The state’s Western Lake Erie Basin report lands with Holland in the crosshairs

The Michigan Departments of Agriculture and Rural Development, Environment Great Lakes and Energy, and Natural Resources released their first annual report under the updated Domestic Action Plan for Lake Erie on Tuesday. The report details progress toward cutting phosphorus runoff in the Western Lake Erie Basin by 40 percent from a 2008 baseline.

Holland sits directly on the basin. The city and surrounding Allegan County agriculture are part of the watershed that feeds the recurring toxic algal blooms in western Lake Erie.

"Meeting the challenges of phosphorus runoff in the Western Lake Erie Basin requires sustained partnerships, strong science and a commitment to action," said EGLE Director Phil Roos. "This report tracks our progress while showing how important it is to keep investing in innovative solutions that protect water quality and strengthen Michigan's environment now and for future generations."

Three state agencies align on phosphorus targets

The 2026 annual DAP report covers work completed since the agencies updated the plan in 2025. The report contains current tributary phosphorus loads, project completion status, and next steps for 2026 and beyond.

Key projects highlighted in the report include:

  • MDARD’s Healthy Soils, Healthy Waters project, a research partnership with the University of Michigan. The project has sampled 81 farm fields and 11 woodlots to establish soil health benchmarks. It will convene producer focus groups to discuss soil health assessments.
  • EGLE’s Soil Health Improvement Project (SHIP), launched in early 2025 in collaboration with the Hillsdale, Lenawee, Monroe and Washtenaw County Conservation Districts. The program provides financial and technical assistance to farmers in the basin. In its first year, SHIP enrolled 58 farmers.
  • The DNR’s Seneca State Game Area wetland, a pilot project designed to demonstrate that restoring wetlands can reduce nutrient loading. Phased construction began in 2025. A ribbon cutting ceremony is planned for fall 2026.

What the report says about Holland’s watershed

The report does not break out phosphorus data by individual municipalities. It focuses on the basin as a whole. The Western Lake Erie Basin includes parts of Allegan County, where Holland is located, along with multiple other counties in southwestern Michigan.

"MDARD and its partners are using innovative strategies and pioneering research to reduce phosphorus loads in western Lake Erie so that Michiganders can continue to fish and recreate in our treasured waterways," said MDARD Director Tim Boring. "By promoting regenerative agriculture, implementing a performance-based conservation program and expanding water quality monitoring, we're applying the best available science to protect soil health, water quality and Michigan's natural resources for future generations."

The stakes for recreation and public health

Harmful algal blooms in western Lake Erie have repeatedly disrupted recreation, fishing, and tourism in the Holland area. The blooms can affect drinking water and pose health risks to residents and visitors.

"Michigan's freshwater resources are central to our state's identity, as well as to public health, robust fish and wildlife habitat and a $15 billion outdoor recreation economy that is heavily water-based," said DNR Director Scott Bowen. "Knowing that wetlands serve as natural sponges that can aid in water filtration, it makes sense to apply this approach to help reduce nutrient loads entering Lake Erie."

The report notes that Michigan has already reduced nutrient discharges from wastewater treatment plants. The agencies say additional work is needed to curb nutrient losses from agricultural runoff and other sources.

The full annual DAP report is available on the MDARD website.