Waterkeepers have arisen in communities around the world as grassroots advocates for clean water and conservation of water resources. Usually these groups act as advocates outside of the government structures; however, the Buffalo Niagara Riverkeeper has moved from campaigning for cleanup, to leading the job itself.

When compared to the size and wonder of the Great Lakes, New York State’s Finger Lakes can sometimes seem overshadowed. These glacially formed lakes in central New York, however, play an integral role in the Lake Ontario watershed. Understanding this interconnectedness, groups like the Cayuga Lake Watershed Network are working to identify the key threats to the health of the Finger Lakes and advocating for solutions that foster vibrant communities and a healthy environment across the lakes.

The Environmental Association for Great Lakes Education (EAGLE) was forced to close its doors earlier this year as the recession rippled across the non-profit world.

The Montreal Economic Institute announced a plan to divert the spring runoff of three Northern Quebec Rivers down to the St. Lawrence River. According to the proposal, the plan would make 70 million cubic meters of freshwater newly available, provide 14 terawatt-hours of energy each year through hydroelectric generation, and generate $7.5 billion to $20 billion of revenue from water sales annually and another $2.3 billion of revenue annually from energy sales.

Fixing the regions wasteful water practices is the target of a new three-year campaign by Great Lakes United. Building on the gains of the Great Lakes Compact - which stopped the threat of long-range diversions - the initiative looks to put our own house’s plumbing in order.

At community meetings across the region, representatives of the EPA explained how funds from the $475 million will be distributed.