Great Lakes Restoration Initiative
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Background
The Great Lakes Restoration Initiative was launched in 2010 as a non-regulatory program that aims to accelerate efforts to protect and restore the Great Lakes. The EPA and 15 other federal organizations work together to strategically target the biggest threats to the Great Lakes ecosystem and to accelerate progress toward achieving long term goals. The initiative is guided by action plans (currently on Action Plan III for FY20-FY24) that describe objectives, commitments, measures and activities across five focus areas:
- Areas of concern and toxic substances.
- Invasive species, including invasive carp.
- Nonpoint source pollution.
- Habitats and species.
- Foundations for future restoration (i.e., science and education).
Since 2010, the initiative has funded over 800 projects for over $4 billion in partnership with federal agencies, states, Tribes, local governments, universities and nongovernmental organizations.
Project sustainability is one of the initiative's operating principles under the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative Action Plan III (Action Plan). The next Action Plan (Great Lakes Restoration Initiative Action Plan IV), currently in draft form, incorporates climate-resilient and sustainable projects as an operating principle. Partner agencies will continue to encourage project plans and designs that are resilient to climate change and other stressors. They will also encourage project stewardship to promote the sustainability and long-term benefits of projects.
Eligibility
Who is generally eligible to apply?
Partner agencies can generally provide assistance to qualified non-federal entities eligible to apply for grants, including state agencies, any agency or instrumentality of local government, interstate agencies and federally recognized Tribes and Tribal organizations. Institutions of higher education, including minority serving institutions and nonprofit organizations, are also eligible to apply.
Initiative funding opportunities provided through the EPA include targeted grants and cooperative agreements that support state, Tribal and local government capacity to develop and implement Lakewide Action and Management Plans and Remedial Action Plans in Areas of Concern. Periodically, EPA will issue a Request for Applications on specific program areas. For more information, visit the Great Lakes Funding website and current Request for Applications.
How can projects funded by this program incorporate adaptation and resilience considerations?
Examples of climate adaptation and resilience projects include:
- Addressing invasive species exacerbated by climate change using novel technologies for early detection and eradication.
- Implementing climate-smart agricultural practices around the Great Lakes to reduce runoff of pollutants into the waterways, enhancing water quality and contributing to ecosystem health.
- Green infrastructure practices to infiltrate stormwater runoff.
- Watershed management projects in urban and rural communities to reduce runoff and erosion.
- Development of new or improved approaches for reducing or preventing harmful algal blooms.
- Restoring, protecting, enhancing and providing connectivity for native aquatic and terrestrial habitats.
- Increasing resilience of species through comprehensive approaches that complement on-the-ground habitat restoration and protection.
- Public engagement, education and experience-based learning opportunities to promote Great Lakes stewardship.
The initiative's resources have been used to fund thousands of projects to improve water quality, protect and restore native habitat and species and enhance the resilience of the Great Lakes region.
Connections to Other EPA, Federal or Non-Governmental Efforts
The Great Lakes Restoration Initiative has been a catalyst for unprecedented federal agency coordination. Under Action Plan III, the 16 federal agencies that make up the Interagency Task Force and Regional Working Group use resources to strategically target the biggest threats to the Great Lakes ecosystem and associated human health issues. Partner federal agencies continue to work collaboratively to offer financial and technical assistance opportunities for project proponents in the area, such as through:
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Great Lakes Restoration Initiative Cooperative Weed Management Grant Program: The program detects, prevents, eradicates, and/or controls invasive plant species to promote resilience, watershed stability and biological diversity on federal, state or other public or private land. The U.S. Forest Service uses these resources to strategically target the biggest threats to the Great Lakes ecosystem and accelerate progress toward long-term restoration goals for this important ecosystem.
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Great Lakes Habitat Restoration: The program helps strengthen valuable Great Lakes fisheries, restore coastal wetlands and provide recreational opportunities. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration works through this effort to improve fish passage, clean up debris, restore coastal wetlands and remove invasive species in the Great Lakes region. This work helps strengthen valuable Great Lakes fisheries, restore coastal wetlands that improve the quality of our water and provide recreational opportunities for the public’s use and enjoyment.