Alliance for the Great Lakes serves as the voice of the 40 million people who rely on Great Lakes water for drinking, recreation and commerce. Formed in 1970, it is the oldest independent Great Lakes protection organization in North America. Its mission is to conserve and restore the world's largest freshwater resource using policy, education and local efforts, ensuring a healthy Great Lakes and clean water for generations of people and wildlife. Its headquarters are in Chicago, with offices in Buffalo, Cleveland , Detroit, Grand Haven, and Milwaukee.