Michigan the Beautiful: Developing strategies to conserve, connect, and restore 30% of Michigan's Great Lakes by 2030

The Michigan the Beautiful ( MtB ) initiative, led by the state of Michigan, aligns with the United Nations' goal of protecting 30% of land and water by 2030. This paper analyzes this initiative by addressing three questions: How could and should the 30 by 30 ( 30 × 30 ) goal apply to Michigan's Great Lakes coastal and open waters? What percentage of Michigan's waters are already protected? What policies, programs, and resources would be most effective to increase this protection to 30%? To answer these questions, the research team interviewed 48 experts, facilitated three focus groups, and utilized GIS. Results indicate that approximately 23% of Michigan's Great Lakes currently fall within protected area designations, although the level of protection and enforcement is highly variable. To increase this percentage to 30% and enhance existing protections, three core implementation strategies emerged: Facilitating education and engagement, enhancing coastal management, and increasing protections. Across these strategies, seven key recommendations arose. Utilizing the Great Lakes as a central messaging strategy for MtB, in part by establishing a Great Lakes Bottomland State Park and education center, would significantly bolster engagement opportunities. Strengthening regional planning organizations, implementing a “Great Lakes Forever” pledge, and advancing policies and programs to protect coastlines would significantly enhance coastal management. Bolstering and expanding the Michigan Underwater Preserve System while prioritizing stewardship of Manoomin (wild rice) would increase protections for Great Lakes open waters. Michigan has strong potential for leadership by implementing these recommendations for implementing MtB .