The Little River Band established its Great Lakes Policy Program in 2020, with the Great Lakes Policy Specialist representing the tribe in the planning processes for both Lake Michigan and Lake Huron.
The Great Lakes Policy Specialist serves on the Lake Michigan and Lake Huron Lakewide Action and Management Plan (LAMP) committees, attends LAMP meetings, and provides tribal input on relevant documents and policies related to the Great Lakes. This program also assists in drafting comment letters addressing environmental issues that affect the Great Lakes region and participates in projects associated with the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative (GLRI) planning efforts and action plans.
Additionally, the program represents the department in meetings with other tribes, external agencies, working groups, committees, and watersheds. It also participates in community programs and educational services offered by the department.
Enbridge Line 5
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) released a Draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) in May 2025 and a Supplemental Draft EIS in November 2025 for the Enbridge Line 5 Tunnel Project. This project proposes the construction of a tunnel under the Straits of Mackinac to replace a section of the existing pipeline.
Key issues addressed in the EIS include potential impacts on wetlands, wildlife, cultural resources, and climate. The Corps is working toward a final decision regarding permitting, taking into account public input and federal energy emergency procedures.
Helpful links:
For general information about Line 5: https://www.oilandwaterdontmix.org/problem
The DEIS is published on the Line 5 Tunnel Project website at: https://www.line5tunneleis.com/draft-eis/.
Lake Michigan and Lake Huron LAMPs and Associated Reports
Under the Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement (GLWQA), the governments of Canada and the United States have committed to restoring and maintaining the physical, biological, and chemical integrity of the Great Lakes' waters.
The Lakewide Action and Management Plans (LAMPs) are action plans for restoring and protecting the Great Lakes ecosystem.
Helpful links:
Website to view these reports for Lake Michigan: https://www.epa.gov/greatlakes/lake-michigan-lamps-and-associated-reports
Website to view these reports for Lake Huron: https://www.epa.gov/greatlakes/lake-huron-lamps-and-associated-reports
Muskegon Lake AOC - Delisted
Partners completed seven habitat restoration projects in the AOC, restoring approximately 134 acres of habitat and over 6,000 linear feet of shoreline. These restored areas include nearly 100 acres of open water and emergent wetlands, as well as aquatic fish habitat and upland habitat for native plants. Additionally, project partners removed over 110,000 tons of logging-era sawmill debris from the lake, restoring benthic habitat for bottom-dwelling invertebrates and open-water habitat for fish and wildlife populations. These projects, which cost a total of $22.9 million, have helped create a healthier and more vibrant lake ecosystem that can successfully support native fish and wildlife populations. They will also add significant socioeconomic value to the surrounding communities.
Helpful links:
News Release: https://www.epa.gov/newsreleases/epa-egle-and-partners-celebrate-removal-muskegon-lake-list-most-environmentally
Back from the Brink Film shared by Muskegon Lake Watershed Partnership: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n7HCN0RQK-w
Consumers Energy to Sell 13 Michigan Hydroelectric Dams
Consumers Energy announced it has signed a purchase agreement to sell its 13 hydroelectric dams along five Michigan rivers to Confluence Hydro, an affiliate of Hull Street Energy, LLC.
Helpful Links:
General information: https://www.consumersenergy.com/about-us/electric-generation/renewables/hydroelectric/hydro-future
The information above is provided by THE LINE 5 TUNNEL ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STATEMENT WEBSITE, EPA.GOV, and CMS ENERGY.
Contact
Alycia Peterson
Little River Band of Ottawa Indians - Natural Resources Department
Phone:
231-398-2192
Email:
Alyciapeterson@lrboi-nsn.gov
Office location:
310 9th Street, Manistee, MI 49660
Mailing Address:
2608 Government Center Drive, Manistee, MI 49660