The Great Lakes Commons

Many years ago, I came across “The Tragedy of the Commons”, originally written by William Forster Lloyd. In his essay, he writes about the areas of a village whose land resources are shared by everyone in that village.  The story links what could happen when one member of that village uses more of the resources than everyone else. Today, “Commons” pertains to anything that is held in common with everyone and needed for mutual prosperity. Off of the top of my head, Education, Public Health, and the air that we breath may be examples of modern commons that, if abused, can lead to impoverishment.

It just so happens that I met Paul Baines of the Great Lakes Commons attending this year’s CommonBound2016 conference. Paul was very aware of our Lake Erie Green Water fiasco and shared what he and his organization is doing to preserve the Great Lakes Commons. What happens in Duluth Minnesota really does have a direct impact on the rest of the communities all the way to the Atlantic Ocean.

Perhaps understanding the need for guiding principles, the organization has created a Great Lakes Commons Charter Declaration.  The charter recognizes the individual and mutual actions necessary to insure the health of the Great Lakes (USA) waterways.