News and Updates

EPA, State, and Local Partners Announce $37.6 Million Investment to Restore Maumee Area of Concern

On August 12, 2026, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency along with state and local partners announced three projects totaling more than $37.6 million in funding to support continued restoration and remediation efforts in the Maumee Area of Concern in Northwest Ohio.

August 18, 2026

EPA’s Research Vessel Lake Guardian Begins Summer Sampling of Great Lakes

At the beginning of August, the R/V Lake Guardian began its month-long summer survey of water quality and food-web conditions in all five Great Lakes. Data collected will help protect human health and the environment by safeguarding water quality for drinking and recreation, assessing ecosystem stressors, and managing fisheries.

August 13, 2026

GLRI Soil Health Investment Program Promotes Farmer Collaboration to Reduce Nutrient Runoff

The Soil Health Investment Program, created by the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy with Great Lakes Restoration Initiative funding, is supporting farmers in adopting conservation practices. More than 60 farms are currently enrolled in the program.

August 12, 2026

GLRI Helps a Rare Butterfly Gain New Ground

Thanks in part to Great Lakes Restoration Initiative funding, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and their partners are taking a significant step giving the Poweshiek skipperling a renewed chance at survival.

August 10, 2026

Alliance for the Great Lakes Announces New Grant Opportunity for Illinois and Indiana Communities to Support GLRI Priorities

The new program will award a total of $1,125,000 in 2026 for projects that will reduce pollution, control invasive species, and restore lands and waters for communities within the Southern Lake Michigan Watershed. The program is funded through the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative.

August 5, 2026

Innovative $13.4M Niagara River Fish Passage Completed, Revitalizing Critical Great Lakes Food Web

On July 23, 2026, representatives from EPA, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, and the City of Buffalo attended a celebration event for the Emerald Shiner Fish Passage Project in the Niagara River Area of Concern. Fish are already using the 778-foot-long structure at Freedom Park.

August 5, 2026

Forest Service Opens $3.5M Community Forest Grant Opportunity in Lake Superior Basin

The Forest Service is offering Great Lakes Restoration Initiative grants through the Community Forest and Open Space Conservation Program. Funding is open to projects in Michigan and Wisconsin within the Lake Superior basin, in areas identified as a priority conservation area for the connectivity of wildlife habitat.

August 3, 2026

National Fish and Wildlife Foundation Issues a Request for Proposals to Restore Habitat in Chicago and Calumet Watersheds

The Chi-Cal Rivers Fund is seeking proposals to reduce stormwater runoff with nature-based solutions, enhance fish and wildlife habitat, and improve public access to nature. Significant program funding is provided by the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative.

July 10, 2026

EPA Begins Cleanup Project at Torch Lake in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula

EPA has started a $12 million cleanup at the Lake Linden Recreation Area in Lake Linden, Michigan. Crews will remove about 13,300 cubic yards of sediment contaminated with lead, zinc, and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs).

June 23, 2026

NOAA Highlights Numerous Successful 2025 GLRI Projects

Projects such as new invasive crayfish curriculum, the Lake Erie Harmful Algal Bloom Toxin Risk Forecast, and Environmental Sensitivity Index maps were implemented in 2025 to help address Great Lakes Restoration Initiative priorities throughout the basin.

June 15, 2026