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Western Lake Erie Basin
Western Lake Erie Basin
On May 20, the State of Michigan released an update to its Domestic Action Plan (DAP) for combatting harmful algal blooms in western Lake Erie.
Read the full planWhat’s Happening in Lake Erie?
The western part of Lake Erie, also known as the Western Lake Erie Basin (WLEB), is experiencing seasonal harmful algal blooms (HABs). These blooms can contain toxins that are harmful for humans, pets, and aquatic organisms.
The HABs are made up of cyanobacteria (blue-green algae) and need sunlight, warm water temperatures, and nutrients, such as phosphorus and nitrogen, to grow and produce toxins. A number of factors cause the HABs to grow, including nutrient-rich water from wastewater treatment plants and farm fields, the effects of invasive species that increase water clarity, water temperatures over 70 F, and others that aren’t quite understood yet.
Though the causes are complex, the State of Michigan is committed to improving the water quality of Lake Erie, ensuring safe water, and supporting healthy ecosystems. Michigan’s portion of the WLEB covers watersheds in five Michigan counties (Hillsdale, Lenawee, Monroe, Washtenaw, and Jackson). Michigan is focusing on the planning and implementation of conservation practices to improve soil health and water quality.
Addressing Water Quality in Michigan’s Portion of the WLEB
In May 2025, the State of Michigan released an update to its Domestic Action Plan (DAP) for combatting harmful algal blooms in western Lake Erie.
The DAP contains measures to reduce the phosphorus loading into the Western Lake Erie Basin that drives algal blooms. Our goal is to achieve a sustained 40 percent over a baseline measurement taken in 2008. The Michigan Departments of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD); Environment, Great Lakes and Energy (EGLE); and Natural Resources (DNR) review and revise the DAP every five years based on progress and changing needs in the region. The DAP was originally created in 2018.
The departments also created the Adaptative Management Plan (AMP), which is a companion document to the DAP. The AMP is a management tool used to evaluate the projects outlined in the DAP and update those projects as needed to meet water quality goals.
Michigan’s 2025 State of the Western Lake Erie Basin Conference
On June 26, join the Michigan Departments of Agriculture and Rural Development; Environment, Great Lakes and Energy; Natural Resources and our partners for Michigan’s second State of the Western Lake Erie Basin Conference in Adrian, Michigan. This year, we’re highlighting the innovative work underway to meet nutrient reduction goals and measure real progress across the region. The conference will feature a mix of plenary and concurrent sessions.
This is your chance to connect, learn, and be inspired by what’s happening across the watershed!
More Information and Registration
Quick Links
- Domestic Action Plan [2018] (PDF)
- Adaptive Management Plan [2021] (PDF)
- Domestic Action Plan Update Summary [2025] (PDF)
- EGLE’s WLEB Website
- WLEB Community Advisory Group
Interested in the latest information on what is happening in Michigan’s portion of the Western Lake Erie Basin?
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