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WELCOME
IJC Announces Great Lakes Priorities
The International Joint Commission of Canada and the U.S. has announced its priority work to develop recommendations to assist governments in implementing the Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement (GLWQA). During 2012-2015, the Commission will focus on:
- Lake Erie Ecosystem Priority to Reduce Phosphorus Loads and Algal Blooms
- Assessment of Progress Toward Restoring the Great Lakes
- Assessing the Capacity to Deliver Great Lakes Science and Information
2011 Souris River Post Flood Report
Following historical flooding in 2011 along the Souris River, the US Army Corps of Engineers submitted a post-flood report to the International Souris River Board (ISRB) during its spring meeting in Bismarck, N.D. The report is now available to the public following a short review and comment period by the ISRB. The report outlines 10 recommendations, most of which are directed to a review and updating of Annex A and its operating plan as contained in the 1989 Agreement between the Government of Canada and the Government of the United States of America for Water Supply and Flood Control in the Souris River Basin.
Public hearings on study of critical sources of phosphorus loadings to Missisquoi Bay
The International Joint Commission (IJC) is inviting the public to comment on the International Missisquoi Bay Study Board’s final report on phosphorus loadings to Missisquoi Bay on Lake Champlain. In its final report, the Study Board provides recommendations to enhance phosphorus reduction efforts that address a number of issues including the effects of intensive cropping and animal use, phosphorus loads from streambank erosion, the application of local ranking criteria to funding decisions, the need to improve data sharing and availability, and the need for more research on the relationship between phosphorus concentration in soil and phosphorus runoff from agricultural soils.
International Upper Great Lakes Study Submits Final Report
After five years of research, an expert panel has submitted its final report, including findings and recommendations regarding regulation of outflows from Lake Superior. The Commission will hold hearings on the report this summer. Visit www.iugls.org for the full report and a summary.
Reports on Great Lakes Water Quality
The IJC is now revising its draft report on progress under the Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement since 1987 and thanks everyone who provided comment. Other recent documents related to the IJC’s work under the Agreement include The 2009-2011 Priority Work Group Reports.
IJC proposes a new approach to managing levels and flows in the Lake Ontario-St. Lawrence River system
Building on 50 years of experience, a five-year binational study and extensive public comment, the IJC is proposing new approach to manage water levels and flows in Lake Ontario and the St. Lawrence River system. While continuing to moderate extreme high and low water levels, the new approach would allow for more natural water levels and flow patterns and is expected to produce significant environmental improvements. It would also introduce and adaptive management strategy that would improve the capability to adapt to future changes. Details of the approach are available on-line at ijc.org/LOSLR
Report on Bi-National Water Management of the Lake of the Woods – Rainy River Watershed
The IJC recommends a governance model for a new International the Lake of the Woods and Rainy River Watershed Board basin. The governance model would apply cooperative research and decision making and enhance local participation and support mechanisms to address priority issues identified in its report such as nutrient enrichment, harmful algal blooms, aquatic invasive species, the contamination of ground and surface water, climate change indicators and the development of adaptation measures.
Vice President Al Gore Delivers Keynote Address at Great Lakes Water Quality Biennial Meeting
Former Vice President Al Gore delivered the keynote address at the 2011 Biennial Meeting in Detroit, Michigan, on October 13th. The former vice president focused on the climate crisis and impacts on the Great Lakes. Watch the video here.
IJC supporting a consolidated view of real-time stream flow gauges for the International Souris Basin.
This interactive map contains live links for select real-time stream flow gauges for the Souris River Basin. Generated in collaboration with the USGS North Dakota Water Science Center, the map provides a 'one-stop' view for flow conditions for the Souris River Drainage Basin partitioned by the newly harmonized international sub-basin units.
IJC Strengthens Local Capacity in Watersheds
Through its International Watersheds Initiative (IWI), the IJC and its IWI Boards continue to build local capacity to solve transboundary environmental issues at the watershed level. IWI projects have included modeling water flows, preparing for floods, surveying health issues, managing fishery issues and reaching out to stakeholders. The Transboundary Data Harmonization Task Force is working to produce consistent geospatial datasets and maps for use by planners, managers and citizens in watersheds along the boundary.
Alewives and the St. Croix River
The International St. Croix River Watershed Board continues discussions with interested parties on the proposed restoration of the sea run (anadromous) alewife, a fish species native to the St. Croix River. Updated information on this issue, including the summer 2010 public comment process, can be found on the Board's webpage.
Visit our Boundary Waters Treaty Centennial Website.
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