The Great Lakes are facing significant issues, from algal blooms to historic problems MI Clean Water InvestmentThese are covered in 2021 State of the Great Lakes ReportMonday release by the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energys Office of the Great Lakes
The topic of the conference will be the current state of knowledge about harmful algal blooms in Great Lakes, collaborative efforts towards restoring valuable fisheries like native Whitefishes, new tools to better understand groundwater resources, as well as the importance of water connectivity.
Visit michigan.gov/documents/ogl/Report-2021-SOGL_748968_7.pdfTo view the report, click here
Michigan has a special relationship to water. It is home 20% of the planet’s fresh surface water. “This State of the Great Lakes report focuses upon the activities and programs that will help preserve our world-class water resources in the future,” Liesl Clark, EGLE director, said in a press release. “It is essential that we respond to current problems and address the challenges that are ahead of us. The report emphasizes the interconnectedness between Michigan’s waterways, from resilient communities to sustainable groundwater use and groundwater issues.
Emily Finnell, senior strategist and adviser at the Office of the Great Lakes, says the report highlights the following:
- The historic investments of the state in water infrastructure
- Opportunities to increase water conservation and energy efficiency through improvements in water infrastructure
- Collaborations that advance innovation in energy efficiency, mobility, and autonomous water technologies are the result of collaborative partnerships
- The importance of increasing equitable access Michigan’s abundant water resources.
- The Michigan PFAS Action Response Team works to protect public health.
The report also highlights the achievements of the Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement (which celebrated its 50th anniversary) and the states Areas of Concern programs.
The Office of the Great Lakes (part of EGLE) works to restore and protect Michigan’s waterways. It works in partnership with partners to support sustainable cities, restore degraded waters and manage water quality and quantity. Its mission it to ensure a healthy environment and a strong blue economic for Michigan residents.