News and Updates

Great Lakes Restoration Initiative Emerald Shiner Fish Passage Project

The US Army Corps of Engineers builds a 700-foot-long fish passage at the City of Buffalo’s Freedom Park on Unity Island to support Emerald Shiner fish.

October 16, 2024

EPA Announces $4 Million Funding Opportunity for Phosphorus Reduction Efforts in Western Lake Erie Basin

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has announced the availability of $4 million in Great Lakes Restoration Initiative funding to support phosphorus reduction efforts in the western Lake Erie basin through farmer outreach and technical assistance. Applications will be accepted until November 22, 2024.

September 27, 2024

NOAA’s Great Lakes Bay Watershed Education and Training Program Announces 2024 Awards

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration awarded $652,117 in Great Lakes Restoration Initiative funding for seven projects that will engage K-12 students in meaningful watershed education experiences under the Great Lakes Bay Watershed Education and Training (B-WET) program

September 20, 2024

$4.2 Million Recommended for Great Lakes Habitat Restoration

Funding for three ongoing cooperative agreements will support habitat restoration efforts that strengthen Great Lakes fisheries, ecosystems, and communities.

September 18, 2024

Major Strides in Maumee AOC Restoration as 17 GLRI-Funded Projects Advance

The EPA Great Lakes National Program Office (GLNPO) celebrates significant progress in the Maumee Area of Concern (AOC) through the implementation of 17 habitat restoration projects

September 9, 2024

$12 Million Available for Great Lakes Habitat Restoration

NOAA is seeking proposals for new grant awards that will restore habitat for Great Lakes fisheries, helping to support local ecosystems and communities.

September 5, 2024

EPA Will Soon Announce New Great Lakes Restoration Initiative Funding Opportunity

EPA expects to announce a new, competitive funding opportunity within the next month under the GLRI. The opportunity will be for up to $4 million to support phosphorus reduction efforts in the western Lake Erie basin through farmer outreach and technical assistance. This preliminary announcement is intended to alert potential applicants of this upcoming funding opportunity. Once the full funding opportunity is formally announced by EPA, applicants are expected have between 45 to 60 days to apply.

September 4, 2024

Significant Restoration Milestones reached in Buffalo Outer Harbor Slip #3

The US Army Corps of Engineers, EPA, NYS Department of Environmental Conservation, and local partners have reached a significant milestone by beginning the construction of a multi-year coastal wetland habitat restoration project in the Buffalo Outer Harbor Slip #3. The project uses clean sediment dredged from the navigation channel to create wetland habitat that will benefit native plants, fish, and birds and the local community.

August 30, 2024

Forest Service Grant Supports Invasive Species Control In the Saginaw Bay Watershed

With Great Lakes Restoration Initiative funding provided by the USDA Forest Service, Saginaw Bay Cooperative Invasive Species Management Area established a two-person strike team to monitor and prioritize invasive plant species including phragmites, European frog-bit, and Japanese knotweed. The strike team monitored over 700 acres for invasive plants and treated over 250 acres to control phragmites, Japanese knotweed and European frog-bit population and spread.

August 28, 2024

Utilizing Abandoned Canal Infrastructure to Create Innovative Water Quality Solutions in the Finger Lakes, NY

The Great Lakes Restoration Initiative (GLRI) is supporting innovative projects in the Finger Lakes region of New York that are increasing aquatic habitat connectivity and helping to improve water quality in Seneca Lake by reducing excess phosphorus pollution.

August 27, 2024