Geographical Overview And Location
Lake Superior is the largest of the five Great Lakes with a surface area of 82,414 km2, roughly the size of Austria. Just to the northwest of the lake lies the city of Minneapolis, Minnesota. To reach Lake Superior one needs to drive 310 miles to the north of Minneapolis, heading along the I-35 route. The lake itself is located along the border of the United States and Canada and forms part of an important natural gateway between the two countries. It is also the deepest of all the Great Lakes, with a maximum depth of 406 m.
To the north, Lake Superior is bordered by Ontario, Canada and to the south, Wisconsin and Michigan to the east. Its shoreline outstretches over 2500 km, winding along remote wilderness and rugged cliff faces. The lake is an important resource for the states and countries of which it borders and provides valuable hydroelectricity, tourism and fishing as part of the economically important Great Lakes region.
History Of The Lake And Area
The history of the lake extends back thousands of years when indigenous populations used the area for fishing and trading. In the late 1600s, the fur trade with Europe was key in driving the economy of the region and many of the trading posts and forts were developed around the lake. During the War of 1812, much of the north-eastern area of the lake was disputed territory and saw some of the heaviest fighting and strategic manoeuvring during the conflict.
The late 19th century saw the growth of railways and transport routes develop further and the last few decades have seen the growth of wilderness tourism and corporate fishing cartels along the shoreline, particularly in Minnesota and Canada.
Environmental Considerations
Lake Superior’s environment is a topic of ongoing discussion and debate. Many of the lakes are now heavily polluted and suffer from high levels of nutrient run-off and eutrophication. Whilst fishing and tourism are still key industries in the region, the lack of adequate waste management has threatened local fish populations. Contaminants such as lead, mercury and PCBs are present in fish from the lake and water samples from the shoreline may contain various pathogens and parasites. In response, both the US and Canadian governments have been implementing various policies to limit the pollution reaching the lake and ensure that fishing levels remain sustainable.
Travel and Tourism
The lake itself and its surrounding shoreline offer numerous points of interest for visitors, many of which are accessible from Minneapolis. The North Shore of Minnesota is renowned for its stunning views and excellent hiking trails and is easily reached via the I-35. Popular destinations that lie further east, such as Isle Royale National Park in Michigan, require several hours of travelling time. Duluth, Minnesota, near the western tip of the lake is a hub of culture and attracts locals and visitors alike. Visitors planning a trip can find useful information online and access to a variety of wilderness cabins and lodgings that can suit different budgets.
Conclusion
Lake Superior is an important part of the Great Lakes region of the US and Canada, both from an economic and environmental perspective. As a source of hydroelectricity, fishing and mineral extraction, it has been heavily exploited by humans for centuries. In spite of this, the lake and its surrounding shores offer unparalleled beauty, particularly along the exposure of the North Shore in Minnesota. Minneapolis lies roughly 310 miles to the South of the lake, offering a starting point for exploring this majestic region.
Native Ecosystems and Species
The lake features a variety of native species and ecosystems both in the water and around the coastline. Commonly seen creatures such as loons, ospreys and bald eagles are frequently spotted while animals such as beavers, otters, black bears and moose populate the rivers and wetlands. The lake also contains its own unique fish species such as cisco, trout, whitefish and lake sturgeon and invertebrates such as lake freshwater snails, lake leeches, mayflies, stoneflies and midges are found around the lake’s coast.
In addition, there are a number of terrestrial species native to the surrounding area including Canadian lynx, timber wolves, coyotes and red foxes. Lake Superior has a range of aquatic habitats and includes a deep coldwater habitat and a shallow warmwater habitat making it a hub of aquatic life.
Environmental Challenges
Though the lake has not suffered the same effects of population and development growth as more densely populated areas, it still faces significant environmental challenges. This includes water quality issues and the presence of invasive species such as the zebra mussel, which feed off of important food sources. Additionally, climate change has impacted the lake’s temperature, which can lead to an increase of algae and aquatic plants, causing oxygen levels to drop. Changes in temperature can also lead to an increase of algal blooms, which can create a harmful environment for aquatic life.
In order to counteract this, governments in Canada and the United States are taking steps to reduce nutrient run-off from agricultural and industrial sources. Additionally, organizations such as the Lake Superior Sustainable Fisheries Task Force is also helping to promote sustainable fishing in the region and aid in the conservation of the lake’s ecosystems.
Fishing Industry
Fishing is an important part of many people’s lives and livelihoods around Lake Superior. The lake is home to a variety of fish species, including lake trout, steelhead trout, chinook salmon, coho salmon and whitefish. Sport fishermen are also present, as well as commercial fishing companies that deliver fish to local markets, making it an important part of the economy in the region.
The lake has seen a decrease in fish stocks over time due to overfishing, habitat loss, pollution and the introduction of invasive species. As a result, the fishing industry has been regulated to protect the lake’s fish populations, preventing further damage to already vulnerable species.
Conservation Efforts
Conservation efforts around Lake Superior are ongoing and involve both governments and organizations. The Lake Superior National Estuarine Research Reserve is a Canadian-based program that focuses on research and monitoring of the lake, while the Great Lakes Commission works to promote lake conservation in an international context. In addition, individual states such as Minnesota have set up their own programs such as the Lake Superior Fishery Program, dedicated to controlling pollution, reducing non-native species and restoring fish habitat.
Organizations such as the Nature Conservancy are also actively engaged in protecting the lake’s ecosystems, particularly its shoreline, in the face of development pressure. In the face of climate change, these efforts become increasingly important in preserving the lake’s biodiversity and protecting its inhabitants.
