The Great Lakes Collection at Leddy Library is a print collection that contains research information on the Great Lakes and spans thousands of government documents, reports, monographs, and serials. The collection was actively developed from the 1960s until the early 2000s.Here, you will explore the wealth of information materials curated in this collection. We organize this information in several sections:
Ontario highlights
Recognizing the paramount importance of the Great Lakes to the environment, economy, and society, the Ontario government devotes resources to studying, regulating, and protecting these waters. Serving as a hub for diverse recreational activities such as fishing, swimming, and boating, the Great Lakes ecosystem is unparalleled, holding one-fifth of the world's surface freshwater. The Ontario government, through the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry and the Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks, plays a vital role in conserving and managing the Great Lakes ecosystem, ensuring its sustainability for present and future generations.This section provides a collection of reports released by the Ontario government's two ministries that have contributed to preserving the Great Lakes ecosystem. It also includes a spreadsheet listing their published titles for easy access and reference.
- Ontario Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks
The Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks is a government body in Ontario dedicated to safeguarding and enhancing the province's environment and coordinating efforts on climate change. Established in 1972, it oversees initiatives such as Ontario's Drive Clean and Clean Water Act from its headquarters in the Ontario Government Buildings. Over the years, it has undergone various mergers and name changes, reflecting evolving priorities. In 2014, climate change was added to its portfolio, leading to its renaming to the Ministry of the Environment and Climate Change. In 2018, it was renamed the Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks, emphasizing its commitment to conservation efforts.
Print copies of the Ontario Ministry of the Environment's essential research reports are located in the Leddy Library, accessible to students and researchers. The reports from the 1960s to the 1990s mainly concentrate on water and air quality and environmental monitoring, emphasizing the ministry's commitment to environmental stewardship.- Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry
The Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry oversees the sustainable management of Ontario's abundant natural resources, encompassing forests, wildlife, and vital waterways, including those within the Great Lakes region. Its origins trace back to 1920 when the Department of Lands and Forests emerged alongside establishing a separate Department of Mines, prompting a realignment of responsibilities. The ministry's mandate expanded to encompass northern affairs and mining activities through various mergers and transitions, including amalgamation with the Department of Mines and Northern Affairs in 1972. In 2014, the ministry reaffirmed its dedication by adopting the name Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry. Through these transitions, the ministry continues its mission to protect Ontario's biodiversity, including preserving the Great Lakes ecosystem.
The Leddy Library hosts print copies of research reports from the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources, offering valuable resources for students and researchers. Specifically curated within Leddy's Great Lakes Collection, reports from the 1970s to the 1990s delve into topics like water quality and fish and fisheries, reflecting the ministry's dedication to safeguarding Ontario's biodiversity. Moreover, these reports underscore the ministry's dual focus on promoting economic opportunities within the resource sector while ensuring sustainable outdoor recreation options for Ontarians.
Government agencies and organizations
Many government agencies contribute to the extensive collection of publications in Leddy Library concerning the water, land, wildlife, and communities surrounding the Great Lakes.In this section, you'll discover the list of major government departments and agencies contributing to Leddy's Great Lakes collection, along with a spreadsheet detailing their published reports.
- International Joint Commission
Canada and the United States established the International Joint Commission (IJC) in recognition of the mutual impact of each other's actions on lake and river systems along the border. The two nations collaborate to oversee these waters and safeguard them for the well-being of present and future generations.
The Boundary Waters Treaty, signed by Canada and the United States in 1909, outlines overarching principles for preventing and resolving disputes over shared waters and addressing other cross-border matters. The implementation of these principles is determined on a case-by-case basis.
The IJC reports spanning from the 1910s to the 2010s are available in paper-copy format at the Leddy Library's Great Lakes collection for researchers and students. Many of these reports delve into crucial disciplines in the Great Lakes region, such as environmental monitoring, agriculture, and a wide range of other interdisciplinary environmental studies.- Environment and Climate Change Canada
Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC), formerly known as Environment Canada (EC), is the Government of Canada's department tasked with coordinating environmental policies and programs and preserving and enhancing the natural environment and renewable resources.
The ECCC upholds its commitment to preserve and enhance the quality of the natural environment, including water, air, soil, flora, and fauna, while conserving Canada's renewable resources and protecting its water resources. Consequently, the ECCC is crucial in scientific research, governance, and implementing measures to revive and safeguard the Great Lakes.
Within Leddy's Great Lakes Collection, numerous reports from the ECCC dating from the 1960s to the 1990s primarily address water quality and water resources management. The collection also covers diverse topics, including Environmental Protection Technology, Agricultural Studies, Socioeconomic Studies, and Environmental Health Effects, reflecting the breadth of the ECCC's involvement in environmental stewardship and research over recent decades.- United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
The United States Environmental Protection Agency offers comprehensive facts and data on the Great Lakes system, covering various aspects such as environmental health issues, government funding, and partner organizations.
Under the Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement, the EPA and Canadian government have annually released the State of the Great Lakes report, reflecting on the nine indicators of ecosystem health that the two countries have established together to evaluate the condition of the Great Lakes.
The Leddy Great Lakes collection features an extensive compilation of EPA reports spanning recent decades, organized into series and categorized by specific disciplines such as Environmental Monitoring, Environmental Protection Technology, Environmental Socioeconomic Studies, Environmental Health Effects, and more.- United States Army Corps of Engineers
The United States Army Corps of Engineers traces its origins back to June 16, 1775, when the Continental Congress established an army with a chief engineer and two assistants. It later formed a separate Corps of Engineers in 1779. From their inception, politicians envisioned the Corps applying their expertise to civilian and military construction endeavours involving the construction of roads, infrastructure, and buildings. In addition, implementing the Clean Water Act allowed for the creation of jetties for flood control and aided in maintaining navigable waterways through dredging.
The nine divisions spanning the nation comprise the Great Lakes and Ohio River Divisions. The Corps plays a crucial role in the Great Lakes region by contributing to constructing lighthouses, piers, ports, and detailed maps of waterways. Its mission is to sustain a complex system of locks, ports, harbors, and navigation channels.
Leddy's Great Lakes Collection houses an array of reports generated by various divisions of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, including divisions in Buffalo, Detroit, Chicago, Ohio River, New York, Pittsburgh, and more. From the 1950s to the 1990s, these reports primarily centred on harbours, dredging, and water resources development in the Great Lakes region, covering topics such as ecology, environmental protection technology, and socioeconomic studies.- Title list: US Army Corps of Engineers (536 titles)
- United States Geological Survey (USGS)
The United States Geological Survey (USGS), originally founded as the Geological Survey in 1879, is a government agency dedicated to studying biology, geography, geology, and hydrology within the United States. Its mission encompasses examining the nation's landscape, natural resources, and potential natural hazards.
The Great Lakes Science Center (GLSC) operates within the Midcontinent Region of the USGS, encompassing the Department of the Interior (DOI) Regions 3 and 5. It serves as a hub for research focused on restoring, enhancing, managing, and safeguarding the living resources and habitats within the Great Lakes basin.
The Leddy Library's collection primarily houses Water Resources Data reports from the 1920s to the 1990s and covers regions surrounding the Great Lakes, including Ohio, Pennsylvania, and New York.- Title list: US Geological Survey (410 titles)
- United States Fish and Wildlife Service
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is the leading government agency committed to conserving, protecting, and improving the habitats of fish, wildlife, and plants. The mission of the Lower Great Lakes Fish & Wildlife Conservation Office is to conserve and revitalize robust populations of native fish and aquatic species while protecting the lakes, rivers, wetlands, and estuaries they inhabit.
Researchers focusing on Fish and Fisheries in the Great Lakes region will discover a wealth of valuable resources in our collection. The collection has many reports from the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service. These reports cover topics related to Fish and Fisheries and delve into Environmental Monitoring and Ecology.- Title list: US Fish and Wildlife Service (205 titles)
Subject
Within Leddy's vast Great Lakes collection, various resources span diverse disciplines. Beyond environmental engineering and ecology, our collection encompasses various fields like health science, agriculture, and socioeconomic studies. Moreover, substantial interdisciplinary research papers cater to researchers seeking a comprehensive understanding of the Great Lakes region from a broad and inclusive perspective.- Water and air quality
Water and air quality research are crucial for understanding and addressing environmental challenges in the Great Lakes region since they are essential for maintaining the health and sustainability of the diverse ecosystems within the Great Lakes, preserving biodiversity, and supporting ecosystem services. Poor water and air quality can pose significant risks to human health, impacting drinking water sources and recreational activities and leading to health issues such as respiratory problems. Moreover, creating pollution that goes into the water and air harms industries in the Great Lakes region, such as tourism, fishing, agriculture, and shipping, thus impacting local economies and livelihoods.
Our Great Lakes Collection contains approximately 6,125 holdings of research resources and covers an array of comprehensive issues pertaining to water and air quality in the Great Lakes region.Key resources
- Environmental monitoring
Environmental monitoring involves assessing environmental conditions and trends to understand their impact on ecosystems, public health, and economic well-being. This encompasses not only monitoring water and air quality but also biodiversity and waste management.
Our collection features a diverse range of reports from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's Environmental Monitoring Research Reporting Series, offering extensive resources from state-level organizations in the U.S. and Canada. These reports, spanning from the 1970s to the 1990s, provide comprehensive insights into environmental monitoring efforts during that period.Key resources
- Environmental protection technology
Environmental protection technology encompasses a range of methods and tools aimed at safeguarding ecosystems, reducing pollution, conserving resources, and mitigating environmental damage. In the Great Lakes region context, such technology is vital due to the ecological significance of the lakes and the challenges they face, including industrial pollution, agricultural runoff, invasive species, and climate change impacts.
Our collection provides researchers and students with insights into the evolution of such technology in recent decades. It includes state-level reports relevant to this subject from the 1960s to the 1990s in the Great Lakes region, offering a comprehensive overview of the development of environmental technology over time.Key resources
- Fish and fisheries
Fish and Fisheries, encompass the study of aquatic organisms, their habitats, behaviors, and managing fish populations. In the Great Lakes region, understanding fish and fisheries is crucial due to these freshwater bodies' economic, ecological, and cultural importance. Research in this area helps in maintaining sustainable fish populations, preserving biodiversity, managing invasive species, and ensuring the overall health of the Great Lakes ecosystem. Additionally, it supports industries such as commercial and recreational fishing, which are significant contributors to the region's economy and cultural heritage.
In Leddy's Great Lakes Collection, researchers and students can find various resources offering valuable insights into the progression of the study of fish and fisheries over recent decades. It contains state-level reports of the U.S. and Canada pertinent to this field from the 1940s to the 1990s in the Great Lakes region, providing a comprehensive understanding of its development.Key resources
- Socioeconomic studies
Environmental socioeconomic studies examine the interplay between environmental factors and economic activities, including their impact on society and human well-being. In the Great Lakes region, such research is vital for understanding the complex relationships between environmental changes, resource management, and community dynamics. It helps policymakers, stakeholders, and researchers make informed decisions regarding sustainable development, environmental protection, and social equity in the region.
Leddy's Great Lakes collection contains a range of resources on socioeconomic studies' progression. It consists of governmental reports from numerous U.S. and Canadian states bordering the Great Lakes from the 1960s to the 1990s, along with university research papers.Key resources
- Health effects
Environmental health effects studies investigate the impacts of environmental factors on human health, including air & water quality, exposure to pollutants, and ecosystem degradation. In the Great Lakes region, such research is crucial due to the significant influence of environmental conditions on public health. Understanding these effects helps to identify and mitigate health risks associated with pollution, industrial activities, and climate change so that strategies to protect human health and preserve the ecological integrity of the Great Lakes ecosystem can be developed.
Our Great Lakes collection's holdings include an extensive array of state-level resources from the U.S. and Canada from the 1970s to the 2000s, offering crucial insights for researchers studying the intersection of environmental factors and public health in the Great Lakes region.Key resources
- Agriculture
Agricultural studies examine various aspects of farming practices, including crop production, soil management, pest control, and sustainable agriculture techniques. These studies are essential in the Great Lakes region, as farms serve as the primary origin of nutrient pollution entering the lakes. Mitigating farm runoff could substantially reduce the downstream occurrences of algal blooms and dead zones. Thus, understanding agricultural practices and their impacts helps researchers address issues such as nutrient runoff, water pollution, soil erosion, and habitat loss—all of which affect the health of the Great Lakes ecosystem.
Students and researchers can explore resources tracking the evolution of agricultural studies within Leddy's Great Lakes collection. Included are governmental reports spanning the 1960s to the 1990s from various U.S. and Canadian states bordering the Great Lakes, as well as research papers produced by the region's universities.Key resources
- Ecology
Ecology studies interactions between organisms and their environments, including the distribution and abundance of species, energy flow, and ecosystem dynamics. Ecology is paramount in the Great Lakes region since more than 3,500 species of plants and animals live in the Great Lakes basin, including over 170 species of fish. Due to the region's rich biodiversity and the vital role the lakes play in supporting diverse ecosystems, understanding ecological processes in the Great Lakes region is essential for food production, maintaining clean air and water, and sustaining biodiversity all within the changing climate of the Great Lakes ecosystem.
Our collection has comprehensive research resources pertinent to ecological studies in the Great Lakes region over recent decades. These include governmental annual reports, state-level research reports on air and water pollution, and biodiversity monitoring reports by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.Key resources
- Geology
Geology studies the Earth's composition, structure, and processes, including the formation of rocks, minerals, and landforms. In the Great Lakes region, geology is crucial for understanding the geological history, landscape evolution, and geological hazards, such as erosion, landslides, & earthquakes. By studying geology, researchers can decipher the region's geological heritage, identify potential risks, and inform land use planning, infrastructure development, and environmental management strategies to ensure the resilience and sustainability of the Great Lakes region.
Leddy's Great Lakes collection holds a vast array of geological studies spanning from the 1920s to the 1990s, predominantly comprised of reports by the U.S. Geological Survey. These studies primarily focus on hydrogeology, examining water resources, groundwater movement, behavior, and quality.Key resources
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