Trump endangers clean waters of Great Lakes

The Great Lakes are five of America’s greatest natural treasures. It’s an ecosystem so epic in size and breathtaking in beauty that it instills a sense of national pride for the 85 million people who live in the region.

That’s why President Trump’s proposed budget, which slashes funding to protect and restore the lakes by 97 percent, is so alarm- ing. Since 2010, the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative has funded over 2,000 projects that improve water quality, protect native wildlife, control invasive species, and clean up toxic pollutants that threaten our water supply. Budget cuts from $ 300 million annually to a mere $ 10 million halt all of this important work, affecting not only our waters and wildlife, but the millions of people who call this region our home.

All these projects add up to regional impact for cleaner water, healthy habitat, and vibrant communities across the eight Great Lakes states. Audubon Great Lakes urges Congress to oppose this drastic cut. Holding 20 percent of the world’s fresh water supply, the lakes provide shelter, nourishment, and rest for millions of threatened migratory birds during their long journeys. Thousands of raptors, waterfowl, and wetland birds rely on these lakes for safe nesting grounds.

Contact your senators and representative and ask them to oppose this budget proposal. Together, we can ensure that the Great Lakes continue to provide abundant clean water for the people and wildlife that depend on them. Rebeccah Sanders, vice president & executive director, Audubon Great Lakes

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