Michigan Great Lakes Protection and Restoration Initiative
Lt. Governor John D. Cherry launched the Michigan Great Lakes Protection and Restoration Initiative on June 4, 2008 at the State Capital at an event with various representatives of state government and numerous stakeholders.  The Michigan Office of the Great Lakes (OGL) is leading an effort to prepare and begin implementation of an action agenda to protect, remediate, and restore the Great Lakes.  On October 8, 2008, the Lt. Governor and OGL announced the release of a draft plan to protect and restore Michigan's Great Lakes titled  MI Great Lakes Plan: Our Path to Protect and Restore Michigan's Natural Treasures (MI Great Lakes Plan).  The MI Great Lakes Plan will provide specific direction within Michigan to address the recommendations of the  Great Lakes Regional Collaboration (GLRC) and to take further steps to address the specific needs within the state.   

We are seeking public input on specific questions regarding the   DRAFT MI Great Lakes Plan: Our Path to Protect and Restore Michigan's Natural Treasures. W ritten comments are due by November 26, 2008 and may be submitted to:

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    

As part of this process, local watershed groups will be hosting eight public meetings across Michigan to provide an opportunity for Michigan residents to participate in helping to identify the most important Great Lakes protection and restoration efforts that are needed across the state.

• Public Meeting Questions for Draft MI Great Lakes Plan

Public Meeting Schedule

Photo credit: Robert De Jonge

Great Lakes Regional Collaboration 
The Great Lakes Regional Collaboration was initiated 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.   

With the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency as the lead, the Regional Collaboration: Interagency Task Force brings together 10 agency and cabinet officers tasked to provide strategic direction on federal Great Lakes policy.  Michigan and others joined the Collaboration in the belief that an additional long term, large scale deferral funding commitment is necessary to address restoration goals.  The Regional Collaboration  culminated with the release of the Great Lakes Regional Collaboration Strategy in December, 2005.  The report provides specific restoration strategies and recommendations for the eight key Great Lakes restoration priorities of the Great Lakes Governors:

• Aquatic Invasive Species 
• Habitat/Species
• Coastal Health
• Areas of Concern/Sediments
• Nonpoint Source
• Toxic Pollutants
• Indicators and Information
• Sustainable Development

A Strategy to Restore and Protect the Great Lakes - 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 
The Council of Great Lakes Governors has established 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.

• Investing in a National Treasure: Great Lakes Commission Legislative Priorities, FY2009