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 Welcome to the Great Lakes!
Stretching from the rustic shores of Lake Superior, through the hard-working waters of Lake Michigan, Huron, Erie and Ontario, and on to the mouth of the St. Lawrence river, the Great Lakes are one of the natural wonders of the world. The Lakes and their connecting channels contain roughly 18% of the world’s surface freshwater, second only to the polar ice caps!
Freshwater is our most precious natural resource, but the gift of the Great Lakes is even greater. The Lakes and their surrounding lands and waterways are home to over 37 million people and a rich and unique diversity of plants and animals. The Great Lakes’ natural bounty have played a defining role in the region’s history and still support its primary economic activities, including agriculture, industrial manufacturing, steel production, shipping, commercial and sport fisheries, recreation and tourism.
Yet this incredible natural resource is threatened. Pollution is closing our beaches and contaminating our fish. Invasive species and irresponsible development are threatening the survival of our native wildlife. And special interests are pushing to actually buy and sell Great Lakes water for a profit.
It doesn’t have to be this way. You can help restore and protect the Great Lakes. Read about the Lakes (in this section), threats to their health and safety, and what steps you can take in your daily life to help.
It is important for all of us to do our part to protect the Lakes, but our individual options and effectiveness will be limited without the implementation and enforcement of strong and effective policies. Learn more about how current policies leave the Lakes vulnerable to pollution, invasive species, habitat destruction, overconsumption and profiteering, and what steps we can take to restore and protect the Great Lakes – to keep them Great.
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lakes forever biodiversity project the Lakes in our lives Lake Superior,
Lake Michigan, Huron, Erie Ontario, Lakes in our lives help great lakes visit wildlife conservation partner
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