Strategic Use of Green Infrastructure – Making a Difference in the Great Lakes

Session: Connecting Management Needs and Science Information (1)

Danielle Green, USEPA, [email protected]

Abstract

Since the start of the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative in 2010, federal agencies and their partners have accelerated support for green infrastructure projects in Great Lakes communities to reduce untreated stormwater runoff and to improve nearshore water quality. Watershed management projects focused on stabilizing streambanks, increasing forest cover, constructing wetland meadows, and improving water quality at beaches.

In this talk we will evaluate the portfolio of GLRI investments to reduce the impacts of polluted runoff on nearshore water quality as well as methods to measure progress. In addition to lessons learned from our previously funded projects, we will discuss possible future strategic directions to increase our effectiveness in improving water quality with a focus on stormwater runoff to slow it down, soak it up, and filter pollutants.