Great Lakes Commission Advisordes Grands Lacs November/December 2000 Volume 13 No. 6

Ensuring prosperity is priority Robinson-Speck team signals new era of bold leadership for the Great Lakes Commission The Great Lakes Commission’s 2000 Annual Meeting (in Hamilton, Ontario, Oct. 16) fea- tured the election of two new officers to lead the binational agency into the future. Nathaniel E. Robinson, a senior executive policy advisor to Wisconsin Gov. Tommy Thompson, was elected chair by unanimous vote. Robinson has the distinction of being the first African- American to chair the 45-year-old organization. Vice Chair Samuel W. Speck, appointed direc- In This Issue tor of the Ohio Department of Natural Resources by Gov. Bob Taft in February 1999, will join Rob- Features inson at the Commission’s helm. Prior to joining New Commission projects to Gov. Taft’s team, Speck was president of Musk- benefit the region ingum College in New Concord, Ohio. ANS Update — ANS prevention and The central theme for the new leadership is control: Where to go from here? Ensuring Prosperity for the Great Lakes-St. Lawrence

Region. This theme will guide the development of Left to right: Chair Nat Robinson, Immediate News & Views ...... 2 a bold agenda that will be implemented by fully Past Chair Irene Brooks, Vice Chair Sam Speck. Executive Director Mike Donahue utilizing a broad team approach designed to tap the talent, interest, expertise and contribution of the Commission and its many partners Annual Meeting and supporters. The strategy includes prudent policy development, increased information Highlights ...... 3 sharing and improved effectiveness of the Commission’s advocacy initiatives for the Great Commission Briefs ...... 5 Lakes-St. Lawrence region regarding environmental protection, resource management, transportation, and sustainable and economic development initiatives. Point: counterpoint . . . . . 8 Under the Robinson-Speck leadership, the Commission is developing a more focused advo- cacy strategy for the new Congress to ensure that prosperity for the Great Lakes-St. Law- Around the Lakes ...... 9 rence region is a priority. The agenda will continue to emphasize maintaining the necessary balance between our roles in environmental stewardship (sustainability) and informed deci- Calendar ...... 11 sionmaking for economic growth. The Commission’s increased advocacy will be bolstered by a recently approved staff position that will devote time and effort toward this goal. The Last Word ...... 12 “I have had the pleasure of representing Gov. Thompson and the residents of Wisconsin as Commission Chair Nat Robinson chair of our delegation to the Great Lakes Commission since 1992. Since October 1998, I The Advisor is published bimonthly by have had the honor of serving as vice chair of the Commission,” said Robinson. “Thanks to the Great Lakes Commission. The Great the trust and confidence of my fellow colleagues, I now have the privilege of contributing to Lakes Commission is a binational agency the mission of the Commission as its chair. Complementing our theme, Ensuring Prosperity for established in 1955 to promote the the Great Lakes-St. Lawrence Region, through enhanced advocacy efforts and improved effective- orderly, integrated and comprehensive development, use and conservation of the ness among our partners and within the U.S. Congress, is my commitment to increase our water and related natural resources of the effectiveness in providing services to our member states, provinces and throughout the entire Great Lakes basin and St. Lawrence River. Great Lakes-St. Lawrence community,” Robinson added. continued on page 3 Commission News & Views From the desk of the executive director... Great Lakes Commission Egrets, alligators, lake trout and eagles The Great Lakes Commission is a binational In the closing weeks of the 106th Congress, they aren’t the Great Lakes. public agency dedicated to the use, management and protection of the water, landslide votes in both the House and Senate What was the status of Great Lakes delib- land and other natural resources of the Great yielded one of the largest environmental res- erations as all this was going on? While a Lakes-St. Lawrence system. In partnership with the eight Great Lakes states and provinces toration projects in U.S. history. Some $7.8 nationwide bipartisan coalition was broker- of Ontario and Québec, the Commission billion will be directed at efforts to reverse ing a multibillion dollar initiative for the Ever- applies sustainable development principles in decades of environmental damage in the Flor- glades, Great Lakes advocates seemed content addressing issues of resource management, environmental protection, transportation and ida Everglades. One leading advocate of the to seek only incremental improvements to the sustainable development. The Commission project described the bill as “our best hope to status quo. And, when a modest infusion of provides accurate and objective information on public policy issues; an effective forum save the Everglades, to protect the egrets and prospective funds was proposed by the admin- for developing and coordinating public policy; alligators, and to restore the balance between istration ($50 million for Areas of Concern and a unified, systemwide voice to advocate the human environment and the natural sys- cleanup), advocates seemed to expend all their member interests. tem in south Florida.” energy debating how to allocate the funds, Executive Committee Nathaniel E. Robinson (WI), Chair Who was this advocate? Was it a Florida leg- rather than how to develop a unified front to Sam Speck (OH), Vice Chair islator looking after the interests of his con- make sure the funds became a reality. Irene B. Brooks (PA), Immediate Past Chair stituents and their treasured resource? No. It It’s time to think big, to raise our sights John P. Cahill (NY) Thomas E. Huntley (MN) was none other than Rep. , and our ambitions. It’s time to reassert the Frank L. Kudrna (IL) an upstate Republican and chair of national and global stature of the Great Lakes Larry D. Macklin (IN) G. Tracy Mehan, III (MI) the House Transportation Water Resources and let Congress know that saving the Ever- Subcommittee. And, I might add, a good glades and the Mississippi and the redwoods Executive Director Michael J. Donahue, Ph.D. friend of the Great Lakes. is only part of the equation. It’s time for all What induced Rep. Boehlert, and his House Great Lakes advocates to join forces and sup- Advisor Editor Courtney Shosh and Senate colleagues, to collectively vote port the big picture, and leave quibbling over 479-15 in favor of this landmark initiative? the details for another time and place. And, Program Managers Thomas Crane, Resource Management and The answer is obvious. It was a large-scale, it’s time for us to reject the “inside the belt- Environmental Quality long-term strategy that succeeded through a way” philosophy that focuses on what is pos- Matt Doss, Resource Management and groundswell of unified local support and bipar- sible from a political standpoint; we need Environmental Quality tisan action in Congress. And, it succeeded to focus on what is good for the resource. Steve Thorp, Transportation and Sustainable Development because the Florida Everglades were (very Indeed, the greatest system of freshwater on Julie Wagemakers, Communications and appropriately) characterized as a resource of the face of the earth deserves no less. Information Management national significance. The New York Times Let’s take the “phantom $50 million” of last recently called them a “treasured ecosystem session, add one or two zeros, and make it Project Managers Katherine Glassner-Shwayder, Ric Lawson, Christine that lawmakers ranked with the Mississippi the goal for the Great Lakes in the 107th Manninen, Victoria Pebbles, Thomas Rayburn River, the Grand Canyon and the redwood Congress. Working together, it can happen. Program Specialists forests of California.” (Note that the Great Wouldn’t it be great, a year or two from Sara Ashley, Stuart Eddy, Richard Garcia, Lakes were not mentioned among these trea- now, to have a Florida congressman singing Karl Geil, Derek Moy, Jennifer Read, Michael Schneider, Courtney Shosh, Sarah Whitney, sures. Talk about adding insult to injury!) the praises of a bill that is “our best hope to Hao Zhuang As a former Florida resident, I’ll be the first save the Great Lakes”? The egrets and alliga- Director of Research, Emeritus to agree that this initiative is important and tors are enjoying their day in the sun; our lake Albert G. Ballert, Ph.D. well-deserved. The Everglades are indeed a trout and eagles deserve theirs. Administrative Staff national treasure, woven into the ecological Pat Gable, Ron Hasselbring, Marilyn Ratliff, Rita and economic fabric of south Florida. I’m glad J. Straith they’re receiving this much-deserved atten- Research Associates/Fellows tion and support. But, with all due respect, Michael J. Donahue, Ph.D. Chase Huntley, Lisa Koch, Elizabeth Repko, Marcia Woodburn Note: The Great Lakes Commission is supporting a renewed focus on congressional advocacy through Cover photo: Niagara Falls. Credit: Jennifer Read. a new staff position and regional strategy. For details, contact Mike Donahue at 734-665-9135 or [email protected]. 2 Advisor • November/December www.glc.org Annual Meeting Highlights

Robinson-Speck team, continued from page 1

“Vice Chair Sam Speck and I are excited and ener- raise the organization’s profile and gized, and are hitting the ground running to ensure impact in Washington, D.C., as the that the Great Lakes-St. Lawrence region remains region’s advocate for Great Lakes- an environmentally great and safe place to live, related laws, programs and funds. work, play, attend school and conduct business. (See related article on page 2). We look forward to both the challenges and the opportunities. With the support of our colleagues, SELECTED POLICY ACTIONS The Ontario Delegation hosted the annual meeting in friends and partners, Sam and I are confident we (See www.glc.org/announce/00/ Hamilton, Ontario. Ontario delegates (left to right) David and the Commission will succeed,” Robinson con- Resolutions/resOct00.html for full de Launay, Lorraine Ratnik and Douglas Harper (not pictured: Jim Whitestone). cluded. (For more on Robinson’s vision, see “The text of resolutions.) Last Word” on the back cover.) “I look forward to working with Nat in not only First Nations/tribal author- strengthening the Commission’s advocacy efforts, ities and the Great Lakes but also ensuring that we provide the data, informa- Commission. Recognizing the tion and technical support needed to strengthen deci- current and prospective benefits sionmaking throughout the region,” added Speck. of partnership with First Nations/ Presently, Robinson is executive assistant to the tribal authorities on matters of director of the Wisconsin Technical College System mutual interest, the Commission Board. From 1992 to February 2000 (when his resolved to explore and pursue current appointment was made), he advised Gov. opportunities to enhance the role Thompson on a broad range of energy and environ- and participation of First Nations/ mental policies. His numerous key appointments tribal authorities in its programs Irene Brooks presents gifts to (left to right) Mike Ripley, envi- include the National Sea Grant Review Panel, Advi- and activities. ronmental coordinator for the Chippewa-Ottawa Resource Authority and Commission Observer; Henry Lickers, director sory Council of the University of Wisconsin’s Sea of the Department of the Environment for the Mohawk Grant Program, Board of Visitors of the University Great Lakes Action Plan Council of Akwesasne; and Dean Jacobs, executive director of the Walpole Island Heritage Center. The men participated of Wisconsin’s Institute for Environmental Studies for the Prevention and in a panel discussion on First Nations/tribal authorities and (immediate past member), State Integration Com- Control of Nonindigenous Great Lakes-St. Lawrence governance. mittee of the National Ocean Service (past member), Aquatic Nuisance Species. Gov. Thompson’s Law Enforcement and Crime The Commission endorsed the “Great Lakes Commission, Board of Directors of the National Action Plan for the Prevention and Control of Crime Prevention Council, and the Wisconsin Nonindigenous Aquatic Nuisance Species.” It Coastal Management Program (held oversight man- encouraged the Great Lakes governors and premiers agement responsibility). to sign the plan and use it as guidance in their indi- Robinson succeeds Irene Brooks, who will remain vidual and collective prevention and control efforts. active as the “immediate past chair,” a newly created position, and as chair of the Commission’s Penn- Beach closures in the Great Lakes-St. sylvania Delegation. Recognizing Brooks’ leader- Lawrence basin. The Commission regards ship in many new initiatives during her two years as the contamination of recreational waters at Great chair, Robinson has asked Brooks to concentrate on Lakes-St. Lawrence public beaches as an unaccept- ensuring the continuity and productivity of numer- able risk to public health. As a regional priority, the Roy Norton, executive director of international relations and chief ous partnerships formed during her term. Commission urged government jurisdictions at all of protocol of the government of The annual meeting theme, Effective advocacy for levels in the region to adopt consistent criteria for Ontario, was a keynote speaker at the meeting. “We in the govern- the Great Lakes-St. Lawrence region, provided an beach closure decisions, ensure the periodic moni- ment of Ontario applaud the kind excellent platform for the beginning of the Robin- toring of public beaches, provide timely notification of forward thinking and coopera- tion fostered by bodies like the son-Speck leadership era. Commissioners agreed of closure decisions, undertake related research, and Great Lakes Commission,” he said. on a bold new strategy that will significantly direct funds to reduce associated risks to public continued on page 4 www.glc.org November/December • Advisor 3 Annual Meeting Highlights

Selected policy actions, continued from page 3 health. The Commission also Great Lakes-St. Lawrence System Atlas. The urged the U.S. Environmental Commission endorsed the development of a new Protection Agency (U.S. EPA) to Great Lakes-St. Lawrence Atlas (in English and aggressively implement its 1999 French) that incorporates the latest available data Beach Action Plan and urged the sets, information and electronic technology. The U.S. Congress to enhance its sup- Commission will approach the U.S. EPA, Environ- port for the plan and provide ment Canada, interested states and provinces, and adequate funding for associated other prospective parties in the interest of develop- initiatives. ing a proposal and securing the support required.

Nat Robinson (third from left) presents the Commission’s Outstanding Service Awards to Alternate Commissioners 10th anniversary of the Great Binational data and information manage- (left to right) Wayne Warren (Ohio), Mike Leffler (Michigan) Lakes Basin Program for Soil ment policy. The Commission endorsed an Inter- and Gerry Mikol (New York). Erosion and Sediment Con- national Joint Commission (IJC) recommendation trol. The Commission formally for a binational data and information policy. It also recognized the 10-year anniversary of the Great urged the two federal governments to address this Lakes Basin Program and requested that its Soil unmet need. Such a policy should address accessi- Erosion and Sedimentation Task Force evaluate bility, management and integrity of data, and focus and pursue opportunities to extend its technol- on indicator development and how these data sets ogy transfer efforts to Canada. The Commission can contribute to a binational decision support sys- also encouraged Ontario, Québec and the Cana- tem. The Commission offered to work with the dian federal government to consider developing IJC, federal governments and interested parties to similar programs to address soil erosion and sed- develop and implement such a policy. Illinois Delegation Chair Frank Kudrna imentation problems. (left) presents the Great Lakes-St. Lawrence Maritime Forum’s Person of Recreational boating. The Commission urged the Year award to George Ryan, Ohio Binational Lake St. Clair Management governments at all levels to provide adequate Coast Commissioner and president of the Lake Carriers’ Association. “It is quite an Initiative. The Commission endorsed the devel- Guard search and rescue (SAR) service by main- honor to be selected as Person of the opment of a binational Lake St. Clair Management taining the existing network of SAR boat-based Year,” Ryan said. “I look forward to see- Initiative within the existing Four Party Agreement stations, to enhance boater safety instruction and ing many others follow me in providing vision and leadership to the maritime and agreed to collaborate with its U.S., Canadian services, to expand and upgrade public launch industry and being so recognized.“ and First Nations/tribal partners to ensure that the ramps and dock structures, and to provide ade- initiative has a locally driven, binational orientation quate public access infrastructure for boaters. The that builds on and strengthens existing activities. Commission also urged governments to ensure that shallow draft harbors and other publicly main- A volunteer monitoring network for the tained recreational navigation channels be dredged, Great Lakes-St. Lawrence system. The Com- to avoid federal user fees for recreational boats, to mission agreed to promote water quality monitoring ensure that boating-generated revenue from other efforts in the Great Lakes basin and collaborate with types of fees be directed exclusively for boat- the Lake Michigan Monitoring Coordination Coun- ing-related activities, and to maintain a healthy cil on a pilot effort that can eventually be expanded to sport fishery. The Commission further urged the other Great Lakes. The Commission also called the governments to fully recognize and account for the convening of a binational conference to assess for the economic benefits of recreational use of ecosystem monitoring in the Great Lakes-St. Law- navigation facilities when planning for operation,

Immediate Past Chair Irene Brooks rence system, enhance and coordinate existing pro- maintenance, construction, dredging and related passes the gavel to new Chair Nat grams, evaluate monitoring information needed to activities. Robinson. Both were recognized support environmental indicators, and identify gaps for their outstanding service to the Commission. and unmet needs in regional monitoring efforts. Contact: Mike Donahue, [email protected].

4 Advisor • November/December www.glc.org Commission Briefs Commission launches Freshwater Spills Information Clearinghouse: www.freshwaterspills.net

For many, talk of oil spills conjures up images of serve as an entry point the huge Valdez oil spill in Alaska’s Prince Wil- for people searching liam Sound; few think of the Great Lakes region. the Internet for spills However, U.S. Coast Guard District 9 reports information. With that there were nearly 3,000 spills in the region nearly 200 links to from 1990 to 1999. Those spills accounted planning, response and for petroleum product releases of more than regulatory resources, 660,000 gallons, and this figure only includes as well as scientific coastal areas. Also, because tens of millions studies, information is of people draw their drinking water from sur- readily available on a face waters throughout the region, any major wide range of rele- spill here could be disastrous. Freshwater spills vant topics. A new are an under-recognized environmental and eco- e-mail list also is available for those who nomic danger. wish to discuss or share information about fresh- The Great Lakes Commission recently launched water spills. Subscribe to the list online at the Freshwater Spills Information Clearinghouse www.freshwaterspills.net/list.html. Contact: (www.freshwaterspills.net) to increase educa- Karl Geil, [email protected]. Great Lakes tion, foster freshwater oil spill research and Commission Semiannual Meeting May 15-16, 2001 Ann Arbor, Mich.

Aquatic Nuisance Moving toward a Water Resources Management Decision Species Symposium Support System for the Great Lakes May 17-18, 2001

r Ann Arbor, Mich.

The Great Lakes Commission, in its project secre- Team was held Sept. 25. The team provides a tariat role, has convened the first formal meetings overall leadership and direction in the design d Great Lakes n Commission Annual associated with its Water Resources Management and conduct of all project elements. It is com- e

l Meeting and

Decision Support System project. Supported by posed of representatives from all of the Great a Associated Events the Great Lakes Protection Fund, the project is Lakes-St. Lawrence system states and provinces, Oct. 9-12, 2001 laying the framework for the data, information as well as Canadian and U.S. federal represen- r c Milwaukee, Wis. and process required to ensure timely and well- tatives. Richard Bartz, assistant chief of the u

o informed public policy decisions concerning the Division of Water, Ohio Department of Natural FY2001 Request for Proposals for the use and management of surface and groundwater Resources, has been appointed chair of the Proj- k y

r Great Lakes Basin resources. A meeting of federal partners from ect Management Team. a Program for Soil the U.S. Geological Survey, U.S. Army Corps The next meeting of the team is Jan. 25-26, 2001, Erosion and of Engineers, National Oceanic and Atmospheric in Ann Arbor, Mich., and will be held in con- m Sediment Control Administration, and Environment Canada was junction with a stakeholders meeting to raise issue Now available online at held Sept. 1 to discuss the status assessment ele- awareness and provide advice on project direc- www.glc.org/basin/ ment of the project, the state of available data and tion. In the interim, subcommittee work associ- rfplet01.html The proposal deadline is Jan. information, and to identify key technical experts ated with status assessment, water use inventory 17, 2001. For more to address project specifics. and ecological impact project elements is under- information, contact Tom The first meeting of the Project Management way. Contact: Tom Rayburn, [email protected]. Crane, [email protected], 734-665-9135.

www.glc.org November/December • Advisor 5 Commission Briefs Commission helps Coast Guard prepare for hazardous spills What if there was a collision between a down- grated Incident Command System, providing bound barge and upbound freighter at the south- state, federal and responsible party command ern entrance to the Detroit River Channel, staff with detailed situational maps and planning resulting in an oil spill? This was the scenario assistance. The maps tracked asset movement, played out by U.S. Coast Guard Marine Safety oil plume location and sensitive area impacts. Offices Detroit and Toledo as they hosted a joint The Commission and Coast Guard anticipate National Preparedness for Emergency Response extending this partnership to upcoming exer- Program (PREP) Exercise in Trenton, Mich., cises scheduled in the Great Lakes, including a Sept. 20-21. This exercise was the first joint joint Canada/U.S. drill in 2001. These exer-

Coast Guard Cmdr. Steve Garrity Marine Safety Offices PREP since its inception cises will help identify a prospective support role responds to questions posed in a mock as a mandate of the Oil Pollution Act of 1990. for the Commission in the event of a major inci- press conference during the exercise. The map in the background was pro- Great Lakes Commission staff participated in dent. Contact: Tom Rayburn, [email protected]. duced by Commission staff. the exercise as technical advisers to the inte-

ANS action plan moving forward: Governor/premier signatures underway The Great Lakes Action Plan for the Prevention and premiers in September, it has been endorsed and Control of Nonindigenous Aquatic Nuisance by the governors of Pennsylvania, Ohio, Illinois, Species (ANS) is moving forward, with seven of , Michigan, Indiana and New York, with the 10 Great Lakes governors and premiers hav- the balance of signatures (Wisconsin, Ontario ing signed on to the document in recent weeks. and Québec) anticipated in the immediate future. The plan, an initiative of the Great Lakes Com- The associated action plan addendum provides a mission-supported Great Lakes Panel on Aquatic more detailed statement of objectives and stra- Nuisance Species, is a regional policy agreement tegic actions to implement the goals and princi- Soil Erosion Task Force to facilitate prompt, multijurisdictional action on ples. The addendum has been endorsed by the welcomes new chair ANS prevention and control. It articulates a broad entire panel membership. Funding for the plan Jim Bredin, assistant to the direc- vision and a concise series of goals and principles is provided by the U.S. Environmental Protection tor of Michigan’s Office of the to guide regional prevention and control efforts. Agency-Great Lakes National Program Office. Great Lakes, is the new chair of the Great Lakes Soil Erosion Formally presented to the Great Lakes governors Contact: Mike Donahue, [email protected]. and Sedimentation Task Force. He succeeds Jerry Wager from Ohio Department of Natural Resource’s Division of Soil and Great Lakes Dredging Team elects new co-chairs Water Conservation. Wager, the The Great Lakes Dredging Team (GLDT) elected windows, and public participation in the dredging task force’s first and only chair, has stepped down after 14 years two new co-chairs at its meeting in Milwaukee, process. The GLDT agreed to send a panel of of service. “We are extremely Wis., Oct. 5-6. Jan Miller, U.S. Army Corps of members to a national dredging conference in win- grateful to Jerry for his tremen- Engineers, was elected federal co-chair and Kelly ter 2001; to organize a workshop next summer dous leadership and are pleased that he will continue to work Burch, Pennsylvania Department of Environmen- in Cleveland, Ohio, on the connection between with us as Ohio’s representative,” tal Protection, was elected state co-chair. Other shallow draft harbor maintenance and recreational said Mike Donahue, Great Lakes meeting highlights included a joint session with boating; to create a working group to guide imple- Commission executive director. “We are also excited to have Jim the Great Lakes Commission’s Beneficial Use Task mentation of the Beneficial Use Task Force recom- Bredin serve as chair and look Force and a field trip to Milwaukee’s port facil- mendations; and to develop a means through which forward to working with him on this important program.” ities. Presentations featured new technologies the GLDT and others can objectively assess the mer- for cleaning contaminated sediments and reducing its and facilitate resolution of local dredging contro- dreging-related turbidity, environmental dredging versies. Contact: Steve Thorp, [email protected].

6 Advisor • November/December www.glc.org Commission Briefs “Great Lakes Daily News” service among new GLIN features Now in its eighth year online, the Great Lakes the related suite of GLIN Information Network (GLIN) — among the News services. most successful and longest-running projects of The Daily News en- the Great Lakes Commission — has unveiled hancements were among numerous content enhancements to better serve many topics addressed by the region’s needs. the GLIN Advisory Board, One of the most popular new products is the which convened in Ann “Great Lakes Daily News” e-mail list, which pro- Arbor, Mich., Sept. 22. vides a free daily news feed of recent coverage of Two new sections on GLIN Great Lakes-St. Lawrence issues by print, radio — The Education And and television media outlets in the United States Curriculum Homesite and Canada. This section of GLIN, which pro- (TEACH) and Maps and vides an “electronic clipping service” for more GIS — were reviewed than 50 major regional newspapers and news ser- and discussed in detail. In vices, is updated Monday-Friday by noon. For new business, the need the latest headlines, visit www.glin.net/news/. for a binational informa- To subscribe to the “dailynews” e-mail list, visit tion management policy, as proposed by the www.glin.net/forms/dailynews_form.html International Joint Commission in its 10th The Great Lakes Information Future expansions to the Daily News section Biennial Report, was highlighted, as were web Network (GLIN) was fea- on GLIN will include a Press Room featuring accessibility issues dictated by the Americans tured in a series of pre- press releases supplied by partner agencies and With Disabilities Act. A virtual presentation on sentations at the Third International Water Informa- organizations, and a searchable archive of online strategies for citizen engagement via the Internet tion Summit and the Annual news articles. Also under consideration is a ser- was made by Sarah DiJulio, emediacy director Meeting of the American Water Resources Associa- vice that will allow partner agencies and orga- for TechRocks in Washington, D.C. For a com- tion. Both events were held nizations to feature a “Great Lakes Daily News plete meeting summary, visit www.glc.org/proj/ in Miami, Fla., Nov. 3-8. Box” on their own web sites. Maintained daily glin/min/mnts09_00.pdf. Contact: Christine Sponsored by the Water- Web Consortium (of which by Commission staff, this box will provide Manninen, [email protected]. GLIN is a member), the a “window” to the latest regional news and summit brought together water information managers from 57 countries to discuss the status, challenges and future opportunities of Inter- net-based communications New staff to strengthen, expand Commission initiatives in supporting sustainable water resources manage- The Great Lakes Commission welcomes Chase sance Species, the Ohio watershed planning ment. For more information, see www.waterweb.org. Huntley and Sarah Whitney to its staff. training project, and the Great Lakes Basin Pro- Huntley comes to the Commission as a research gram for Soil Erosion and Sediment Control. associate funded by the Edna Bailey Sussman Prior to joining the Commission, she worked for Fund of New York. He supports the Great Lakes the University of Michigan on the Toxic Metals Panel on Aquatic Nuisance Species, focusing pri- in the Geosphere project and as the communi- marily on ballast water management policy. He cations director for the New Hampshire Tim- holds a bachelor’s degree in government and phi- berland Owners Association. Whitney holds a losophy from Claremont College and is pursu- master’s degree in natural resource management ing master’s degrees in public policy and natural from the Yale School of Forestry and Environ- resource policy at the University of Michigan. mental Studies, as well as a bachelor’s degree in Whitney, a program specialist, provides sup- biology from Bates College. port to the Great Lakes Panel on Aquatic Nui-

www.glc.org November/December • Advisor 7 POINT: counterpoint Artificial reefs in the Great Lakes: Full speed ahead, or proceed

with caution? POINT James Ficociello, Tournament Director, Lake Erie Bass Anglers POINT Ohio Sea Grant describes its Lake Erie projects attracting gobies. Smallmouth bass cover the as underwater reefs. A better name would be area and can enjoy a meal with little effort. The Underwater Five Star Hotels. I have an Aqua bass are either on top of or next to the rubble. View underwater television camera that has per- Lake Erie Bass Anglers is a member of the mitted me to see firsthand the results of one of B.A.S.S. National Federation. Our club’s envi- the artificial reefs they built in Lake Erie. With ronmental project has been the tagging and a lot of study and planning, this reef has been a release of smallmouth bass on the reef. Date, huge success for the area. To construct the reef, location and size are documented for future rubble was dropped in piles in a straight line, study. This has been conducted under the super- 1,500 feet long. Located in 27 feet of water, vision of David Kelch of Ohio Sea Grant. the reef is deep enough to be inhabited most of I have two words to say to Sea Grant con- the year, and the peaks of the rubble are deep cerning their underwater reef projects: “Thank enough not to be a hazard for boating. The you!” The reefs have been a great success in area above the lake bottom is free of silt, which Lake Erie. It’s time we share the success with will keep the reef productive for many years. other anglers in the region by seriously consider-

The nooks and crannies are alive with crayfish ing building more artificial reefs throughout the

and aquatic insects. Moss grows in some areas, Great Lakes. counterpoint John E. Gannon, Science Coordinator, U.S. Geological Survey-Great Lakes counterpoint Science Center Jim Ficociello is correct in stating that artificial should we have in the Great Lakes? What kinds reefs, constructed of environmentally safe mate- of materials should be used? Where should they rials and properly placed on lake bottoms devoid be placed and in what configuration? Will they of natural hard structure and relief, will attract enhance fish productivity in addition to increas- fish to a known location with the likelihood of ing vulnerability to harvest? Will “hotels” made increasing an angler’s harvest. There are now for desirable species actually become homes for 14 artificial reefs in the Great Lakes. Most are invasive species such as gobies and zebra mussels? constructed of natural limestone rock, while oth- These kinds of questions prompted the Great ers are made of demolition concrete from high- Lakes Fishery Commission’s Habitat Advisory way bridges and Cleveland’s former Municipal Board to form the Artificial Reef Task Force that Stadium. This number pales in comparison with I had the privilege of chairing. The document1 the hundreds of artificial reefs in marine coastal developed by the task force is not pro or con on waters of the United States. There, so-called arti- artificial reefs in the Great Lakes, rather it has ficial reefs are often built in the guise of creating a cautionary tone. It considers artificial reefs fish habitat, when in reality, they are excuses for in the Great Lakes as experimental and recom- refuse dumping. Decommissioned ships, barges mends long-term assessment and evaluation of and train cars are sunk for artificial reefs in marine existing artificial reefs to determine their effec- coastal waters; some states even allow the dump- tiveness. Further, fishery management objectives, ing of junk cars and refrigerators. not waste disposal, must be the principal driving Editor’s note: Views expressed are This begs the question, how many artificial reefs force behind artificial reefs in the Great Lakes. those of the authors and do not nec- 1 essarily represent the views of their Gannon, J.E. (ed.). 1990. International position statement and evaluation guidelines for artificial reefs in the affiliated organizations. Great Lakes. Great Lakes Fishery Commission, Special Publication 90-2, 22 pp.

8 Advisor • November/December www.glc.org Around the Lakes U.S. election outcomes: A Great Lakes region snapshot Recent U.S. elections found the Great Lakes (D) in New York’s 1st District, (D) region with three new members of the Senate took Rick Lazio’s open seat (R) in New York’s 2nd and 12 new members of the House. District, Patrick Tiberi (R) took John Kasich’s In Senate races, Debbie Stabenow (D) defeated (R) open seat in Ohio’s 12th District, Melissa Spencer Abraham (R) in Michigan, Mark Dayton Hart (R) took Ron Klink’s open seat (D) in Penn- (D) defeated in Minnesota (R), and sylvania’s 4th District, and Todd Platts (R) took DID YOU KNOW? (D) took Daniel Patrick Moyni- William Goodling’s (R) open seat in Pennsylva- han’s (D) open seat in New York. Incumbents nia’s 19th District. Incumbents won all other The Great Lakes Aquarium in Duluth, Minn., is the United States’ won all other Senate races in the Great Lakes House races in the region, resulting in a balance only all-freshwater aquarium. It states, resulting in a balance of 10 Democrats of 70 Democrats and 64 Republicans from Great opened July 29, 2000. (See photos below.) and six Republicans for the region. Lakes states and 31 Democrats and 29 Republi- The Great Lakes Aquarium, In House races, Mark Kirk (R) took John Por- cans from Great Lakes basin districts. www.glaquarium.org ter’s (R) open seat in Illinois’ 10th District, Tim- At the state level, all Great Lakes Commission othy Johnson (R) took Thomas Ewing’s (R) open delegates running for re-election were successful. seat in Illinois’ 15th District, Mike Pence (R) took These included Rep. William Callahan, D-Mich.; ? David McIntosh’s (R) open seat in Indiana’s 2nd Rep. George Cassel, R-Minn.; Rep. Tom Hunt- District, Brian Kerns (R) took Edward Pease’s ley, D-Minn.; Sen. Cal Larson, R-Minn.; Sen. (R) open seat in Indiana’s 7th District, Michael Edward Oliver, R-Minn.; Rep. Rex Damschro- Rogers (R) took Debbie Stabenow’s (D) open seat der, R-Ohio; Sen. Robert Gardner, R-Ohio; and in Michigan’s 8th District, Mark Kennedy (R) Sen. Jane Earll, R-Penn. Congratulations to all defeated David Minge (D) in Minnesota’s 2nd of them! Additionally, there are no changes in District, and Betty McCollum (D) took the late the region’s governors; Indiana, the only Great ’s (D) open seat in Minnesota’s 4th Lakes state holding a gubernatorial election this District. Felix Grucci (R) defeated Steve Forbes year, re-elected Democrat Frank O’Bannon.

Photos courtesy of the Great Lakes SOLEC 2000: Implementing indicators of ecosystem health Aquarium. “Implementing Indicators” was the theme of the Great Lakes Commission involvement included State of the Lakes Ecosystem Conference 2000 co-hosting the welcoming reception; a plenary (SOLEC), held Oct. 17-19 in Hamilton, Ontario. presentation by staff member Victoria Pebbles on The conference occurs biennially, hosted by the land-use indicators; and involvement in a variety U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (U.S. of breakout sessions, including in-depth indicator EPA) and Environment Canada in response to discussions, individual lake sessions and associ- a reporting requirement of the binational Great ated cross-cutting issues. According to Pebbles, Lakes Water Quality Agreement. The conference “The indicators are a valuable tool for assessing reports on the state of the Great Lakes ecosystem the state of the ecosystem. However, much indi- and major factors impacting it. It also provides cator information we have to date is incom- a basinwide forum for information exchange plete. Systematic and comparable monitoring, among Great Lakes stakeholders. SOLEC 2000 surveys and coordinated data collection are sessions included reports on almost 30 indica- needed for each indicator throughout the basin.” tors that help define the status of the ecosystem For more information about SOLEC, visit Envi- and its components, local involvement and suc- ronment Canada and U.S. EPA’s web sites cess stories that underscore the importance of at www.on.ec.gc.ca/solec/ and www.epa.gov/ ecosystem indicators to progress and improve- glnpo/solec. Contact: Harvey Shear, Environ- ment of ecosystem health, and the use of indica- ment Canada, 416-739-4704; or Paul Horvatin, tors for individual lakes. U.S. EPA, 312-353-3612.

www.glc.org November/December • Advisor 9 Around the Lakes Great Lakes appropriations update The following table, adapted from a report by the Northeast-Midwest House and Senate Coalition Great Lakes Task Force, addresses selected aspects of the Great Lakes Commission’s federal legis- Great Lakes Commission’s lative and appropriations priorities statement released in March 2000. The status of relevant Annual Meeting bills as of Nov. 22 is presented in bold typeface immediately following the bill titles View the full text of adopted resolutions at www.glc.org/ in the table. Congress is reconvening on Dec. 5 to complete its business. View appropriations announce/00/Resolutions/ updates online at www.nemw.org/greatlakes.htm. Contact: Rochelle Sturtevant, 202-224-1211, resOct00.html [email protected]; or Mike Donahue, 734-665-9135, [email protected]. Freshwater Spills Information Congressional action on selected Great Lakes Commission Great Lakes Commission House Senate Conference Clearinghouse priorities (as of November 2000) Funding in millions of dollars www.freshwaterspills.net request Agriculture (10/28 signed by president: P.L. 106-387) To subscribe to the Great Lakes Basin Program for Soil Erosion and Sediment Control 0.75 0.7 0.75 0.725 freshwater spills e-mail list: Farmland Preservation Program 65 0 0 0 www.freshwaterspillls.net/ Commerce, Justice and State (under veto threat) Great Lakes links & publications list.html National Sea Grant College Program 65.8 61.25 64.75 62.25 Great Lakes Environmental Research Laboratory (NOAA) 7.5 7.125 (OAR) 7 (NOS) 7 (OAR) FY2001 Request for Great Lakes Fishery Commission 12.4 9.353 12.353 1 12 Proposals for the Great International Joint Commission 4.5 3.418 3.771 3.771 Lakes Basin Program for National ANS Task Force & Ballast Water Demonstration Program 1.65 1.65 1.85 1.65 Soil Erosion and Sediment Energy and Water (10/27 signed by president: P.L. 106-377) Control Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) www.glc.org/basin/ Environmental Dredging (Sec. 312) 3 2.084 0.384 2.084 2 rfplet01.html John Glenn Great Lakes Basin Program (Sec. 455) 1.5 0 0.1 0.1 21 (87% Restoration of Environmental Quality (Sec. 1135) 20 18 17 earmarked) Great Lakes Daily News Beneficial Use of Dredged Materials (Sec. 204) 10 4 2 4 www.glin.net/news/ Sediment Transport Models and Sediment Management Planning (Sec. 516) 1 0.5 0 3 0.5 To subscribe to the RAP Assistance (Sec. 401) 1.5 0.6 0 3 0.6 “dailynews” e-mail list: Improvement of Soo Lock 1 1 1 1 www.glin.net/forms/dailynews_ Dispersal Barrier Demonstration (NISA, Sec. 1202) 0.6 0.4 0.4 0.4 form.html Interior (10/11 signed by president: P.L. 106-291) GLIN Advisory Board meet- National Invasive Species Act Probably level Probably level Probably level 4 Aquatic Nuisance Species Program (F&WS) 4.6 ing summary: www.glc.org/ (4.692) (4.692) (4.692) 6.575 + 0.5 for 7.375 + 0.5 for 7.375 + 0.5 for proj/glin/min/mnts09_00.pdf Great Lakes Science Center (USGS/BRD) 8.5 vessel retrofit 5 vessel retrofit vessel retrofit 6 7 WaterWeb Consortium Great Lakes Fish & Wildlife Restoration 8 1.978 1.978 1.978 USGS Great Lakes Mapping Coalition 0.5 0.5 0.5? 8 0.5 9 www.waterweb.org Transportation (10/23 signed by president: P.L. 106-346) Ballast Water Guidelines and Prevention Program (NISA) Includes Ballast Discharge Continued 3.592 + not less 3.5 3.592 + .5 R&D State of the Lakes Study and Information Clearinghouse funding than 1 R&D Ecosystem Conference VA, HUD and Independent Agencies (10/27 signed by president: P.L. 106-377) www.on.ec.gc.ca/solec/ or Great Waters Program 3 President's Request EPA discretion EPA discretion no less than no less than www.epa.gov/glnpo/solec Great Lakes National Program Office 15.1 13.2 10 FY2000 FY2000 EPA Brownfields 91 91.6 91 91.6 Great Lakes FY2000 Emergency Supplemental Appropriations Updates Icebreaker Mackinaw 110 110 110 110 www.nemw.org/ International Joint Commission Lake Ontario Study 2.5 2.1 2.1 2.1 greatlakes.htm 1 Of the amount provided for the Great Lakes Fishery Commission priority within deferred maintenance. Thunder Bay National (GLFC), not less than $300,000 shall be used to treat Lake Champ- 6 “Increases above the House for facilities include $1,418,000 for Marine Sanctuary and lain with lampricide. uncontrollable costs.” The conference report does not comment on Underwater Preserve 2 Rep. Ehlers offered an amendment to provide $100,000 for priorities within the Deferred Maintenance account. www.sanctuaries.nos.noaa.gov Great Lakes Biohydrological Information. The amendment was with- 7 Not less than $398,000 shall be awarded as grants to federal, state, or www.glerl.noaa.gov/glsr/ drawn following assurances from Chairman Packard that the commit- local and tribal entities to restore native fish and aquatic habitats. thunderbay tee would reconsider this program in conference. 8 No mention of the program. The committee appears to be using 3 In floor colloquy, Sens. DeWine and Levin gained the assurances FY2000 as the benchmark. Report language explicitly directs that the Québec in the USA of Subcommittee Chairman Sen. Domenici that the committee would increase to base for the Science Centers “[is] not intended to meet DOI www.quebecusa.org reconsider these programs in conference. Science Priorities as described in the budget estimate,” which would 4 The conference provides an increase of $10.776 million for the fish include the integrated science initiatives. and wildlife management account. However, $12.659 million are ear- 9 The conference does not mention the program explicitly but does marked for specific increases above FY2000. Therefore, a $1.8 mil- provide additional funds for “development of the National Geologic lion cut (6%) will have to be borne by the remaining (unearmarked) Map Data Base” and “work with state geological surveys” (+$500,000). programs in the account, which includes the aquatic nuisance species In the absence of contradictory language in the conference report, program. the House direction for $500,000 for cooperative geological mapping 5 A small increase was approved for the Facilities account, but it is should stand. uncertain whether this will go to deferred maintenance. The research 10 Lack of a specific earmark for GLNPO indicates that the program vessel retrofit is currently listed as the administration’s number one funding decisions devolve to the agency. 10 Advisor • November/December www.glc.org Around the Lakes Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary and Underwater Preserve dedicated The designation of the Thunder Bay National Marine operation include conducting an Sanctuary and Underwater Preserve, the first U.S. archaeological survey of Thun- Great Lakes sanctuary, was announced Oct. 7 in der Bay’s shipwrecks, installing a Alpena, Mich. The new 448-square mile sanctu- mooring buoy system, establish- ary and underwater preserve will protect an esti- ing underwater video links from mated 116 historically significant shipwrecks in Lake shipwrecks to school classrooms, Huron. Many of these shipwrecks have been pre- and examining the potential for served by the lake’s cold freshwater and are in excep- a Maritime Heritage Center. tional condition. For more information, visit

In an innovative partnership, the National Oce- www.sanctuaries.nos.noaa.gov Photo credit: Great Lakes Visual Research. anic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) or www.glerl.noaa.gov/glsr/thunderbay. Con- National Ocean Service and the state of Michigan tact: Ellen Brody, NOAA-Great Lakes Envi- will jointly manage the sanctuary and underwater ronmental Research Laboratory, 734-741-2270, preserve through the creation of a Joint Manage- [email protected]. ment Committee. Priorities for the first five years of

Québec strategy features enhanced Great Lakes region presence Québec Minister of International Relations Louise and increased resources for the General Delegation Beaudoin announced Québec’s new U.S. strategy in New York and the Boston Delegation. The cre- Oct. 19. “The great diversity of the American polit- ation of university chairs also was announced, as ical and economic landscape and the growing role well as an increase in the budgets earmarked for of American states on the international stage oblige public affairs in the United States, translation and Québec to seek greater interaction with the major the Internet site www.quebecusa.org. The annual regions of the United States, namely, the Midwest, budget for Québec’s representation in the United California and the Southeast,” said Beaudoin. States will jump from $8.7 million to $13.8 mil- This strategy will take the form of changes in lion. Contact: Denis Auclair, direction des affaires Québec’s offices in Chicago and Los Angeles (which publiques à l’étranger, 418-649-2400 ext. 5267, will become delegations), a new office in Miami, [email protected]. Great Lakes Calendar Ohio Watershed Training Workshop NACD Great Lakes Committee Meeting January 10-11; Columbus, Ohio March 12-13; Toledo, Ohio Contact: Ric Lawson, 734-665-9135, [email protected] Contact: Jennifer Read, 734-665-9135, [email protected] Further details and a more extensive calendar are avail- able online via the Great 5th Annual Great Lakes Science Vessel Coordination Great Lakes Soil Erosion and Sedimentation Task Lakes Information Network Workshop Force Meeting (www.great-lakes.net). If you January 22-23; Windsor, Ontario March 14; Toledo, Ohio have an event you’d like us Contact: Tom Crane, 734-665-9135, [email protected]; or Contact: Tom Crane, 734-665-9135, [email protected] to include, please contact Mark Burrows, 519-257-6705, [email protected] Courtney Shosh, Advisor Great Lakes Commission Semiannual Meeting editor, at 734-665-9135 or Project Management Team Meeting, Great Lakes-St. May 15-16; Ann Arbor, Michigan [email protected]. Lawrence Water Resources Management Decision Contact: Mike Donahue, 734-665-9135, [email protected] Support System January 25-26; Ann Arbor, Michigan Aquatic Nuisance Species Symposium Save trees and money! If you prefer to read the Contact: Tom Rayburn, 734-665-9135, [email protected] May 17-18; Ann Arbor, Michigan electronic version of the Contact: Mike Donahue, 734-665-9135, [email protected] Advisor online via the Marine Community Day Commission’s home page January 31; Cleveland, Ohio Great Lakes Commission Annual Meeting and (www.glc.org), please let us Contact: Bill Schmidt, 216-902-6056, [email protected] Associated Events know and we’ll cancel your October 9-12; Milwaukee, Wisconsin print subscription. Contact: Mike Donahue, 734-665-9135, [email protected] www.glc.org November/December • Advisor 11

The Last Word

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Ensuring regional prosperity: The right time, c o

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right place, right now! d

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Ensuring Prosperity for the Great Lakes-St. Lawrence Region is the n

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theme Vice Chair Sam Speck and I have selected for our R r e

administration and stewardship, as we proudly lead the Great a d Lakes Commission into this new millennium. It is a bold vision but, backed by a fine tradition, a rich heritage, a com- mitted can-do team and hard work, I know that we can and will succeed! Make no mistake about it, promoting and ensuring prosperity throughout the region is everybody’s business. It’s not just the role of the Commission’s staff, Where in the Great Lakes? the Executive Committee or the Commission. If we are to prevail, and we will, Guess the location pictured in this Great Lakes-St. participation must be inclusive. Therefore, it is going to take the collective effort Lawrence photo, and you could win a prize! Send of the full team — our friends, colleagues, partners and stakeholders — operat- your guess via e-mail to [email protected] along ing at full performance, all working together, to achieve a clear vision, a common with your name, address and daytime phone num- purpose, a mutual goal! ber (or call Courtney Shosh at 734-665-9135). All correct responses received by Feb. 1 will Promoting and ensuring prosperity throughout the Great Lakes-St. Lawrence region be entered into a drawing. The winner will is more than a slogan. It reflects our values, our future. Vice Chair Speck and I will receive his/her choice of a Great Lakes Commis- work hard to inspire each of you to make a personal commitment, to take personal sion t-shirt or a $10 credit toward the purchase of responsibility to help achieve success within your neighborhoods, your communities, a Commission publication. your statehouses and in the U.S. Congress. Sam and I pledge to work for you! The Great Lakes and St. Lawrence River benefit us all and, to ensure regional prosperity, we must all share in their stewardship. We CAN do it! We only have The location of last issue’s “Where in to believe we can! the Great Lakes?” photo was Grand Island Lighthouse on Lake Superior. The contest winner was Walt Pomeroy of Harrisburg, Penn. Thank you to all NATHANIEL E. ROBINSON, CHAIR who participated! Great Lakes Commission Printed on recycled paper with soy-based ink. Note: For more information on the Robinson-Speck leadership team, see cover story.

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