Mandate

Concern over fluctuating water levels on Lake of the Woods led governments to refer the matter to the IJC in June 1912. Following a five year study, the IJC made a series of recommendations regarding flow regulation and the need for an engineering board and an international board to regulate and control lake levels. A (Canadian) Lake of the Woods Control Board was formed in 1919 by Canada and Ontario.

A treaty between Canada and the United States, known as the 1925 Lake of the Woods Convention and Protocol, was signed and established elevation and discharge requirements for regulating Lake of the Woods based on the IJC recommendations. The Convention and Protocol states that whenever the level of the lake rises above elevation 1061 ft. (323.47 m) or falls below 1056 ft. (321.87 m) the rate of discharge of water from the lake shall be subject to the approval of the International Lake of the Woods Control Board. The Board is composed of two engineers, one appointed by Canada and one by the United States. Although appointed by governments, the Board reports annually (in the spring) to the Commission. The Canadian Lake of the Woods Control Board has responsibility for regulation of the lake under normal lake levels. With relatively few exceptions, such as the 1985 high water levels which slightly exceeded 1,061 ft., the lake has remained within the water level range where it is under the full authority of the Canadian Board.

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