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Office of the Great Lakes

Contact:  Emily Finnell 517-241-7927
Agency: Environmental Quality


OGL Links                  Organization Chart               Staff Directory               Laws and Rules         

Who We Are:

 The Office of the Great Lakes is, as I like to say, "All things Great Lakes". The OGL was created by the Michigan Legislature in 1985 to be a one-stop shop for Great Lakes information and a unifying voice on Great Lakes issues. From protecting Lake water levels, restoring contaminated areas, addressing the threat of aquatic invasive species, ensuring improving water quality, and supporting wise development of our coastal communities, OGL is dedicated to the Great Lakes as a source of bounty for Michigan and the foundation of our future. But OGL is not "All things Great Lakes" alone. We are dedicated to working with our partners that share these values, including the Governor, state and federal legislators, DEQ and other agency staff, and regional bodies such as the Great Lakes Commission, International Joint Commission and the Council of Great Lakes Governors. The job of protecting the Great Lakes is as big as they are, and OGL is excited to serve the people of Michigan by committing ourselves to that mission.  To contact the Office of the Great Lakes, call 517-335-4056; fax: 517-335-4053.

Patty Birkhloz, Director

Scenic Lake

What We Do:

Michigan's Office of the Great Lakes leads policy development and implements programs to protect, restore, and sustain the world's premier freshwater lakes. We collaborate with partners to support sustainable use of coastal resources, coordinate restoration of severely degraded areas, manage water quality and quantity, prevent aquatic invasive species, and engage in emerging issues. We are committed to our Great Lakes mission to ensure a healthy environment, strong economy and high quality of life and we are honored to serve the people of Michigan in our work.

What's New: 

Check out our new OGL E-Form Newsletter!

Programs:

Specific Activities of the Office of the Great Lakes: Program Areas

Areas of Concern
Coastal Management Program

Ballast Water Reporting
Invasive Species

Great Lakes Water Use
Great Lakes Restoration

Lake Coordination
Michigan Great Lakes Protection Fund

 
  • tracking trends impacting the chemical, physical and biological components of the Great Lakes ecosystem.

 
 


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