Obscure Websites and Protecting Great Lakes

Reporters, editors, activists and some politicians have used strong language to describe the consequences of possible spending reductions in activities funded through a $300 million federal “Great Lakes Restoration Initiative.”

The Associated Press reported that the spending “combats invasive species, curbs nutrient-fueled algae blooms, cleans up toxic messes and restores sensitive fish and wildlife habitat.”

ForTheRecord says: The Great Lakes Restoration Initiative funds hundreds of activities.

For example, in 2010, the initiative gave $440,519 to an obscure website called the Great Lakes Regional Research Information Network (GLRRIN) for “expanding Lake Michigan food web knowledge.”