Great Lakes Water Levels Meeting In Superior August 9

The International Upper Great Lakes Study will hold a public meeting in Superior this month about its most recent project: examining Great Lakes water levels.

The meeting, planned for Tues., Aug. 9 from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the University of Wisconsin - Superior's Yellowjacket Union (1605 Catlin Avenue), will include presentations and opportunities for public comment.

Those who attend the meeting will have an opportunity to hear from those who were involved in the water level study, as well as from researchers about preliminary findings and potential regulation plans. Part of the discussion will focus on a progress report (downloadable) that touches on Lake Superior outflow regulation at Sault Ste. Marie, monitoring of Great Lakes levels, considering how to restore Lake Michigan and Lake Huron water levels, and adapting to potential climate change impacts on the Great Lakes.

Those who are unable to attend, or have further comments, can submit them via a form on the International Upper Great Lakes Study website, and by e-mail or via traditional mail. The comment period for this Phase 2 portion of the study ends Wed., Aug. 31.

Once all meetings throughout the Great Lakes basin are complete, the study's management board will evaluate various Great Lakes water levels regulation plans while taking into account the public input received at the meetings, including the Aug. 9 Superior meeting.

A final report and accompanying recommendations will be submitted to the International Joint Commission by March 2012 by the study's board. After that, the International Joint Commission will conduct public hearings and put forward a new Great Lakes water levels regulation plan to the governments of Canada and the United States.