Lake Superior

A $20 Billion Carp Barrier

Tucked inside the massive $21 billion Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) reauthorization is $9 million for the Corps of Engineers to construct and maintain a permanent barrier that will keep non-native Asian carp from wreaking havoc on Lake Michigan’s ecosystem.  

It is too bad that the only way to stop the ferocious fish has involved nose pinching. While WRDA has attracted some unwanted attention as a piggy bank  for the Army Corps of Engineers, it holds within it one of the most significant programs for the survival and vitality Read More » »

Photo: Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore

Stephanie from Kalamazoo, Mich., sent in this photo.

She writes: “This photo was taken while visiting Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore (off Lake Superior) in Munising, MI.”

Thanks, Stephanie.

You, too, can enter the Great Lakes story and photo contest for a chance to win prizes.

You can also participate in the effort to restore the Great Lakes—which are threatened by sewage contamination and invasive species. Get involved today to help protect our lakes, our drinking water, our public health, our economy, and our Read More » »

Photo: North Light Beach

Erin from Berkley, Mich., sends us this photo, of which she writes: “This picture of Lake Superior was taken from North Light Beach on Grand Island. This beach can only be reached by foot or kayak. It is secluded and absolutely stunning, the waters of Lake Superior are crystal clear. The Island is just off the coast of Munising, Mich.”

You, too, can enter the Great Lakes story and photo contest for a chance to win prizes.

You can also participate in the effort to restore the Great Read More » »

Superior: The Largest Lake in The World

Lake Superior is the largest freshwater lake in the world—larger than the entire state of South Carolina. It is so large in volume, it could contain all the other Great Lakes plus five Lake Eries. Superior is the largest, deepest, and wildest of the Lakes, but unfortunately, Superior is also in danger.

Because of its superlative size, it takes contaminants about 190 years to cycle through Lake Superior. Mining sites and increases in population and tourism are contributing to the growing volume of sediment, phosphorus, mercury, and chlorides in Superior and the rivers that feed it. These contaminants are threatening the Read More » »

The State of the Great Lakes - Minnesota

Click to view a larger map of the restoration sites.

State of Great Lakes - Minnesota
Fact Sheet (PDF)

The Great Lakes are one of our most precious national treasures. With nearly 20 percent of the Earth’s fresh surface water,they provide drinking water to 28 million U.S. residents. But threats to the Great Lakes basin are making our waters less fishable, closing our beaches to swimming and affecting our drinking water.

The Great Lakes are a Read More » »

The State of the Great Lakes - Michigan

Click to view a larger map of the restoration sites.

State of Great Lakes - Michigan
Fact Sheet (PDF)

The Great Lakes are one of our most precious national treasures. With nearly 20 percent of the Earth’s fresh surface water, they provide drinking water to 28 million U.S. residents. Threats to the Great Lakes basin impact the overall economy and quality of life in the United States, especially in the Midwest.

The Great Lakes are a Read More » »

The State of the Great Lakes - Wisconsin

The State of the Great Lakes - Wisconsin

Click to view a larger map of the restoration sites.

State of Great Lakes - Wisconsin
Fact Sheet (PDF)

The Great Lakes are one of our most precious national treasures. With nearly 20 percent of the Earth’s fresh surface water, they provide drinking water to 28 million U.S. residents. But threats to the Great Lakes basin are making our waters less fishable, closing our beaches to swimming and Read More » »