Great Lakes Restoration Initiative Action Plan

The US EPA recently unveiled a five year $2.2 billion dollar plan to revitalize the Great Lakes. Congress has already allocated $475 million dollars and President Obama has asked Congress for an additional $300 million to support this effort. Developed by 16 federal agencies with input from each of the Great Lakes States, the 41 page plan lays out ecological targets and specific actions to be taken to heal the Great Lakes from 150 years of abuse. The GLRI Action Plan puts the necessary resources in place to implement the Great Lakes Regional Collaboration Strategy and Wisconsin´s Great Lakes Strategy.

"Wisconsin is defined by the Great Lakes, and one of our greatest responsibilities is to preserve this important freshwater resource for future generations," said Governor Jim Doyle. "This Action Plan sets a strong course of action as we confront tremendous challenges to not only protect, but also restore the Great Lakes."

The action plan, which covers FY 2010 through 2014, directs aggressive action under five priority focus areas:

• Cleaning up the most polluted areas in the lakes and preventing future pollution
• Combating invasive species
• Protecting high priority watersheds and reducing runoff from urban, suburban and agricultural sources
• Restoring wetlands and other habitats
• Implementing accountability measures, learning objectives, outreach and strategic partnerships

The plan provides accountability for EPA´s efforts in each area by including measures of progress and benchmarks for success over the next five years.

"Cleaning and saving Wisconsin´s Great Lakes will benefit all of us now, and will preserve and protect a bright economic future for our kids and grandkids" said DNR Secretary Matt Frank.

• Great Lakes Restoration Initiative Action Plan [exit DNR]

• Wisconsin´s Great Lakes Strategy