|
A monthly summary of issues, activities and events at the Great Lakes Commission |
April 17, 2008 |
|
Governor-brokered deal in Wisconsin marks important breakthrough for Great Lakes Compact Gov. Doyle, however, was able to broker a deal after intense negotiations that changed some language in the state ratification bill, but left the compact language itself intact. Doyle announced that the measure would be taken up in a special session of the Wisconsin legislature soon. In an apparently collateral development, an Ohio state senator who has been leading opposition to the compact, said he would support it if the Ohio constitution can be amended to protect private property owners' groundwater rights. State Sen. Tim Grendell (also a Great Lakes Commissioner) cited the Wisconsin developments as instrumental in his change of position. If approved in Wisconsin, the compact must then be ratified by Ohio, Michigan and Pennsylvania - and ultimately Congress - to be implemented. Contact: Tim Eder, teder@glc.org, 734-971-9135.
Newly formed Great Lakes Wind Collaborative plans first annual meeting in Buffalo Presentations on the role of wind energy in meeting the Great Lakes region's energy needs of the 21st century as well as the Midwestern Governors Association's Energy Security and Climate Change Platform and its implications for wind energy in the Great Lakes region will be part of the program. Topical presentations and discussions on issues surrounding off shore wind development and environmental and wildlife impacts of wind power are also part of the two-day event. The newly formed GLWC will unveil a first year work plan and participants will be invited to provide feedback on the first year activities. Registration is now open at www.glc.org/energy/wind/conf2008; the registration deadline is Friday, April 25. The Great Lakes Commission serves as the Secretariat for the GLWC, with funding in part from the U.S. Department of Energy - National Renewal Energy Laboratory. More information on the GLWC is available at www.glc.org/energy/wind. Contact: John Hummer, jhummer@glc.org.
Congressional subcommittee to hold Green Bay hearing on Great Lakes water levels Hosting the Green Bay hearing will be subcommittee member Rep. Steven Kagen (D-WI) of Wisconsin's 8th District. Gauthier's testimony will address such issues as the International Ocean Observing System, the affect of St. Clair River outflows on upper lakes levels, the regional economic impact of low water levels, and the need for initial engineering analyses of ways to retain water in the upper lakes. Contact: Roger Gauthier, gauthier@glc.org, 734-971-9135.
Lake St. Clair conference highlights restoration and protection efforts
A portion of the conference was also dedicated to discussing key initiatives in the U.S. and Canadian sides of the watershed. The conference was sponsored by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Environment Canada, Michigan Department of Environmental Quality, Ontario Ministry of the Environment and the Great Lakes Commission. Contact: Matt Doss, mdoss@glc.org, 734-971-9135.
Plans announced for International Submerged Lands Conference in October 2008 Invited to participate are state and provincial managers, professionals and other specialists who deal with issues pertaining to management of submerged lands and adjacent uplands. Potential issues to be addressed include public trust and public access, energy facility siting, underwater preserves, submerged cultural resources, underwater habitat, water-dependent uses, waterfront development, and hazards. More information on submission of abstracts and other conference details is available at www.submergedlands2008.com. Contact: Becky Pearson, bpearson@glc.org, 734-971-9135. |
Featured project: The Michigan Clean Water Corps The Michigan Clean Water Corps (MiCorps) was created through an executive order by Governor Jennifer M. Granholm to assist the Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) in collecting and sharing water quality data for use in water resources management and protection programs. The Great Lakes Commission was selected by DEQ to assist in establishing MiCorps. The Commission is partnering with the Huron River Watershed Council and Michigan Lake and Stream Associations, Inc. to develop, implement and administer the program, under the direction of DEQ and with the advice of a steering committee. The mission of MiCorps is to network and expand volunteer water quality monitoring organizations statewide for the purpose of collecting, sharing and using reliable data; educate and inform the public about water quality issues; and foster water resources stewardship to facilitate the preservation and protection of Michigan's water resources. MiCorps builds upon existing volunteer monitoring programs established by the DEQ, including the Volunteer Stream Monitoring Grant Program and the Cooperative Lakes Monitoring Program. The program solicits, organizes and trains volunteers around the state to participate in water quality monitoring activities. The program also provides training for stream and lake monitoring; disseminates methods for accurate data collection; implements effective quality assurance practices; facilitates data reporting and information sharing online; and provides a forum for communication and support among volunteer monitoring groups in Michigan. See www.micorps.net. Contact: Matt Doss, mdoss@glc.org. |
Upcoming Events
 More events
|
|
Great Lakes Commission |