As we soak in the joys of a Michigan summer, it’s worth pausing to reflect on the deeper significance of the Great Lakes in our lives. They are more than a source of natural beauty and recreation. They are the foundation of our economy, health and identity. Michigan is built on lake culture. Even our name comes from the Ojibwe word for “large lake.” These waters run through our history, our values and our memories—those endless summer days spent swimming, boating, fishing and gathering at the water’s edge.
But the lakes that define us are at risk. Critical federal programs that safeguard the Great Lakes are facing significant cuts. Decades of progress and the very essence of “Pure Michigan” could be in jeopardy.
The clean, accessible waters we enjoy today weren’t always guaranteed. It took years of science, investment and public pressure to begin to undo the legacy of industrial pollution. There was a time when rivers caught fire, toxic waste flowed freely and waterborne illnesses were common. Thanks to coordinated efforts across federal, state and local levels, many of our waterways have been restored. Communities have come back to life. Recreation and real estate have flourished. Today, the Great Lakes are not only an environmental treasure but also an economic engine and a cultural anchor for the region.
Continuing this progress (much has been accomplished but much work remains) depends on continued support. Federal agencies like the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers play essential roles in monitoring, managing and protecting Great Lakes ecosystems. Their work is often invisible to the public, but its impact is far-reaching.
NOAA tracks water quality to help protect drinking water and warns of hazards such as toxic algal blooms. Its forecasts support boaters, swimmers, the U.S. Coast Guard and commercial shippers who transport Midwest goods around the globe. USGS research helps sustain fisheries and supports tourism. The EPA prevents and cleans up contamination while restoring essential habitats. The Army Corps provides water-level forecasts that guide infrastructure decisions for power plants, coastal roads and treatment facilities.
These agencies work closely with universities and nonprofit organizations to form an efficient and cost-effective system for protecting our freshwater resources. That system is under growing strain. Layoffs and budget cuts have already reduced capacity. Communities are left more vulnerable to pollution, extreme weather and environmental risk. Further cuts may eliminate programs that are central to the Great Lakes’ recovery and safety.
Despite decades of bipartisan support, Great Lakes science and protection now face one of their most serious challenges. This is not an abstract policy or funding debate. The consequences will affect every Michigander who drinks, swims in, works on or simply values these waters.
This summer, as we return to the lakes that shaped us, we should keep this reality in mind. The health of the Great Lakes is not guaranteed. It depends on long-term investment, scientific expertise and public understanding. Protecting the lakes is not partisan. It is a responsibility shared across generations.
Gregory Dick is a professor at the University of Michigan’s School for Environment and Sustainability and in the Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences.
All views expressed are his own.
Mike Shriberg is a professor at U-M’s School for Environment and Sustainability and the Director of the University of Michigan Water Center. He previously served as the Great Lakes regional executive director of the National Wildlife Federation and co-chair of the Healing Our Waters – Great Lakes Coalition.
All views expressed are his own.