Lake Superior
Only the biggest and the best can be called “Superior” and there is no mistaking that Lake Superior deserves its name. The largest expanse of fresh water on earth, Lake Superior covers 31,700 square miles and holds as much water as Lakes Michigan, Huron, Erie and Ontario combined, with room left over for three extra Lake Eries. It also holds many national treasures like the Apostle Islands, Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, as well as many state treasured parks and recreational areas. The pristine waters and picturesque landscapes draw tourist from all over to enjoy the many outdoor recreation and scenic opportunities.
Unlike the other Great Lakes, Lake Superior has not experienced the same level of development, urbanization and pollution. Although Lake Superior is the cleanest and most healthy of all the Great Lakes, it is still threatened by toxic pollutants that bioaccumulate in the food chain and persist in the environment. Because of Lake Superior’s relative high quality our management focus is to preserve this special resource. The approach to preserving Lake Superior is one of protection through elimination/reduction of sources of pollution by making this lake a Zero Discharge demonstration project.
Through the Binational Program, an agreement between the states bordering Lake Superior and Ontario, Canada was drawn up that protects and restores the Lake Superior Basin. This program has focused on the entire ecosystem of Lake Superior, its air, land, water, human and wildlife. One of the goals of the Binational Program is to make Lake Superior a Zero Discharge basin by eliminating pollutants from the watershed so they don’t make their way into the lake. Many communities and industries around the basin are working on ways to prevent these pollutants, particularly mercury from entering Lake Superior. For example, the City of Superior has done a great job of reducing mercury in the community through public education and recycling efforts.
"My problem lies in reconciling my gross habits with my net income."
-Errol Flynn
