Lake Superior is one of the world’s largest lakes, and it is often considered the largest by surface area in North America. Located in Northern Michigan and the Upper Midwest region of the United States, it is over 31,000 square miles in area and holds approximately 925 cubic miles of freshwater. Comparatively, Lake Superior is larger than the state of South Carolina and three times the size of Lake Michigan. It is also the world’s second-largest freshwater lake after Lake Baikal in Russia.
Scientists consider Lake Superior to be a geologically young lake, which makes it unique from other large bodies of water around the world. It contains thousands of islands scattered along its northern and eastern shores, many of which are part of the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore. Lake Superior is also the coldest of the Great Lakes, and generally has a significantly lower temperature than the other Great Lakes. It has long been known for its wide variety of aquatic life, and is thought to contain over 80 species of fish.
Over the years, scientists have recognized various features of Lake Superior as having scientific and cultural importance. The lake’s size, age, and composition make it home to a number of natural wonders, many of which have ecological, archaeological, and historical significance. From pristine waterfalls to rare bird species, the lake is a repository of natural diversity. Lake Superior has also been the site of numerous shipwrecks and has been an important part of early Native American history.
Conservation of Lake Superior is an important issue, as it is under increasing pressure from human activity. Overfishing, runoff, and water pollution are some of the main threats facing the lake. Its resources are also threatened by the presence of invasive species, such as the round goby, which can have significant impacts on the lake’s native fish populations. Climate change is another major concern, as the lake’s coldwater thermocline is becoming increasingly shallow, raising the possibility of changes in its water temperature and chemistry.
A number of initiatives have been put in place to protect Lake Superior, such as the Lake Superior National Marine Conservation Area, which protects areas of the lake from mining, fishing, and other activities. Governments, NGOs, and conservationists are also working together to ensure that the lake and its resources remain healthy for years to come.
Water Quality Control
Numerous efforts are being taken to protect the water quality of Lake Superior and ensure its long-term sustainability. The Lake Superior Natural Resources Partnership is a collaborative effort aimed at restoring and protecting the lake’s environment and ensuring its water quality. It includes public, private, and tribal organizations from across the Great Lakes region, and works to develop and implement conservation projects, engage the public in awareness campaigns, and promote policies to protect the lake.
The governments of Michigan, Wisconsin, Minnesota and Ontario have also come together to form the Lake Superior Binational Forum, an effort to greatly enhance the protection of Lake Superior by creating an internationally recognized water quality agreement. This agreement creates specific, science-based standards and actions aimed at protecting the lake and its ecosystems. It also seeks to regulate activities such as forestry and mining, as well as wastewater discharge, in order to maintain water quality.
Additionally, many organizations are working to advance research and education on Lake Superior, from the Great Lakes Environmental Research Laboratory to the University of Wisconsin-Superior. These organizations work to build public understanding of the lake, develop conservation strategies, and help to influence policies that protect the lake.
Restoration and Research
Various programs and grants have been put in place to facilitate the restoration and research of Lake Superior. The Lake Superior Restoration and Research Grant, for instance, is an annual program that seeks to fund research on lake ecologies and to promote Lake Superior conservation projects. The mission of the grant is to gather up-to-date information on the lake’s environments and species, mitigate pressures on the lake’s diverse species and habitats, and develop strategies to maintain the lake’s health going forward.
The Michigan Sea Grant also works to provide quick action and long-term behavior changes in order to address and resolve issues such as shoreline erosion, over-fishing and pollution. The Lake Superior Sustainable Watershed Project focuses on the lake’s overall health by providing funding, education and outreach, and research. The group is dedicated to improving lake-wide water quality, promoting sustainable land use and development, and fostering public participation and stewardship of the lake.
There is also the Lake Superior National Estuarine Research Reserve, which was established in 2004 to facilitate research on estuarine ecosystems and promote public awareness. In order to preserve Lake Superior’s unique ecosystems, the reserve works to research and protect coastal wetlands and estuaries, and works to promote responsible recreational usage, land-use management and planning.
Tourism
Lake Superior not only provides ecological and cultural value, but it is also an integral part of the region’s economy through tourism. From campers, boaters, and hikers to vacationers, the lake has long attracted people to its shores. From Marquette to Mineral Point, Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore to Greatmac Bay Provincial Park, Lake Superior’s varying coastlines and picturesque locations draw a steady stream of visitors.
In addition to public sites, the lake is also host to numerous private campgrounds and resorts throughout the region. From lakefront cottages to luxury properties, there is a wide range of lodging options to suit any traveler. It is also possible to explore Lake Superior’s remote islands by kayak or take part in sport fishing expeditions. Additionally, many businesses in the region offer organized sightseeing and boat tours of Lake Superior.
Lake Superior is also part of popular tourist routes, such as the Minnesota-Ontario North Shore and the Great Lakes Circle Tour. These routes feature spectacular views and sites and provide a great way to explore the lake. There are also numerous festivals held throughout the region in celebration of the lake’s natural beauty and significance.
Conclusion
Lake Superior is an incredibly important natural resource that is integral to the economies, cultures, and identities of the surrounding communities. Its ecosystems, water quality, and other features are rapidly changing due to human activities and climate change, and there is an urgent need to protect it and ensure its long-term sustainability. Through collective action, increased public awareness, and science-based policies, the future of Lake Superior can be secured for generations to come.
