YOUR FAVORITE SUMMER BEACH TRIP JUST GOT MORE EXPENSIVE: Great Lakes Sand Loss Could Mean Higher Parking Fees
That wallet-draining parking meter at your local beach? Blame the rapidly disappearing sand. A new report reveals the Great Lakes are facing a severe sand shortage, forcing cash-strapped towns to hike parking fees, launch costly "sand-pumping" operations, and even truck in sand from inland quarries. For you, this means paying $10 to park where you used to pay $5, all because the shoreline is eroding faster than ever. If you don't want to pay a premium to step on the beach, you might want to start planning your trip for early morning—before the "sand shift" and the price surge hit.