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.
Join us in Toronto!
Join us in Toronto for the 2026 Great Lakes Commission Annual Meeting, to be held October 6-8 in Toronto, Ontario. Online registration is now closed, but on-site registration will be available. Learn more here!
2025 Great Lakes Commission Annual Report
The 2025 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, Chair Timothy J. Bruno of Pennsylvania (elected October 2025) and Executive Director Erika Jensen. View the report here.
2026 GLC Federal Priorities for the Great Lakes
The GLC released its 2026 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 our priorities and download state-specific fact sheets here.
Great Lakes Investment Tracker
The Great Lakes Investment Tracker is an interactive mapping application developed by the GLC to showcase federally-funded projects in Great Lakes states. Visit the tracker to learn more about investments in the region.
8th Annual AIS Landing Blitz
Organizations across the region came together to educate the public about aquatic invasive species (AIS) for the eighth annual Great Lakes AIS Landing Blitz, June 29 through July 12, 2026. Read more about the Landing Blitz here.
Supporting sediment management efforts
The Great Lakes Commission is launching a new project to explore the management of sediment in the Great Lakes, and the role it plays in restoration, coastal resilience, and maritime transportation. Read more about the new project here.
Ontario provides $1-million to reactivate Michipicoten Harbour
Ontario is investing $1 million to help Superior Aggregates repair and modernize Michipicoten Harbour near Wawa, Lake Superior, which has been inactive since the late 1990s. The upgrades are intended to restore commercial shipping, connect northern Ontario businesses...
Water quality monitoring continues after plastics factory catches fire
State and local agencies are continuing to monitor and clean up contamination from the 2025 East Jordan Plastics fire in South Haven, Michigan, focusing on plastic debris and potential pollutants that spread into nearby waterways and wetlands. Cleanup efforts have...
Wisconsin establishes first-ever PFAS awareness week
Wisconsin held its first-ever PFAS Awareness Week Sept. 21–25 to educate residents about the risks posed by “forever chemicals” and efforts to reduce contamination. The state is preparing to distribute PFAS Trust Fund grants for testing and treatment, including...
2025 Great Lakes Commission Annual Report
The 2025 Great Lakes Commission Annual Report includes highlights and key accomplishments from the year under the leadership of Chair Mary Mertz, Chair Timothy J. Bruno (elected October 2025), and Executive Director Erika Jensen.
GLC and National Sea Grant Law Center launch new database to help prevent online sales of invasive species
Ann Arbor, Mich. – The Great Lakes Commission (GLC) has launched a new online resource that allows users to quickly check state and federal regulations before buying or selling aquatic plants and animals online, helping ensure compliance with applicable laws while...
Great Lakes states and provinces to host eighth annual Aquatic Invasive Species Landing Blitz
Ann Arbor, Michigan — Organizations across the region will come together to educate the public about aquatic invasive species (AIS) during the eighth annual Great Lakes AIS Landing Blitz, to be held June 29 through July 12, 2026. Volunteers will engage with boaters to...
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GREAT LAKES EVENTS
For more events, visit the
Great Lakes Calendar
ASBPA National Coastal Conference 2026
October 5 - October 82026 Great Lakes Commission Annual Meeting
October 6 - October 82026 Great Lakes Microplastics Summit
October 7 - October 8