The International Upper Great Lakes Study will hold a public meeting Aug. 9 in Superior regarding the group's recent study and report on Great Lakes water levels.
The meeting is set for 7-9 p.m. at the University of Wisconsin-Superior's Yellowjacket Union, 1605 Catlin Ave., and will include presentations and opportunities for public comment.
Water levels have been a huge issue in recent years during especially dry periods, especially on Lakes Huron and Michigan, which had been far below normal levels until recent months.
The meeting, which will include a presentation and a public comment period, will discuss the new regulation plan for Lake Superior outflows at Sault Ste. Marie; changes in lake-level monitoring to allow for adaptive management; restoration scenarios for Lake Michigan-Huron water levels; new data on potential climate-change impacts for the Great Lakes; ongoing impacts of long-term movement in the lake beds still responding after glaciers left the region; and more.
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.
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The report is available here and attached to the story. A meeting also is set for Aug. 10 in Thunder Bay.
Shoreline property owners, boaters, anglers, local governments and environmental and shipping organizations are encouraged to attend the public meetings and offer comments. Comments will be recorded at the public meeting and also can be submitted here through Aug. 31.
