To the Expositor,
An open letter on the Upper Great Lakes Study
Dear Stakeholder,
The International Joint Commission (IJC) deeply appreciates the hospitality, participation and passion of the people who shared their perspectives on Great Lakes water levels and flows. In mid-July, the Commission held public hearings in 13 communities on Lake Superior, Lake Michigan, Lake Huron, western Lake Erie and both the Detroit River and St. Mary’s River. We heard both praise and concern regarding the report and recommendations of the International Upper Great Lakes Study (IUGLS).
At the hearings, the IJC heard perspectives from governments, First Nations and Tribes, property owners and citizens on proposed Lake Superior outflow management; an exploratory analysis on raising Lakes Michigan and Huron water levels; and the realities of living with the dynamic Great Lakes system.
Due to strong public interest, the IJC has extended the deadline for written comment until September 30, 2012. If you were not able to attend a public hearing, Commissioners will be available to listen to your comments at a public hearing by teleconference on September 19, 2012, from 7-9 p.m. You can find instructions to participate at bit.ly/iugls-hearing.
The IJC carefully considers all comments in deliberating on orders of approval, directives, and recommendations for water levels management.
The IJC encourages you to share your perspective on the study board report and recommendations at ijc.org/iuglsreport/. On the website, you will also find a presentation about the study, the record of the hearings, the final study board report, archives, and related research.
While the IUGLS was focused on water quantity, the Commission also plays a role in providing advice to the governments on water quality. And in that regard, we urge you to join the IJC and our partners in Cleveland, Ohio, for Great Lakes Week on September 10-13, 2012, to discuss the unprecedented efforts underway and opportunities to sustain North America’s Great Lakes.
We look forward to receiving your comments on water levels and working with you to sustain our shared waters.
Sincerely,
Lana Pollack
U.S. Co-Chair,
Joe Comuzzi
Canada Co-Chair,
Lyall Knott
Commissioner,
Rich Moy
Commissioner,
Dereth Glance
Commissioner
