August 27, 2025: World Lake Day

WHEREAS, Michigan is home to more than 11,000 inland lakes, tens of thousands of miles of rivers and streams, 6.5 million acres of wetlands, 3,200 miles of Great Lakes shoreline, 230,000 acres of coastal dunes, and vast groundwater resources; and,

WHEREAS, fresh water is our state’s most significant natural resource for drinking and for supporting industries and activities, including recreation, tourism, fishing, manufacturing, transportation, and agriculture; and

WHEREAS, the Great Lakes are globally significant, containing more than 20% of the world’s fresh surface water, providing drinking water for over 40 million people, and comprising vital freshwater ecosystems; and,

WHEREAS, the Great Lakes Basin provides habitat for more than 3,500 species of plants and animals, including many threatened and endangered species; and,

WHEREAS, the Great Lakes face challenges, including invasive species, toxic and nutrient pollution, habitat and biodiversity loss, and climate change; and

WHEREAS, water quality and quantity are significantly degrading across the world’s lakes, requiring urgent and sustainable action; and,

WHEREAS, the global decline in biodiversity requires preserving, restoring, and safeguarding ecosystems that provide essential functions and services, including services related to water, health, livelihoods, and well-being; and,

WHEREAS, lakes are fundamental ecosystems due to the interconnectedness of lakes, energy, food, health, well-being, and human development; and,

WHEREAS, on December 4, 2024, the United Nations General Assembly resolved that August 27, the date of the first World Lake Conference in 1984, be annually observed as World Lake Day; and,

WHEREAS, the Great Lakes are the largest freshwater system in the world and require integrated, intersectoral, collaborative, and coordinated approaches, at all levels, in their management and protection for current and future generations; and,

WHEREAS, we encourage all Michiganders to learn more about freshwater lakes, their value and essential role in supporting human livelihood, biodiversity, and ecosystems resilience and to be stewards protecting, conserving, and restoring Michigan’s freshwater lake ecosystems;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Gretchen Whitmer, Governor of Michigan, do hereby proclaim August 27, 2025, as World Lake Day in Michigan.