The American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA) supports legislation that provides resources and funding to protect and restore critical water systems, while also addressing climate change impacts, biodiversity, and environmental justice.
The Great Lakes are the largest system of freshwater lakes in the world and span over 750 miles. These critical waters provide significant environmental, economic, and social value nationwide including drinking water, transportation, power, recreation opportunities, habitat, and more. Lakes include Superior, Michigan, Huron, Erie, and Ontario, along with their connecting waterways.
The Great Lakes Restoration Initiative (GLRI) — a federal collaborative effort between the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and 15 other federal agencies — aims to restore and protect the Great Lakes region. Established in 2010, GLRI is the largest investment in the Great Lakes in two decades. GLRI has funded thousands of projects to improve water quality, ecological and public health, economic vitality, and recreational opportunities. Key objectives include cleaning up areas of concern, combatting invasive species, reducing pollution, restoring habitat, and community engagement.
GLRI is set to expire at the end of Fiscal Year 2026. Ongoing challenges such as climate and biodiversity crises require continued and increased investments to support the Great Lakes and its critical water system.
Landscape architects manage water infrastructure affecting the Great Lakes region by designing and implementing nature-based solutions, participating in community engagement, and supporting climate adaptation and biodiversity efforts.
In January 2025, Members of the Great Lakes Task Force — Senators Gary Peters (MI) and Elissa Slotkin (MI) and Representatives David Joyce (OH), Marcy Kaptur (OH), Bill Huizenga (MI), and Debbie Dingell (MI) — reintroduced S. 528/H.R. 284, the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative (GLRI) Act. This measure would extend funding for GLRI for another five years (2026–2031) and increase annual funding from $475M to $500M.