Invasive species are non-native plants and animals whose presence degrades habitat, outcompetes native species, and decimates the food web. Humans, animals, and various modes of transportation and interconnecting pathways (i.e. rivers) introduce them to the environment. The Great Lakes are susceptible to invasive species, with ocean freight transportation being a major contributor. Sixty-five percent of the invasive species… Read more »
Great Lakes Organizations Ask the International Joint Commission to Declare the Great Lakes a Public Trust The Grand Traverse Resolution Industry Insider Skepticism Over Shale Gas Fracking Reinforces Need for Federal Ban Anglers of AuSable Rebukes Michigan Attorney General Schuette for Playing Politics to Upset Water Supreme Court Victory FLOW Line 5 Alternatives and Propane… Read more »
As members of Oil & Water Don’t Mix Coalition, we are calling on our state leaders to enforce the easement granted to Enbridge for their Line 5 oil pipelines to be allowed to operate in the Straits of Mackinac. Take action and sign the petition to enforce the easement. Freshwater Future is actively involved in… Read more »
The child who grew up in the natural wonderland of the Traverse City region is now the sage of the environmental community in Michigan. On Wednesday, February 26, FLOW founder Jim Olson, whose legal work transformed both the law and the landscape, turns 80. It’s a milestone that gives Jim the opportunity to look back,… Read more »
On February 5, Governor Gretchen Whitmer unveiled her proposed executive budget for fiscal year 2026, totaling $83.5 billion, to the House and Senate Appropriations committees. Protecting air, land, and water infrastructure were among her top priorities. The Director of the Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy (EGLE), Phil Roos stated, “The Governor’s budget proposal… Read more »
This winter, areas downwind of the Great Lakes have received enormous amounts of lake effect snow. Can climate change be occurring when storms are piling up record snow? Yes – in fact, this phenomenon is entirely consistent with climate change models. Lake-effect snow develops when cold air moves over a relatively warm large body of… Read more »
I support FLOW’s work to support the Great Lakes! Give by mail or phone Giving by mail has never been easier. Download this printable form! Download here Donate online This is the fastest & easiest way to give to FLOW and help protect the Great Lakes Donate now Use your 401K Did you know you… Read more »
On a snowy day, drivers feel relief when road salt helps clear the way of slippery spots. But, though necessary under certain circumstances, road salt is a major polluter of Michigan’s rivers, inland lakes and the Great Lakes. Winter Salt Week is an opportunity to learn about the environmental impacts of road salt and alternatives… Read more »
An on-line tool provided by the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy (EGLE) enables Michiganders to identify and map sites of environmental contamination in their neighborhoods or across the state. Called the Ride Mapper (an acronym for Remediation Information Data Exchange), the interactive tool displays as of January 15 of this year a… Read more »
Like many of you, we here at FLOW are coming back together after the holidays to roll up our sleeves and think about our path forward in this new year. We had plenty of ups and downs over this past legislative session, and it is now time to re-group and chart our path forward. Let’s… Read more »
