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.
Thanks for joining us in D.C.!
Thank you for joining us for the 2026 Great Lakes Commission Semiannual Meeting and Great Lakes Day, held March 3-5 in Washington, D.C. Read more about the meeting 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.
New RFPs: AIS Landing Blitz, GLSNRP
The GLC recently released two requests for proposals (RFPs): Learn more about the Great Lakes AIS Landing Blitz RFP, and the Great Lakes Sediment and Nutrient Reduction Program RFP, on our news page.
The Advisor
The January 2026 edition of the Commission’s e-newsletter, The Advisor, includes an update on U.S. federal Great Lakes appropriations, news about our upcoming work to study the economic impacts of the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative, and more.
New Great Lakes water use report
The 2024 Annual Report of the Great Lakes Regional Water Use Database shows that water withdrawals in the basin remained stable, with the vast majority of withdrawn water returned to the Great Lakes St. Lawrence River Basin. Read more here.
Lake Michigan, Lake Huron levels surging: You won’t believe the gallons of water added during this flooding
Fast-melting snowpack across Northern Michigan and days of excessive rain across the state have caused flooding issues and a 17-inch rise in lakes Michigan and Huron. Read the full story by MLive.
Why Ohio is urging Congress to renew Great Lakes funding before this critical September deadline
Ohio officials have urged Congress to reauthorize the soon-to-expire Great Lakes Restoration Initiative, describing it as a crucial tool for protecting drinking water, fighting invasive species and supporting a regional economy worth trillions. Read the full story by...
‘Absolute tank’ of a snapping turtle rescued from Lake Michigan surf after wandering shoreline for days
The 33-pound, 30(ish)-year-old snapper who is now known as Doug the Tank was lethargic and nearly unresponsive when a rescuer pulled him from a Lake Michigan beach. He is now recovering from his misadventure at the Michigan Amphibian & Reptile Sanctuary in...
Great Lakes Commission to support sediment management efforts in the Great Lakes basin
Ann Arbor, Michigan — The Great Lakes Commission (GLC) 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. Over the next three years, the GLC will...
Request for Proposals: Economic Evaluation of Nature-Based Solutions for Stormwater Management
Ann Arbor, Michigan — The Great Lakes Commission (GLC) is seeking proposals for an economic evaluation of the benefits of using nature-based solutions to manage stormwater in Great Lakes communities. The analysis will highlight case studies of projects across the...
Request for Proposals: Phragmites Adaptive Management Framework Small Grants
Ann Arbor, Michigan — The Great Lakes Commission today issued a request for proposals to advance the regional fight against invasive Phragmites, one of the most aggressive plant species invading North America. Invasive Phragmites is already well established in the...
Sign up for our e-newsletter
Get the latest Great Lakes Commission news and events in your inbox!
Sign up for our e-newsletter
Get the latest Great Lakes Commission news and events in your inbox!
GREAT LAKES EVENTS
For more events, visit the
Great Lakes Calendar