Enjoying and protecting Michigan waters is this year’s message for the Great Lakes and Fresh Water Week, starting on Saturday, June 3rd. The focus is for a ‘blue economy.’
Michigan’s Department of Environment has highlighted ways to help, including learning about freshwater systems, rewarding careers in Michigan’s water-centered blue economy, and by exploring and enjoying our waters responsibly.
“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.”
Michigan is home to more than 3,200 miles of coastline along four Great Lakes, along with 36,000 miles of rivers and streams. More than 30 million people in the U.S. and Canady rely on the Great Lakes for their drinking water.
Michigan.gov offers the following ways to be involved in Great Lakes and Fresh Water Week:
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. Among the many ways to participate:
- Engage on social media for news, information, and suggestions on how you can make a splash for Michigan waters, using the hashtag #MIGreatLakesWeek.
- Virtually attend a water webinar: A SEMCOG webinar titled “Water: Connected for Life” will take place from 1-2 p.m. Monday, June 5, focused on regional water affordability programs, how Southeast Michigan’s water workforce is changing, and how working together to green our region can play an important role in protecting our water resources. Register on SEMCOG’s website or watch the presentation live on SEMCOG’s Facebook page.
- Registration also is open for EGLE’s “Building a Water Workforce in the Blue Economy” webinar, scheduled from 1-2:30 p.m. Wednesday, June 7, and featuring a panel of Michigan professionals discussing tools, resources, programs, and partnerships to support filling the water talent pipeline.
- Test your Great Lakes knowledge with trivia questions posted daily, June 5-9, on the DNR’s Mi Nature Facebook page and at EGLE’s Twitter feed.
- Visit EGLE’s Facebook page to make the case for your favorite Michigan waterway and maybe share a photo.
- Fish for free Saturday and Sunday, June 10-11. On these two days, the DNR will waive the need for a fishing license, off-road vehicle license, trail permit, and the Recreation Passport requirement for admission to Michigan state parks and boating access sites.
- Settle in at the water’s edge with a great summer read – like the 2022 State of the Great Lakes report.
- Enjoy the outdoors in and around Michigan waterways safely and sustainably by following tips for responsible recreation.
- Teachers, explore the From Students to Stewards toolkit for place-based educational resources that will instill a desire to learn about water resources and protect our lakes and streams.
- Public officials, check the Michigan Municipal League Foundation’s MI Water Navigator website as a guide to infrastructure funding opportunities.