On Earth Day 2004, Wisconsin Governor Jim Doyle directed the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources to establish an Office of the Great Lakes (OGL). The OGL implements a comprehensive program to protect Lake Michigan and Lake Superior, identify problems and solutions, and serve as a contact point for the Great Lakes community.

The OGL is focused on the restoration and protection priorities identified by the Council of Great Lakes Governors. These priority issues are: water use and transfer of water out of the basin; exotic species introductions through ballast water; contaminated sediment sites; nonpoint source pollution impacts; beach safety; habitat and species restoration; perisitent bio-acculumative toxins; sustainable development; and indicators and information.

To find out more about the Council of Great Lake Governors priorities and exciting collaborative Great Lakes projects, read "Wisconsin's Great Lakes Strategy: Restoring and Protecting Our Great Lakes" and the Wisconsin Natural Resources magazine supplement "The Spirit of Collaboration."

Visit the OGL website to learn more about Great Lakes issues, events, our annual photo contest and writing submissions, and for links to educational materials and websites.

Related Organizations Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources   Madison, WI 53707-7921 The Department of Natural Resources is responsible for implementing the laws of the state and, where applicable, the laws of the federal government that protect and enhance the natural resources of our state.