Gov. Whitmer Signs Executive Directive Protecting Lake Erie

For immediate release:  
June 20, 2019 

Gov. Whitmer Signs Executive Directive Protecting Lake Erie 

LANSING, Mich. --Today Governor Whitmer signed an executive directive that further builds upon previous positive steps implementing the Michigan Domestic Action Plan (DAP), a plan that is working towards achieving a healthier Lake Erie ecosystem. The DAP outlines actions that the State will take to meet commitments under the Western Lake Erie Basin Collaborative Agreement and the targeted phosphorous reductions and nutrient-related ecosystem goals for Lake Erie. Executive Directive 2019-14 prioritizes additional steps needed to ensure that Michigan meets its specific DAP objectives, including reducing the nutrient loadings from priority tributaries and associated watersheds in the Western Lake Erie Basin by 40 percent by 2025.   

“The Great Lakes are our most precious resource here in Michigan, and we must protect them for generations to come,” said Whitmer. “When we build on the work that is already taking place towards reducing phosphorus run off into the Western Lake Erie Basin, we will reach our goal of achieving a 40 percent reduction in phosphorus to address toxic algal blooms.” 

The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD), the Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE), and the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) will work together to adopt policies and procedures to ensure full implementation of the DAP and its objectives. The focus remains on reducing the nutrient loadings from the following tributaries and associated watersheds by 40 percent by 2025: 

• Total phosphorous loads from the Detroit River; 
• Spring total phosphorus loads from the River Raisin; 
• Spring soluble reactive phosphorous loads from the River Raisin; 
• Spring total phosphorous and soluble reactive phosphorous loading contributions from the Maumee River.  

MDARD, EGLE, and DNR will report to the governor annually with their progress. Their report will include quantifiable measures of progress toward the DAP objectives, including the nutrient loading reduction targets.    

This executive directive will be effective immediately upon filing.   

To view the full executive directive click the links below:    

• 2019-14 Executive Directive Decreasing Phosphorous in Lake Erie .pdf

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