Life around Lake Superior is the epitome of symbiosis. We constantly discover divergent and seemingly disinterested entities relying upon the lake as a dominant contributor to their success. In many instances, they've been blind to the lake's contribution.

Throughout history, the main reason that our regional resources have been desirable to the rest of the world has been because the lake makes them affordable. Although the iron ore that exists in Minnesota and Michigan could be transported anywhere by many means, it is the lake that provides the most economical and environmentally safe method. So too, timber, fish, grain, coal and manufactured products of the region use the lake as their primary mode of transportation.

For many of these products, the lake is the silent partner in the scheme of things. It is a fact that the lake has meant the survival of many communities. Yet, we constantly hear of people who have no concept of the role that the lake plays in their lives. They appreciate its beauty, the fury of its storms, the winter blows that develop and the summer air conditioning it brings. But make a difference in their style of living? No clue!

The days of the obvious shipping presence have been slowly slipping away on Lake Superior. As ever-larger vessels haul more goods, the need for large fleets has diminished. Fewer folks work on the lake, and the communities of support have slowly been absorbed into more diverse undertakings. Some might perceive that the lake plays less of a role in their lives these days. We seek to help people understand just how important this lake really is.

One has only to turn around to find the lake's influence. Foreign and domestic ships have workers aboard and need fuels and food to keep running. Subindustries of chandlery - service vessels and grocery interests - still occupy the port communities. Repair services, stevedoring and dock facilities, railroads, government, home buyers, schools, churches - the whole community - stand behind that ship coming in over the horizon. And whether the numbers of vessels have diminished or not, the volume of goods being transported has grown. The support communities are still strong and still in place. Add new water-related industries, which are getting stronger ? tourism, fishing, diving, boating, kayaking, environmental protection. We find a definite lake influence everywhere.

Our State of the Lake Report (page 18) and the following article on Minnesota's Iron Range (page 29) fall into the category of turning around and seeing the lake's influence on our lives. If there's one thing we all need to realize, it's just how deep that influence goes. Chances are, it reaches to places we never even imagined.

Paul L. Hayden
Editor

Address e-mail to plh@lakesuperior.com