From its headwaters in Minnesota to its end at Ontario’s Sault Ste. Marie, Lake Superior is the second largest freshwater lake in the world. Spanning 31,700 square miles, the Great Lake is the largest of the five Great Lakes, and is 625 miles long.
Though there is no single source of Lake Superior’s size, its boundaries are well documented. The lake borders Canadian provinces Ontario and Quebec and the American states of Michigan, Wisconsin, and Minnesota. Combining the borders of each of these areas would provide a more accurate accounting of the lake’s square miles.
Some geographers have speculated that the lake’s size is increasing due to favorable climates which have allowed for certain parts of its waters to thaw faster. Some lakebed boundaries could be changing as a result. Still, scientists suggest that the lake has not noticeably increased in size in many centuries.
Lake Superior is an important economic and tourism hub for each of the states and provinces it borders. According to the Great Lakes Commission, over 3,500 recreational facilities and businesses contribute $7 billion to the surrounding economy. The lake’s bounty of fresh water fish and its sport fishing industry are also major parts of its economy.
Yet, the lake is also essential to the region’s cultural heritage. For centuries, the Ojibwa people of the Anishinabek Nation have called for the preservation of the lake, which is a part of their cultural identity. Tourism and environmental initiatives in the region today are informed by their continuance of faith for the lake.
Above all, the lake’s importance derives from its sheer size. Preparing for emergencies such as flooding, is daunting because of its 63,000-mile coastline and its waters that extend 1,300 feet below the surface. Such massive scale speaks to the vastness of Mother Nature, and to the power of Lake Superior.
Water Pollution Initiatives
In recent years, efforts have been made to reduce water pollution in Lake Superior. The Lake Superior Initiative, a non-partisan grass roots effort, has defined the poorest health of large lakes in the United States – including Lake Superior.
The initiative’s mission is simple: to reduce the impacts of agricultural practices, farm runoff, and industrial pollution on the lake. It uses public comment and monitoring systems to ensure that local and state organizations stay up to date on the lake’s health and tackle potential pollution issues.
By taking into account red phosphorus levels, microbes, and other macroinvertibrate population metrics, the initiative can assess the lake on a regular basis. It also involves the participation of local communities and business interests in finding solutions.
For example, the Initiative provides education about the lake’s fragile plant and animal habitats and helps communities become better informed of water management and preservation practices. The Initiative also assists in the implementation of existing legislation to protect Lake Superior.
Greenhouse Gas and Carbon Impact
Lake Superior is not excluded from the impacts of climate change. The lake is one of the main sources of fresh water on the planet, and its water levels play an important role in maintaining Earth’s climate and atmospheric conditions.
Scientists predict that the lake’s ability to store carbon is being affected by rising temperatures, which could increases its acidity levels. This acidity could cause shifts in fish and other aquatic species, as well as disrupt plant growth in and around the lake.
Greenhouse gases, such as carbon dioxide and methane, are also contributing to a warmer climate. As the lake warms, there is also the potential for alien species to invade, further disrupting local populations of fish and aquatic plants.
Governments, both in the US and Canada, are creating regulations to limit the emissions of these harmful gases, but it is known that it is not enough. It is clear that global efforts must be put into place to ensure that Lake Superior remains a safe and vibrant area for hundreds of generations to come.
Tourism and Visitor Safety
Lake Superior is also a popular destination for tourists from around the world. Tourists enjoy the lake’s picturesque beaches, bountiful wildlife, and breathtaking views.
It is important for those planning a trip to Lake Superior to be aware of the potential risks of swimming and boating in the lake. The lake has its fair share of hazards, from strong winds and powerful waves to strong currents.
It is also useful to be aware of the lake’s wildlife. Lake Superior is home to a number of animals, including deer, fox, otter, and osprey. These animals can be dangerous if approached incorrectly, so it is important to treat them with respect and admiration.
Taking safety precautions is also important. Always be aware of your surroundings and the potential hazards in the area. Be sure to carry the necessary life vests and boat safety equipment, and follow all local boating laws and regulations.
Travelers should also remember to obey all park rules and regulations, as well as heed any warnings from park rangers. Following these simple guidelines is key to enjoying a safe and memorable trip to Lake Superior.
Fishing and Hunting
Fishing and hunting are popular activities on Lake Superior. The Great Lake is home to a rich variety of fish species, including walleye, yellow perch, and lake trout, as well as a variety of game animals such as squirrels, rabbits, and waterfowl.
When fishing or hunting on Lake Superior, it is important to remember that licenses are required in both the United States and Canada. It is also important to be aware of the local regulations and restrictions to ensure that the fish and wildlife populations are not over harvested or endangered.
Proper safety precautions need to be taken when boating on the lake. It is important to always wear a life jacket, and follow all of the lake’s boating regulations. In addition, it is important to be conscious of the lake’s size and power, as well as the potential hazards that can occur.
Finally, anglers and hunters should also consider practising catch and release. This helps to ensure the health of the lake’s fish and wildlife populations in the future.
Preservation and Conservation
In order to protect Lake Superior for future generations, it is important to understand the lake’s ecology and how its systems work. Too often, the lake is treated as an object to be used, rather than an ecosystem to be admired and respected.
It is important for residents of the Great Lake’s basin states and provinces to take part in conservation efforts. This can be done through efforts such as creating healthy watersheds and wetlands, as well as anglers practising catch and release, and hunters limiting the number of animals taken.
It is also important to create green spaces that can act as buffers between urban development and nature. These spaces can provide an area to help preserve the natural environment and keep it healthy.
Educating yourself and those around you on the importance of Lake Superior’s ecosystem is key to protecting it. Understanding the need for conservation and preservation will ensure that the lake is here for us and for future generations.
