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.
Thank you for joining us in Toronto!
Thank you to all who joined us in Toronto for the 2026 Great Lakes Commission Annual Meeting, held October 6-8 in Toronto, Ontario. 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.
Great Lakes coastal wetlands improve after invasive species removal, study finds
Recent research on Great Lakes coastal wetlands suggests that the native wetland plant communities can respond quickly after invasive Phragmites australis is removed. Read the full story by Great Lakes Echo.
Village of Minooka plans to add a $3.7 million water tank for Lake Michigan water project
The Village of Minooka in northeast Illinois plans to add a $3.7 million water tank that will help with a Lake Michigan project which will tap into the lake as a water source for the village. Read the full story by WCSJ – Morris, IL.
Dozens laid off after massive leak forces salt mine 2,000 feet under Lake Erie to close
A Morton Salt mine thousands of feet below Lake Erie was forced to shut down after it suddenly sprang a massive leak. Seventy-seven workers were laid off and it’s unclear if the mine will reopen again. Read the full story by New York Post.
Great Lakes Commission calls for continued action to address harmful algal blooms and water workforce challenges
Ann Arbor, Mich. – At its 2026 Annual Meeting, held last week in Toronto, the Great Lakes Commission (GLC) highlighted opportunities for binational collaboration and coordinated action to protect the Great Lakes and strengthen the region's economy. “The Great Lakes...
The Advisor E-Newsletter: September 2026
The September 2026 edition of the Commission’s e-newsletter, The Advisor, includes a reminder to register for the 2026 GLC Annual Meeting, information about recent bipartisan Great Lakes legislation, project updates and more.
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.
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GREAT LAKES EVENTS
For more events, visit the
Great Lakes Calendar
National Beach Summit
October 27 - October 30NALMS 2026 Annual Symposium
November 2 - November 6State of Lake Michigan
November 6