part 1 l. superior making it great
DESCRIPTION
Lake Superior is faced with many of the same issues which affect the lower Great Lakes. These include chemical contaminants, habitat loss and degradation, areas of concern and developing sustainability. Problems are intensified by new and emerging issues such as a huge increase in proposed mining developments along with severe economic downturn due to industry losses in the forestry sector. For close to 20 years, the Lake Superior Binational Forum representing citizen stakeholders, co-ordinated by EcoSuperior and Northland College, has been at the centre of Lake Superior Binational Program restoration and protection efforts. A detailed review of programs and projects implemented by these organizations, both successes and failures, reveals useful lessons. Initiatives include a full range of activities from benthic biomonitoring, survey research and pollution prevention to outreach campaigns and community events. Such practical experience on this Great Lakes source watershed is essential information for all organizations striving to achieve future progress in meeting Lakewide Management Plan goals.TRANSCRIPT
Lake SuperiorMaking it Great: Keeping it Great
Lessons Learned on Superior
Jim Bailey
www.superiorforum.org
Lake Superior Binational ProgramGovernment agencies & partnersU.S. EPA,Environment Canada, Ontario:• Ministry of Environment, • Ministry of Natural ResourcesMinnesota• Pollution Control Agency• Dept. of Natural ResourcesWisconsin• Dept. of Natural ResourcesMichigan• Dept. of Env. Quality
Key goal:• Restore and protect the Lake Superior basin
ecosystem
Common missionLake Superior Binational ForumNorthland CollegeEcoSuperior
Northland CollegeSigurd Olson Environmental Institute
Ashland, Wisconsin environmental liberal arts college
Curriculum focusing on Lake Superior
Supports Forum outreach, provides faculty expertise and student assistance
20 year relationship with Forum
EcoSuperiorEncourage environmental stewardship in the Lake Superior basin
Non-profit
Volunteer board of directors
Staff of 12 people
Thunder Bay
Central focus…Actions & lessons learned
Focus:
Directly address core Binational Program
objectives
Lake Superior Binational ForumVolunteer stakeholders:
12 Canadian 12 American
Public Engagement, Outreach and Practical Action
Funding:US EPA & Environment Canada
Coordinated by:Northland College and EcoSuperior
Get along
...Or get out of the way
Lake Superior Binational Forum
Aquatic Invasive Species PreventionMining
Sault Ste. Marie, May 2010Launch of the “Lake Superior Aquatic Invasive
Species Complete Prevention Plan”
First binational and lakewide prevention plan in the Great Lakes
Direct Co-operationU.S. Environmental Protection AgencyEnvironment CanadaMichigan Department of Environmental QualityOntario Ministry of Natural ResourcesU.S. Army Corps of EngineersOntario Federation of Anglers and Hunters
Mining“...seek opportunities to work with the mining sector on actions that promote the sustainable restoration and protection of the Lake Superior ecosystem.”
Lake Superior Lakewide Management Plan Annual Report 2011
Letter from Forum to Canadian Environmental
Assessment Agency