Greater Lakes Promise

Land Conservation for Water

In an innovative project propelled by the Great Lakes Protection Fund, water nonprofit Freshwater is teaming up with several land trusts on a regional approach to improving water quality around the Great Lakes. A primary goal is to restore select croplands to perennial vegetation, which reduces runoff and erosion while trapping carbon in the soil. Results of this work include:

• Less runoff, less algal growth (up to 500 pounds less algae for every land acre protected!) 
• Protection and restoration of critical habitat.
• Allowing rain to soak in and recharge groundwater.
• Cleaner water for drinking, swimming and recreation.

Goal: Help regional land trusts achieve nutrient-reduction through land conservation in key Great Lakes watersheds.

Annual Budget: $1 million through the Great Lakes Protection Fund

Partners: Black Swamp Conservancy, Landmark Conservancy, Little Forks Conservancy, Saginaw Basin Land Conservancy, Minnesota Land Trust, The Stewardship Network!