A binational coalition of regional agencies, Indigenous Nations, legislators, local communities, and business, maritime and environmental groups released shared priorities for restoring the Great Lakes and supporting the region’s economy at a meeting in Washington, D.C. recently.
Lakes Michigan and Superior provide drinking water for more than 1.6 million Wisconsin residents, and support a marine economy with nearly 50,000 jobs and more than $11 billion in recreational boating and fishing opportunities.
In addition, the lakes provide water for manufacturing, shipping goods and commodities, commercial fishing, and waterborne transportation and recreation. The maritime transportation network alone handles more than 30 million tons of cargo annually, generating nearly 6,800 jobs and more than $2 billion in economic activity.
The coalition is urging Congress and the Trump administration to continue producing restoration results by appropriating no less than $500 million for the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative (GLRI) in Fiscal Year 2027.
That includes protecting people from persistent and emerging threats like microplastics, nutrient pollution and PFAS, and fully funding programs that allow farmers to provide world-class agricultural products while also supporting their efforts to improve water quality and protect wildlife habitat.
A research team led by the Great Lakes Commission coordinated a study a decade ago that found every dollar of federal spending on GLRI projects would produce $3.35 in additional economic activity in the region through 2036.
Learn more about federal and state priorities at https://www.glc.org/work/policy/federal-priorities, and see a map of projects funded so far at https://investments.glc.org/.
The snowstorm Saturday through Monday put down the equivalent of two inches or more of badly-needed moisture for Green Bay and its tributaries.
When the winds allow — and more launches free up from ice — small boat owners will get after whatever fish species are legal. Currently, that’s almost everything except Green Bay perch, bass and muskies. Walleyes are the top target on the Fox, below the refuge at DePere.
Most of the action along the Lake Michigan shoreline at Kewaunee, Algoma and Sturgeon Bay will be for brown and lake trout, with an occasional rainbow trout or wandering salmon.
Inland, a few lakes are still offering cautious, walk-on panfish action, but many shorelines were already soft before the heavy, insulating snow. All that white stuff can hide thin spots and create a lot of slush. Always check locally for the latest reports, use a spud bar to check thickness, and carry safety equipment like ice picks, a long rope and a cell phone in a waterproof bag.
More than 100,000 leftover spring wild turkey permits went on sale this week. Zone 2 leftovers in period D sold out quickly Tuesday. Starting Saturday, any extras for all zones where they’re available will go on sale. The bonus authorizations and cost $10 for residents and $15 for nonresidents.
You must have purchased a license allowing spring turkey hunting and a wild turkey stamp before getting a bonus permit. The regular turkey license is $15 for residents and $65 for nonresidents. The 2026 wild turkey stamp is $5.25. Conservation Patron license buyers have those included.
Lake Michigan water levels are up two inches from mid-February, but are two inches lower than last year at this time and 11 inches below the long-term March average. Lake levels have dropped 46 inches since the all-time monthly high set in 2020, and are about 19 inches above the record low in 1964. Levels are expected to rise about three inches in the next month.
To celebrate America’s 250th birthday, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is highlighting seven species of wildlife each week. Check out this week’s choices — including the walleye and the whitetail — at https://www.fws.gov/story/2026-03/our-nations-nature-1.
Take a look at Michigan’s efforts to restore Arctic grayling to the Great Lakes at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=692TVsNWFyw.
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