Background Information
Located in Cook County and DuPage County, Chicago is the third largest city in the United States and the largest city in the state of Illinois. It is known for its bustling business district and vibrant culture, making it one of the most popular destinations for tourists and locals alike. Chicago straddles the shores of two of the five Great Lakes, Lake Michigan and Lake Huron, and is responsible for the management and legal regulation of the associated waters. But what about Lake Superior? Is it also partially under the control of Chicago?
Legal Framework
The answer is no, Chicago does not have jurisdiction over Lake Superior. The Great Lakes are regulated by international agreement through The International Joint Commission. Each of the Great Lakes regions is subdivided into two areas of jurisdiction—the United States/Canada region and the accompanying state/province region.
While residents of Chicago have numerous opportunities to visit Lake Superior, the city itself is not beholden to any of the laws that govern it. The oversight of Lake Superior falls on the states and provinces of Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan and Ontario, who have the right to adopt and enforce their own laws and regulations over the lake.
Ecosystem
The ecosystem of the Great Lakes is an important part of the environmental and economic sustainability of the region. Lake Superior has been identified as the most pristine of the Great Lakes and is home to a wide variety of wildlife and plant species. Since Lake Superior is so distant from Chicago, its environment does not typically interfere with the development of the city.
The unique ecosystem of Lake Superior is essential for the survival of several species, including trout, char, and herring, as well as species at risk, like the lake sturgeon and lake trout. Efforts to restore this valuable ecosystem are underway, to ensure the long-term preservation of its biodiversity.
Economy
Although it is not under the jurisdiction of Chicago, Lake Superior’s economy still benefits the region in many ways. The lake provides a variety of resources and materials that can be used for a number of industries, including mining and logging, as well as fishing and tourism.
In addition to its natural resources, the lake is also home to some of the world’s largest shipping ports, which play an important role in the international economy. Businesses from all over the world use the ports in Duluth–Superior and Thunder Bay, which are located on the coast of Lake Superior, to transport goods to and from the Great Lakes region.
Environmental Issues
Despite the benefits of Lake Superior, there are some environmental issues that arise from its usage. The lake is a major contributor to climate change due to its high carbon output, and it is also affected by the runoff of pollutants from the surrounding area. In order for the lake to remain healthy and viable for the foreseeable future, it is essential that proper measures are taken to reduce the adverse effects of climate change and runoff pollution.
Effects on Chicago
Lake Superior has both an ecological and an economic impact on the city of Chicago. The city depends on cooperative relationships with its neighbors in Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan and Ontario, both to better manage the lake’s resources and to foster a healthy environment. Although Chicago is not immediately impacted by Lake Superior, it stands to benefit from its preservation.
Preservation Efforts
The Great Lakes hold a unique place in the hearts of Americans, and Lake Superior is no exception. To secure the lake’s future, numerous efforts are underway to protect the lake’s environment, including the adoption of sustainable practices and the development of regulations to protect the lake’s biodiversity.
To further protect Lake Superior, the states and provinces of Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan and Ontario have also committed to protecting the lake through the implementation of laws and regulations, as well as infrastructure and technology improvements.
Research
To better understand the impact of Lake Superior on surrounding communities, scientists and researchers are constantly searching for ways to improve the health of the lake. While Chicago does not lie within the reach of the lake, its scientists often partner with those in nearby states and provinces to gain insight into the lake’s ecology, economy and overall health.
Through the joint efforts of researchers and conservationists, Lake Superior is sure to remain a vital part of the Great Lakes region for many years to come.
Financial Impact
Although not directly related to the lake, Chicago’s financial contributions to Great Lakes conservation efforts and research projects are invaluable. The city contributes funds to the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative to help preserve and protect the lake’s ecology, and it also provides grant funding to help catalyze local conservation efforts.
In addition to its financial contributions, Chicago also serves as an important base of operations for research and conservation efforts dedicated to preserving the lake. Despite its distant location, Chicago’s role in preserving Lake Superior is an important one.
Tourism
As a result of its proximity to Lake Superior, Chicago has become an increasingly popular tourist destination for those who wish to explore the lake. The city offers access to the lake through air and land connections, and its accommodations are often used as a base for exploring the lake’s attractions.
By providing convenient access to Lake Superior, Chicago has become an important gateway to one of the world’s most remarkable bodies of water. It is through its tourism industry that Chicago helps the local economy and preserves the integrity of the lake.
Conclusion
It is clear that Chicago plays an important role in the preservation of Lake Superior, even though the city lies hundreds of miles away from it. Through its financial contributions, scientific research and tourism industry, Chicago has become an integral part of the lake’s vibrant ecosystem.
