NEWS RELEASE
MICHIGAN DEPT. OF ENVIRONMENT, GREAT LAKES, AND ENERGY
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Make a splash: Connect with Michigan’s matchless water resources.
That’s the message of this year’s annual Great Lakes and Fresh Water Week (GLFWW), Saturday, June 3 to Sunday, June 11. The designation by Michigan’s Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) and partners brings with it a focus on events and resources related to water education and “blue economy” workforce development, enjoyment and appreciation, and stewardship and protection.
“Michigan is defined by its waters, and Michiganders are united by a shared love for our lakes both Great and small,” said Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, who dedicated the week in a proclamation.
“During Great Lakes and Fresh Water Week, we take pride in our salt-free waters and recommit ourselves to protecting our water for future generations. Not only are Michigan’s waters an economic driver of billions of dollars of commerce supporting tens of thousands of jobs, but our state is home to 21% of the world’s surface freshwater. Let’s keep working together to protect our water and build a brighter future.”
Protecting state land and water is part of the MI Healthy Climate Plan, commissioned by Gov. Whitmer as a broad vision for Michigan’s prosperous clean energy future and economy-wide carbon neutrality by 2050.
GLFWW will highlight ways everyone can make a splash: by learning about freshwater systems and how our actions affect them, by prepping for rewarding careers in Michigan’s water-centered blue economy, and by exploring and enjoying our waters responsibly.
Michigan is home to more than 3,200 miles of coastline along four Great Lakes, 11,000 inland lakes and ponds, 36,000 miles of rivers and streams, and enough groundwater to fill Lake Michigan over again. More than 30 million people in the U.S. and Canada rely on the Great Lakes for their drinking water.
“We must not take Michigan’s water wonderland for granted, including our lakes, rivers, streams, and especially groundwater,” EGLE Acting Director Aaron Keatley said. “Now is a perfect time for all of us to recommit to good stewardship to protect Michigan’s environment and public health.”
Details about GLFWW are available on the OGL’s Stewarding the Great Lakes webpage, including links to local events, videos, educational resources on topics such as invasive species identification and proper disposal of medications, and information on how to volunteer with the Michigan Clean Water Corps.
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