Today the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced more than $1.8 million in GLRI grants to five organizations that will use market-based approaches, including water-quality trading, to enhance nonpoint source excess nutrient reduction efforts in the Great Lakes basin. This action supports EPA’s 50th anniversary celebration and its February theme of protecting America’s waters.

The Great Lakes Commission is seeking proposals for projects that facilitate the long-term reduction of total phosphorus inputs to waters of the Great Lakes Basin. Funding for the Great Lakes Sediment and Nutrient Reduction Program is provided by the U.S. Department of Agriculture – Natural Resources Conservation Service under the GLRI.

Farmers completely revitalize dairy operation through installing and nurturing conservation efforts on over 1,000 acres. This Fox Demonstration Farm leads the way in demonstrating regenerative agriculture practices that will also reduce phosphorus from entering Green Bay and Lake Michigan.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and its partners continue to support Great Lakes restoration and protection projects with Great Lakes Restoration Initiative funding. In 2019, more than 475 projects were supported which will fuel community revitalization efforts throughout the Great Lakes basin.

Saginaw Bay Watershed Initiative Network and The Conservation Fund present a short film, “Coreyon,” that details the background, need, and ultimate reconstruction of one of Saginaw Bay’s historically important spawning reefs.

EPA and states are announcing progress toward delisting the Lower Menominee River Area of Concern. After receiving recommendations from the states of Wisconsin and Michigan to delist the AOC, EPA has taken the next step by seeking input on the proposed delisting from tribal representatives and the International Joint Commission.

EPA has posted Great Lakes Trash Free Waters Request for Applications (RFA) questions and answers. The posting provides responses to more than 60 questions, including those posed during a January 7 webinar.

EPA has announced a $9M amendment for additional sediment remediation and source control work in the Grand Calumet River Area of Concern.

In Fiscal Year 2019, Great Lakes tribes continued their substantial contribution to the protection and restoration of Great Lakes environments. At the same time, they also revitalized ancestral cultures and traditions that are tied to the health of Great Lakes ecosystems.