Activities

On March 15, 2013 the bi-national Adaptive Management Task Team released its proposed Adaptive Management Plan.

Although the future is not certain, increases in temperature and changes in precipitation patterns are likely to affect water levels in the Great Lakes-St. Lawrence River system. There is strong evidence that in the future we will experience extreme water levels – both high and low – that are outside the historical range. Indeed, record low water levels were experienced in January 2013 on Lakes Michigan and Huron.

Recent lake levels studies suggest that the best way to address the potential for extreme water levels and the uncertainties, including those associated with climate change, is through adaptive management. A draft Adaptive Management Plan for the Great Lakes-St. Lawrence River System is now available to the public. The plan aims to provide a more efficient and cost-effective way to monitor climate trends and support decision-making aimed at reducing the risk to communities, the economy and the environment from extreme water levels.

Your comments on this comprehensive and collaborative draft plan will be invited from March 15-April 15. The International Great Lakes-St. Lawrence River Adaptive Management Task Team will consider comments received before making final recommendations to the International Joint Commission in May 2013.

The Adaptive Management Task Team will be hosting a series of webinars to provide more information on different aspects of the draft adaptive management plan. Mark your calendar now.

The draft Adaptive Management Plan and instructions for the webinars will be posted online March 15.