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Lake Michigan, the second largest of the Great Lakes, is the only Great Lake entirely within the borders of the United States. Its name is derived from the Indian words "Michi-gama" meaning "large lake". And it is large. It has a surface area of 22,300 square miles, making it the largest freshwater lake in the U.S. and the 5th largest lake in the world.
Lake Michigan was formed during the last Great Ice Age as glaciers advanced across what is now called the Great Lakes Region, scouring the land. As they receded, large glacial lakes were formed. Lake Michigan has diminished from its original size over time yet its significance to both human and natural ecosystems remains strong.
About 10,000 to 14,000 years ago, at the end of the Great Ice Age, ancient peoples traveled over extinct land bridges to the Great Lakes region. These Woodland Indians depended on the vast forests of the region for their survival and engaged in various forms of agriculture. European settlers were also drawn to the shores of Lake Michigan because of its natural resources. Today Lake Michigan is home to the nation´s third-largest population center and provides drinking water for over 10 million people.
Yet Lake Michigan has experienced profound changes in its aquatic ecosystem over the last 140 years and is threatened on several fronts. One of the greatest threats is the presence of aquatic invasive species, sometimes referred to as exotics species. Once established they are nearly impossible to eliminate and often out-compete native aquatic species for food and habitat. Sediments, air, land, and water continue to be pathways of contamination that also affect the integrity of Lake Michigan´s ecosystem.
Despite these challenges, progress has been made to clean up Lake Michigan. Partnerships such as the Lake Michigan Federation , help leverage resources to address specific problems. The Lake Michigan Lakewide Management Plan or LaMP, provides an updated on the activities to improve the Lake Michigan ecosystem. These and national focus on the Great Lakes will help ensure a cleaner and safer lake for future generations.
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