Turning the Tide: A Call to Collective Action

Ontario's Bill 23 (More Homes Built Faster Act) dismantles environmental protections and the Greenbelt, threatening watersheds and water quality in the Great Lakes basin despite public opposition.

The Supreme Court's Sackett v. EPA decision removes federal protection from many wetlands, posing a significant threat to Great Lakes water quality, though some states like Michigan and Wisconsin have stronger laws.

Jordanna Bergman investigates the ecological connectivity of the Rideau Canal Waterway, studying how anthropogenic barriers affect native and invasive fish movements to support conservation strategies.

A tribute to Michael Fraker (1978–2023), a dedicated researcher and mentor in Great Lakes science who passed away in 2023, remembered for his ecological modeling expertise and commitment to student research.

Integrating watershed science with the public trust doctrine offers a legal and scientific framework to protect Great Lakes water quality and prevent impairment from upstream activities.

The "Rights of Nature" movement is critiqued from an Indigenous perspective, arguing that the St. Lawrence River (Kaniatarowanénhne) is already a relative with agency, requiring responsibility rather than bestowed rights.

A congressional perspective on the robust year-over-year funding for the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative, highlighting its critical role in science-based restoration and community revitalization.

Canada announces a historic C$420 million investment in the Great Lakes and a new Canada Water Agency to strengthen freshwater management, restore Areas of Concern, and modernize the Canada Water Act.