Coast Guard breaking up ice on Great Lakes waterways to keep shipping channels clear

The U.S. Coast Guard's 225-foot Seagoing Buoy Tender Hollyhock breaks up ice that remains on some Great Lakes shipping channels in the St. Clair River near Algonac, Mich., Friday, March 20, 2015. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya) (The Associated Press)

The U.S. Coast Guard's 140-foot icebreaking cutter Bristol Bay leaves a path as it breaks up ice that remains on some Great Lakes shipping channels in the St. Clair River near Algonac, Mich., Friday, March 20, 2015. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya) (The Associated Press)

The U.S. Coast Guard's 140-foot icebreaking cutter Bristol Bay breaks up ice that remains on some Great Lakes shipping channels in the St. Clair River near Algonac, Mich., Friday, March 20, 2015. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya) (The Associated Press)

The U.S. Coast Guard is welcoming spring by breaking up ice that remains on some Great Lakes shipping channels.

The crew of the Coast Guard Cutter Bristol Bay welcomed aboard members of the media Friday to demonstrate icebreaking on the St. Clair River.

It's all part of an effort to remove unstable ice, provide flood relief and facilitate commerce.

Capt. John Henry and his crew of more than a dozen guided the 140-foot Bristol Bay through the icy waters of the river, which connects Lakes Huron and St. Clair.

Last year, the Bristol Bay was cutting ice well into May. Henry hopes to be done in April this year.

But, as he says, "Mother Nature always does her own thing."

Online:

Bristol Bay: http://www.uscg.mil/d9/cgcbristolbay