Great Lakes Region

The Watershed Council has been actively working on several Great Lakes issues. Below is a brief description of our work on these issues, as well as links to websites where you can learn more.

Great Lakes Restoration

Seen from space as inland seas of blue, the Great Lakes are global treasures that hold nearly 1/5 of the planet's freshwater. 33 million U.S. residents live in the Great Lakes basin and are fortunate to enjoy the Lakes' recreational, aesthetic, spiritual, and economic benefits. However, the Great Lakes are at risk. Invasive species such as the sea lamprey and zebra mussel threaten aquatic ecosystems and a fishery valued at $7 billion annually. Invasive species have already cost $10 billion in the last decade alone. An estimated 70% of wetlands in the basin have been lost. Wetlands provide many valuable functions including fish and wildlife habitat, but continue to be lost and degraded from poorly planned development. Toxic pollution is still finding its way into the Great Lakes. Thirty-one Areas of Concern (AOCs) have been identified on the U.S. side of the basin and are priorities for cleanup efforts. However, the price tag of cleaning up these 31 sites is estimated at $8 billion.

Positive steps have been taken recently, including the formation of a cabinet-level Great Lakes Interagency Taskforce (http://www.epa.gov/greatlakes/taskforce/) in May. However, while coordination and planning are important to the overall effort, many restoration plans are already in place and ready to go. The clock is ticking for the Great Lakes.

U.S. Coast Guard Live Fire Training Exercises in the Great Lakes

Take Action to Restore the Great Lakes

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