Salinization: the ultimate threat to temperate lakes, with particular reference to Southeastern Wisconsin (USA)

Many lakes in Southeastern Wisconsin (the metropolitan-Milwaukee area) are gradually becoming increasingly “salty”. While these waterbodies would not be considered presently to be saline lakes, there has been a rapid increase in the chloride concentrations in most of these lakes over the last 30 years, with the lakes increasing from a mean chloride concentration of about 19 mg/L to over 100 mg/L in some cases. While ecological impacts can be expected when chloride values exceed 250 mg/L, the rate of increase presents a basis for concern, especially since the underlying geology of the region is based on limestone/dolomite which is deficient in chlorides. Thus, the origin of the chlorides is anthropogenic: human and industrial wastewaters (treatment of which has effected improvements in trophic status but has not affected other water-borne contaminants) and winter de-icing practices based upon large quantities of sodium chloride are major contributors to the increasing concentrations of chloride in the region’s waterways. Without taking remedial measures, the rate of salinization is expected to continue to increase, resulting, ultimately, in the alteration of the freshwater systems in the region

Land use-transportation scenario planning: promise and reality

Land use-transportation scenario planning has become increasingly common in regional and sub-regional planning processes. The technique promises to provide citizens with opportunities to engage in constructive dialogue about the future of their communities, and to serve as a basis for assertive action to direct the course of that future. This study reviews 80 scenario planning projects from more than 50 U.S. metropolitan areas. The analysis reveals important gaps in the practice of scenario planning—particularly in the areas of public participation, methodology, and institutional structures—and recent efforts to address the shortcomings. Copyright Springer Science+Business Media, LLC 2007Land-Use, Planning, Scenario, Transportation,