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The following article is from an archived newsletter. See our Shared Waters newsletter.

To Adapt, or Not? Time Runs Out on Aug. 30

IJC staff
IJC

If you think water levels on the Great Lakes are and always will be “just right,” then stop reading.

If you don’t, then don’t forget to take a look at a draft Adaptive Management Plan for the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence River system.

We know, it’s a mouthful. And it probably isn’t as interesting as some of the other things on your “to do” list, especially as summer comes to a close. 

But here are some reasons to consider a comment:Adaptive management is almost like having a crystal ball. Credit: Kate Ter Haar.

Climate change: We can’t predict the future, but variations in temperatures and precipitation are likely to affect water levels down the road. Some effects are already apparent.

Uncertainty: Since we don’t have a crystal ball, it’s worth having an approach to water levels management that can respond to future conditions, from extreme highs to extreme lows.

Improvement: Adaptive management is a way of learning from past policies and practices, and getting better results the next time around.

The IJC put together a task team to develop a draft Adaptive Management plan as one result of the International Upper Great Lakes Study.

Comments on the draft plan opened on July 31, and will end Aug. 30.

If you support the approach, tell us.

If you think there are other ways to address uncertainty, also be certain to submit your comment.

This is the final step before the Commission makes recommendations to the Canadian and U.S. governments.

IJC staff
IJC

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