What is the primary environmental concern for Michigan's lakes and rivers?

The primary environmental concern for Michigan's lakes and rivers is pollution and invasive species. Michigan is home to a vast network of freshwater resources, including over 11,000 inland lakes and more than 36,000 miles of rivers and streams. This rich aquatic ecosystem faces significant threats primarily from pollution, which can come from agricultural runoff, industrial discharge, and urban stormwater. These pollutants can harm aquatic life, disrupt ecosystems, and lower water quality, making it unsafe for recreation and drinking.

Invasive species also pose a critical threat to Michigan's waters. Species such as the zebra mussel and the Asian carp can outcompete native species for resources, drastically altering the ecological balance. These invasive species can also cause economic impacts, including damage to infrastructure and increased costs for managing water quality.

While other concerns like excessive fishing, overdevelopment, and water scarcity can impact Michigan's water resources, they do not pose the immediate and widespread risks to aquatic ecosystems that pollution and invasive species do. Thus, the combination of these two factors makes pollution and invasive species the primary environmental concern for Michigan's lakes and rivers.