Introduction
Lake Superior and Lake Huron are two of the five Great Lakes of North America. They join together in the narrow straits of Mackinac and form Michigan’s Upper and Lower Peninsulas. These two lakes are bordered by two states: Michigan, which borders the entire Michigan side of both lakes, and the United States of America. Both of these states have been shaped by their close proximity to the two lakes and the unique cultures and landscapes that surround them. In this article, we will be exploring the states that border Lake Superior and Lake Huron and how they influence each other.
Michigan
Michigan is the only state to border both Lake Superior and Lake Huron and is the only state touching their full lengths. Michigan is an incredible state with a plethora of scenic views and cultural activities. In the north, visitors can find the shorelines of Lake Superior and the endless possibilities of aquatic activities, including fishing, swimming, and boat tours. Lake Superior also provides Michigan with a major port city called Sault Ste. Marie. This port city is the major hub for air, road, and water transportation in the Upper Peninsula.
The shores of Lake Huron, on the other hand, offer beach bums the opportunity to bask in the sun and partake in various water activities, such as fishing, boating, and more. Also, cities like Mackinaw City, Alpena, and Traverse City offer visitors a chance to explore history and culture.
Overall, Michigan is home to a variety of parks, cultural sites, and expeditionary possibilities. Michigan is also home to the state capital, Lansing, and some of the nation’s top universities including the University of Michigan and Michigan State University.
United States of America
The United States of America has the honor of being able to border Lake Superior and Lake Huron simultaneously. It is the only nation to do so. The state of Minnesota lies on the northern side of Lake Superior and the state of Wisconsin lies on the southern side of Lake Huron.
Minnesota is the land of 10,000 lakes, making it a prime destination for travelers in search of picturesque lakeside views. Minnesota is also home to the popular Twin Cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul and numerous state parks, natural areas, and other attractions. Additionally, in the western portion of the state, visitors will find North Shore Minnesota which is a destination destination for camping, hiking, biking, and lake fishing.
Wisconsin, on the other hand, is situated on the southern edge of Lake Huron and is known as America’s Dairyland. It offers visitors a plethora of exploration opportunities including its captivating cities, such as Milwaukee, Madison, and Green Bay. Wisconsin is also home to numerous popular attractions and multiple national and state parks.
Effects and Impacts
Both Michigan and the United States of America have been heavily influenced by their proximity to Lakes Superior and Huron. Both states have experienced vast economic growth and development thanks to the fresh water from the two great lakes. In Michigan, companies have had the opportunity to use this water for manufacturing and shipping purposes while also providing residents with an abundant supply of clean drinking water. Meanwhile, the states bordering the two lakes have benefited greatly from the tourism industry thanks to the lakes’ abundance of culture, activities and natural beauty.
Furthermore, the land around the two lakes provides researchers with potential research opportunities and insights on the habitats and the wildlife that exist in the region. As a result, conservation efforts have been initiated to protect the region and promote sustainable resource management.
Concerns and Challenges
While Lakes Superior and Huron are highly valuable resources for both Michigan and the United States of America, there have been some serious concerns that have arisen from their proximity. One of the threats that has been posed by the two lakes is the prevalence of climate change. With the rise of global temperatures, Lakes Superior and Huron have seen an increase in temperature, leading to more evaporation, which in turn has caused a decrease in the water levels of the two lakes. This has caused some damage to the sensitive ecosystems around the lakes and has also led to concerns about water availability in the future.
Additionally, with increased population and development in the two states around the lakes, pollution has become a major issue that is difficult to control. This has led to issues such as algal blooms and beach closures. To address this problem, Michigan and the other states around the Great Lakes have initiated various strategies to combat pollution and minimize its effects on the two lakes.
Future Outlook
Despite the current challenges, both Michigan and the United States of America are committed to working together to ensure the long-term sustainability of the two great lakes. The Great Lakes Commission, established in 1998, is an organization made up of the eight US states and two Canadian provinces that borders the great lakes. The organization’s main objective is to ensure the sustainable management of the Great Lakes for future generations.
Furthermore, both Michigan and the United States of America have established programs and initiatives to benefit from the economic opportunities that have been made possible by the two lakes. In Michigan, for example, the Michigan Economic Development Corporation has provided numerous grants and resources to help businesses take advantage of the vast economic opportunities that have been presented by lakes Superior and Huron. On a national level, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has implemented several regulations and policies to promote the sustainability of the two lakes and protect its fragile ecosystems.
Environmental Protection
To ensure the long-term sustainability of the two lakes, both Michigan and the United States of America have taken several steps to promote environmental protection. The Great Lakes Commission has created a collective monitoring system to track water quality and chemical levels present in Lakes Superior and Huron. Furthermore, Michigan and the other states around the Great Lakes have gone one step further by implementing numerous regulations that limit pollution and chemical runoff.
For example, in Michigan, the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality (MDEQ) has created strict regulations on phosphorus and nitrogen runoff, which are two of the leading contributors to algal blooms in both lakes. The MDEQ has also created regulations and programs to promote the conservation of wetlands and aquatic habitats. Furthermore, Michigan has implemented the Michigan Clean Water Action Plan, which seeks to protect and restore the waters of the Great Lakes by focusing on issues such as water pollution and climate change.
Economic Benefits
Michigan and the United States of America have both benefited economically thanks to their proximity to Lakes Superior and Huron. In Michigan, the state has used the Great Lakes to its advantage to attract businesses. This has led to the development of several major ports and shipping centers. These include the Port of Lansing and the Port of Muskegon.
At the same time, the Great Lakes ports have contributed to the creation of thousands of jobs in Michigan. These jobs have greatly benefited local economies throughout the state and have helped to create a vibrant and dynamic Michigan economy. Additionally, many of Michigan’s major universities and research centers are also located on the Great Lakes, offering students and faculty numerous opportunities for research and exploration.
Furthermore, the economic benefits of the Great Lakes have been felt beyond Michigan. The United States of America, in particular, has benefited greatly from the trade and commerce that takes place at the Great Lakes ports. In total, the Great Lakes ports handle almost a billion dollars of trade each year and are responsible for the creation of thousands of jobs throughout the country.
Conclusion
Lakes Superior and Huron are two of the five great lakes that connect both Michigan and the United States of America. The states that border the two lakes have been greatly shaped by their close proximity to the two lakes and the unique cultures and landscapes that surround them, as well as the economic and environmental benefits they provide.
Due to the challenges that have arisen from their proximity to the two lakes, both Michigan and the United States of America have implemented numerous strategies to promote sustainability and ensure the long-term health of Lakes Superior and Huron. These strategies include the implementation of various regulations for controlling pollution and chemical runoff, as well as initiatives to benefit from the economic opportunities made possible by the two great lakes. In the end, both Michigan and the United States of America are committed to working together to preserve and protect the future of Lakes Superior and Huron.
