Lake Michigan, the second largest Great Lake and fifth largest lake in the world (by volume), is an ecologically rich and globally significant ecosystem. Stretching over 300 miles north to south, its coastline harbors boreal forest relics and coastal fens in the north and dry sand prairies and oak savannas in the south. The dunes along the eastern shore of the lake are the largest system of freshwater dunes in the world, and the shorelines provide food and shelter for millions of migrating birds every year. In the water, the variety of nearshore habitats provide spawning or nursery grounds for many fish species, supporting important fisheries; migratory fish move between the lake and its tributaries; and in the offshore, a window of opportunity exists to restore the historic communities once found here and nowhere else in the world.
Lake Michigan and its associated biodiversity, however, are at great risk. Invasive species, climate change, water pollution, rapid and poorly planned residential and industrial growth, altered hydrology, and incompatible agriculture, forestry, and fishery practices are taking a toll on this national treasure and critical resource. With more than 10 million people living near, depending on and benefiting from a healthy Lake Michigan, there is an increased sense of urgency to address these threats. The Lake Michigan Biodiversity Conservation Strategy is a multi‐agency initiative designed to identify specific strategies and actions to protect and conserve the native biodiversity of Lake Michigan. It is the product of a two‐year planning process involving roughly 170 individuals from 79 agencies and organizations from around the lake.