore.  The sun was out so photographs were much better.  Did you know that there are places in Indiana where the sand actually sparkles?  I mean really sparkles!  Apparently the one site is or was close to a steel mill and such metal particles were once air-born.   Hmmmm….Still the sparkly sand was very pretty.  The wrecks themselves are actually very interesting.  The one wreck was an absolute haven for big bass.  They were very curious as to what we were doing.

Cheers

Dr. K.

Back-up Plans

Notes from the field: Day 25

We tried to get out to do some measurements and survey, but alas plans changed again.  Thanks to volunteers Sue and David for their patience and generosity to try and help.  Thanks to crew Eric and David for putting up with big waves!  I’ve burned through my back up plans like a cat has 9 lives.  We’ll be on our back-up to the back-up to the back-up.  Red/Green, Tim Allen, and the Pioneer Woman would all be more than proud!

Cheers

Dr. K.