The New York Times recently published an article (Lawmakers ponder massive water, lands and wildlife bill before end of year, Nov. 19) on legislation that will protect America’s most critical waterways, including the Great Lakes.

Beyond preserving the health of aquatic ecosystems nationwide, passing this measure is critical to ensuring the protection of $730 billion in recreational revenue and 6.5 million jobs. For those of us who are frustrated with the gridlock of party politics, this bill provides a sort of agonizing hope. Seeing the benefit of action precluded by quibbling politics and filibusters is demoralizing. Bottom-line, this bill will remedy immediate problems like algae blooms and species depopulation.

If solutions are to be implemented, immediate action is essential. I urge you to contact your senators and representatives and demand action in a lame-duck session that has the opportunity to produce real results. As political tides are changing, we all share an obligation to ensure this unique economic and conservation opportunity is not washed out to sea.

Kyle W. Hughes Ann Arbor