Resolution: Great Lakes-St. Lawrence System Atlas
Adopted on October 16, 2000

Whereas, the U.S. EPA and Environment Canada have published the highly popular Environmental Atlas and Resource Book focusing on the Great Lakes; and

Whereas, hard copy and electronic versions of this atlas have had demonstrated benefits for the research, policy and management communities as well as for the general public; and

Whereas, there exists substantial interest in updating and expanding the atlas to include (among others) the use of GIS; economic, social and environmental indicators; and a focus on the St. Lawrence River; and

Whereas, the Great Lakes Commission assisted in the development of the current atlas; is currently developing a Lake Michigan Atlas; and has the mandate, data and information, and technical expertise available to contribute to a prospective Great Lakes-St. Lawrence Atlas.

Therefore, Be it Resolved, that the Great Lakes Commission endorses the development of a new Great Lakes-St. Lawrence Atlas (in hard copy, electronic format and a French version) that incorporates the latest available data, information and electronic technology in the interest of providing a management and information/education resource, including environmental, economic and social areas; and

Be It Finally Resolved, that the Great Lakes Commission will approach U.S. EPA, Environment Canada, interested states and provinces and other prospective parties in the interest of developing a proposal and securing the support and funding required for such an initiative.

Adopted by the unanimous action of the eight member states of the Great Lakes Commission at the 2000 Annual Meeting, Hamilton, Ontario, October 16, 2000.