Michigan Great Lakes Protection and Restoration Initiative

The Great Lakes are integral to the past, present, and future economic vitality of Michigan and the region. The health of the people of Michigan, our economy, and our quality of life depends on clean water and productive land that is sustainable far into the future.

Michigan's water resources have been the catalyst for the economic development that moved us to international prominence. But those events have also left some areas with a legacy of pollution from contaminated sediments, invasive species, inadequate sewer systems, and uncontrolled development. These pressures put the lakes at risk - threatening our health and economic viability.

Michigan's citizens want solutions to these challenges; solutions that protect our water and capitalize on unique opportunities for economic transformation.

In response to the economic and environmental imperative for protecting the Great Lakes, the Michigan Office of the Great Lakes is leading an effort to prepare and implement a Michigan Great Lakes Plan (MI-Great Lakes Plan) to protect, restore, and sustain the Great Lakes for current and future generations. More than 2000 citizens were involved in our review and comment process during development of the MI-Great Lakes Plan.

For more information about this effort or to obtain copies of the MI-Great Lakes Plan brochure, contact the Office of the Great Lakes at:

Office of the Great Lakes
Michigan Department of Environmental Quality
P.O. Box 30473-7973
Lansing, Michigan 48909
517-335-4056
FAX: 517-335-4053
Email: DEQ-GreatLakesRestoration@michigan.gov

What's New!

• Michigan Great Lakes Protection and Restoration Update, November 2009
• $475 million proposed in EPA's budget for a new Environmental Protection Agency-led, interagency Great Lakes Restoration Initiative
• Great Lakes Restoration Initiative Factsheet 
• Great Lakes Restoration Initiative Frequently Asked Questions 

Funding Opportunities

• Opportunities under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act
• See Great Lakes Restoration Initiative

Additional Information

• Lt. Governor Unveils MI-Great Lakes Plan, Press Release
• MI-Great Lakes Plan Executive Summary Brochure
• MI-Great Lakes Plan: Our Path to Protect, Restore, and Sustain Michigan's Natural Treasures
• Great Lakes Protection and Restoration Federal Action Priorities
• Michigan Great Lakes Protection and Restoration Update, June 2009
• State of the Great Lakes, Restoring the Lakes Report, 2007

Regional Great Lakes Restoration Efforts

Great Lakes Restoration Initiative
The President's 2010 Budget provides $475 million in EPA's budget for a new Environmental Protection Agency-led, interagency Great Lakes Restoration Initiative, which will target the most significant problems in the region, including invasive aquatic species, non-point source pollution, and contaminated sediment. EPA and its Federal partners will coordinate state, tribal, local, and industry actions to protect, maintain, and restore the chemical, biological, and physical integrity of the Great Lakes.

Early in the summer of 2009, one or more Requests for Proposals will be announced for competitive grants advancing the Initiative, in order that some grants may be issued as early as December, 2009. Throughout the summer of 2009, the Great Lakes Interagency Task Force will work to develop a Great Lakes Restoration plan for 2011 and beyond.

• Great Lakes Multi-Year Restoration Action Plan Outline
• FY2010 Great Lakes Restoration Initiative Interagency Funding Guide
• EPA's 2010 Great Lakes Restoration Initiative Summary of Proposed Programs and Projects
• Public Meetings Schedule for the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative

Great Lakes Regional Collaboration
The Great Lakes Regional Collaboration was initiated in 2004 through the issuance of a Presidential Executive Order calling for improved federal coordination and efficiency of Great Lakes programs through the initiation of a regional collaboration of "national significance" to create a national action agenda for the Great Lakes. The Regional Collaboration culminated with the release of the Great Lakes Regional Collaboration Strategy in December, 2005 - A Strategy to Restore and Protect the Great Lakes, 2005- This strategic plan was intended to build upon the extensive regional efforts to date, working together towards a common goal of restoring and protecting the Great Lakes ecosystem.

Great Lakes Governors Restoration Priorities
In 2003, the Council of Great Lakes Governors identified nine priorities to guide Great Lakes restoration and protection. The Council works with members of Congress, the Administration, mayors, Tribal leaders, and non-governmental participants to pursue these efforts.

• CGLG FY 09 priorities letter

Great Lakes Commission Legislative Priorities
On behalf of its eight member state delegations, the Great Lakes Commission annually presents legislative priorities to protect and enhance the quality of the Great Lakes region's environment and economy.

• Great Lakes - Great Jobs: Advancing Great Lakes Restoration and Economic Revitalization, FY2010

Photo credit: Robert De Jonge