The Experimental Lakes Area (ELA) is an organization to get behind.
The ELA is facing some challenges, slated for closing this month, March 2013. Many organizations and communities are asking the government to reconsider this closing.
"Since 1968, the ELA, located near Vermilion Bay, has conducted research
that has identified environmental problems, provided solutions and
guided policy. Researchers at the ELA conducted groundbreaking research
on algae blooms and acid rain. Some areas of current research include
freshwater aquaculture, endocrine disrupters and mercury levels in fish."
Source: The Chronicle Journal