Great Lakes Regional Collaboration

Posted by Terri Lester

As I progress through my daily life, I had never given much thought to the Great Lakes and their importance until I started doing some research into regional efforts. I have discovered several interesting facts as well as important efforts that are being undertaken to restore and preserve the  Great Lakes. For instance, I was amazed to learn that the Great Lakes make up one-fifth of the fresh water on the earth’s surface! Also, more than 35 million Americans receive numerous benefits from the lakes in drinking water, food, places to work and live, and transportation. Plus many enjoy fishing, hunting, swimming, boating. Native American communities rely on the natural resource for subsistence, economic, cultural, medicinal, and spiritual needs. Yet despite the reliance of many on the Great Lakes, they have not been adequately protected for future enjoyment or sustainability. One regional initiative with the sole purpose of protecting and restoring the Great Lakes to ensure its sustainability is the Great Lakes Regional Collaboration. The strategy the GLRC developed for restoring and preserving the Great Lakes is available at here. Or visit the GLRC website to learn more about the organization.