SUMMARY OF PLENARY DISCUSSIONS

Environmental Quality Breakout Group Report -- Day 1

Gail Krantzberg, Facilitator

Better establish the link between climate change and beneficial use impairments.  The Commission must

have a clear picture of how changes in hydrology, temperature, precipitation, water level, and ice cover could

impact beneficial uses.

Stress the importance of watershed planning and management.  Scenarios and modelling tools that look at

trends over time at the watershed level will help decision makers better understand the vulnerabilities of

watersheds.

Address the interconnectedness of stressors.  Climate change is just one of many elements stressing the Great

Lakes.  Additional work is needed on land management planning and modeling to better understand how future

land management decisions, and the stressors related to them, will impact watersheds in light of a changing

climate.  For example, communities that strive to address flash flooding and runoff issues will be better posi-

tioned to address future climate changes.

Emphasize the impact of severe storm events and severe droughts on water quality.  As the frequency of

high-intensity storm events increases, runoff events will increase, combined sewers will overflow more often,

and sanitary infrastructure will be overtaxed, resulting in more toxins and pathogens entering the Great Lakes

and possibly leading to higher bacterial counts, more beach closings, and poorer water quality.

Expect the unexpected.  Do not be paralyzed by uncertainty.  Communities need to develop flexible plans that

can be adapted to changing conditions.  Do not postpone action until the magnitude of impacts is more certain.

Uncertainty is inevitable and is no excuse for inaction.  “The perfect is the enemy of the good, so let’s get on

with it.”

The term “adaptation” implies that humans will be able to live with climate change and continue business as

usual, once some simple adjustments are made.  This interpretation is false.

Ecosystem Health Breakout Group Report — Day 1

John Gannon, Facilitator

In addition to discussing the first-line effects of climate change, also discuss the next steps, for example, the

effects of climate change on bioaccumulation and impacts to wildlife.

Perform more research about the impact of climate change on beneficial uses.

Undertake more monitoring and surveillance.  Enlist volunteers to assist.

To help generate public outcry for action, undertake more public outreach to instruct people about the

importance of the climate change issue.

Changes have already been observed.  For example, the hunting season on Walpole Island has shifted and

now coincides with when adult ducks raise their young.

More islands are appearing near Walpole Island because the water level is dropping.

Consider climate change when planning ecological restoration activities.

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