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.
Thank you!
Thank you for joining us for the 2025 Great Lakes Commission 70th Anniversary Annual Meeting, held October 28-30 in Duluth, Minnesota! Read more about the meeting here.
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.
EGLE report on Great Lakes highlights accomplishments and challenges managing Michigan’s waters
Michigan’s Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy has released the annual State of the Great Lakes Report. The report covers environmental cleanup, waterfront restoration, invasive species, groundwater management, and wildlife protection. Read the full...
First claims paid from $600 million Flint water crisis settlement fund
In Michigan, the first payments from a more-than $600 million fund to settle Flint water crisis lawsuits have been made. It's another step in the years-long effort to compensate people who were hurt by elevated lead levels in the city's water supply. Read the full...
In the Great Lakes region, a push to grow water-focused startups amid federal funding uncertainty
Technology from Chicago and around the world promises to clean up water. An effort in Illinois is trying to speed it to market while navigating new federal funding challenges. Read the full story by Inside Climate News.
Season’s Greetings from the Great Lakes Commission!
Season’s greetings from the staff of the Great Lakes Commission!
New Great Lakes water use report demonstrates shared stewardship of the world’s largest freshwater system
Ann Arbor, Michigan/Chicago, Illinois — A report released today on Great Lakes water use demonstrates the region’s ongoing commitment to coordinated, science-based management of the world’s largest freshwater system. The 2024 Annual Report of the Great Lakes Regional...
Grants awarded to improve regional management of invasive Phragmites across the Great Lakes basin
Ann Arbor, Michigan – Nearly $315,000 will be awarded to support local organizations in controlling nonnative Phragmites australis, one of the most aggressive plant species invading the Great Lakes basin and North America. Grantees will implement certain combinations...
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GREAT LAKES EVENTS
For more events, visit the
Great Lakes Calendar
Great Lakes Association of Science Ships – Science Vessel Coordination Workshop
January 8, 2026Introduction to Lakes Online
January 20, 2026Rouge River Stonefly Search
January 24, 2026