The Great Lakes are an integral part of our lives. For generations, people have enjoyed fishing for walleye on Lake Erie, swimming in the clear blue waters of Lake Michigan, and camping in the wilderness that surrounds Lake Superior.

But the Great Lakes are breaking down due to the cumulative impacts of invasive species, sewage contamination, the destruction of wetlands and other critical habitat, and other threats. The proof can be seen in closed beaches, fouled drinking water, fish consumption advisories, and shrinking populations of sport fish.

Comprehensive action is needed now to reverse the breakdown, because the longer we wait to restore the lakes, the problems get worse and more costly.

Luckily, there are solutions. The Great Lakes Regional Collaboration (GLRC) Strategy is a comprehensive plan to help restore the Great Lakes. The plan would modernize sewage treatment, clean-up polluted harbors, restore wetlands, and prevent unwanted, new species from invading the lakes. Each of these steps is essential if we are to restore the lakes and safeguard our Great Lakes way of life.

Support Great Lakes Restoration! Urge the presidential candidates to commit to the funding recommendations of the Great Lakes Regional Collaboration Strategy. Travel to the Healthy Lakes, Healthy Lives Web site and sign the petition.