Focusing on how Michiganders engage with the water wonderland around us
by Jeff Johnston, EGLE Public Information Officer
Just as the waters of the Great Lakes Basin are interconnected, in many ways, Michiganders – and our emotional, mental, and physical well-being – are inseparable from the matchless freshwater resources around and beneath us.
This interconnectedness is the theme of this year’s Michigan Great Lakes and Fresh Water Week (GLFWW), Saturday, May 31-Sunday, June 8.
The annual dedication by Michigan’s Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) and partners will focus on resources and activities (see below) related to connections among people, water, and the natural world, and diving into enjoyment, recreation, and stewardship of our waters and communities.
“In Michigan, our waters define us,” said Governor Gretchen Whitmer, who hailed the week in a proclamation. “During this week, we celebrate the Great Lakes and more than 11,000 inland lakes and countless creeks, rivers, and streams that make Michigan special. Just recently, we won a continued commitment from the federal government to help us build the Brandon Road Lock and Dam, which will protect the Great Lakes ecosystem and economy from an invasive species of fish. Let’s continue working together to fulfill our responsibility to protect our water for future generations so we can all enjoy the exceptional quality of life they provide us.”
Michigan features more than 3,200 miles of coastline along four Great Lakes, 36,000 miles of rivers and streams, and enough groundwater to fill Lake Michigan over again. The Great Lakes hold more than 21% of the world’s fresh surface water, and more than 40 million people in the U.S. and Canada rely on the Great Lakes for their drinking water.
EGLE’s Office of the Great Lakes (OGL) partners with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and the Southeast Michigan Council of Governments (SEMCOG) to sponsor GLFWW.
The week will highlight ways people of all ages and abilities can connect with Michigan waters and increase their Great Lakes literacy through responsible recreation and enjoyment, learning about freshwater systems and how our actions affect them, and exploring rewarding careers in Michigan’s water-centered blue economy.
Among the many tie-ins and engagement opportunities for GLFWW:
- GLFWW coincides with the DNR’s Free Fishing Weekend Saturday and Sunday, June 7-8. 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. All fishing regulations will still apply.
- Enjoy the outdoors in and around Michigan waterways safely and sustainably by following tips for responsible recreation.
- Tap into SEMCOG’s One Water campaign, developed in partnership with the Great Lakes Water Authority to build public awareness and mutual shared responsibility for water resources. The campaign runs June 1-9.
- Register for an EGLE webinar titled “People and the Great Lakes: Building Connections and Local Stewardship,” scheduled at 1 p.m. June 4, focused on resources and opportunities to become a Great Lakes steward and learn more about Michigan waters. The OGL and EGLE Classroom, Michigan State University Extension, Michigan Sea Grant & the Center for Great Lakes Literacy, and the Library of Michigan will participate in a virtual panel.
- Check out more water-related webinars – past and future – on EGLE’s Webinar Series and Past Events and Recorded Webinars webpages.
- The Library of Michigan’s searchable Read Michigan BiblioBoard lists more than 100 eBooks related to the Great Lakes – all Michigan Notable Books selections. The library offers hashtags #MiLibraries and #MiSummerReading for social posts.
- Engage with EGLE, DNR, and SEMCOG on social media for news, information, and insights into water connections using the hashtag #MIGreatLakesWeek.