Celebrating 70 years of the
Great Lakes Commission!
Our Work
Here’s some of the work we’re doing to ensure a healthy environment, strong economy and high quality of life for current and future generations.
Register now — join us in Duluth!
Please join us this fall for the 2025 Great Lakes Commission 70th Anniversary Annual Meeting, taking place October 28-30 in Duluth, Minnesota at the Duluth Entertainment Convention Center. Registration closes on Monday, October 20 — register today!
2024 Great Lakes Commission Annual Report
The 2024 Great Lakes Commission Annual Report is now available online! The GLC’s Annual Report includes highlights and key accomplishments under Chair Mary Mertz of Ohio, and Executive Director Erika Jensen.
2025 GLC Federal Priorities for the Great Lakes
The GLC released its 2025 agenda for the Great Lakes, calling for continued strategic investment in the lakes, which hold 95% of America’s fresh surface water and provide drinking water for more than 47 million people. Read more about our priorities here.
The Advisor
The October 2025 edition of the Commission’s e-newsletter, The Advisor, includes final registration information for the 2025 GLC Annual Meeting in Duluth and a recap of several recent program accomplishments.
A new Great Lakes Water Use Database
The GLC recently launched an updated Great Lakes Water Use Database website that is more secure and makes it easier for the public to access water use data.
Great Lakes Investment Tracker
The new Great Lakes Investment Tracker is an interactive mapping application developed by the Great Lakes Commission to showcase federally-funded projects in Great Lakes states.
Grand Portage Band launches first Indigenous-led coast guard on Lake Superior
When the U.S. Coast Guard closed its Grand Marais, Minnesota, station in 2022, it left a gap in safety coverage along a large stretch of Lake Superior. In response, the Grand Portage Band of Lake Superior Chippewa has launched what the tribe says is the first...
Why midges are suddenly back in Northeast Ohio
A fresh wave of midges — tiny, non-biting insects — has swarmed parts of Northeast Ohio this week, creating a rare sight for mid-October. Ohio Department of Natural Resources officials said the late-season emergence is tied to Lake Erie’s lingering warmth. Read the...
Village of Fredonia officials urge water conservation due to drought conditions
Village of Fredonia, New York, officials are urging residents to conserve water in any way they can due to a lack of rain. According to village officials, the water reservoir is in extreme danger of reaching a critically low point, which could hamper the village’s...
2024 Great Lakes Commission Annual Report
The 2024 Great Lakes Commission Annual Report includes highlights and key accomplishments from the year under the leadership of Chair Mary Mertz and Executive Director Erika Jensen.
The Advisor E-Newsletter: October 2025
The October 2025 edition of the Commission’s e-newsletter, The Advisor, includes final registration information for the 2025 GLC Annual Meeting in Duluth and a recap of several recent program accomplishments.
Work to restore Ottawa River in Jermain Park now complete
Toledo, Ohio – The Great Lakes Commission (GLC) is excited to announce completion of work to restore the Ottawa River within Jermain Park, including the stabilization of 1,450 linear feet of eroding streambank, enhancement of seven acres of riparian buffer, and the...
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GREAT LAKES EVENTS
For more events, visit the
Great Lakes Calendar
Midwest Climate Resilience Conference
October 20 - October 22Let’s Talk Lake Huron! Invasive Species Prevention in Lake Huron
October 212025 Great Lakes Commission Annual Meeting
October 28 - October 30