Gov. Rick Snyder recently issued Executive Order 2017-9 which moves the Michigan Office of Great Lakes from the DEQ to the DNR. "Protection and management of the Lakes is critical to our future," said Gov. Snyder. "Moving the Office of the Great Lakes to the DNR will strengthen opportunities for improved management of the Lakes by better aligning programs and responsibilities within state government." The transfer will give the office the opportunity to work more closely with the DNR on key natural resource management topics including aquatic invasive species, fish and wildlife habitat, Great Lakes restoration, sustainable waterfront communities, and water recreation.