Volume 20, Issue 2, 1995 June/July 1995

The International Joint Commission is an independent international organization established under the Boundary Waters Treaty of 1909. Its purpose is to help prevent disputes over use of waters shared by Canada and the United States and to provide advice on questions of mutual concern when requested by the two federal governments. Three members are appointed by the President of the United States, with advice and approval of the Senate, and three by the Governor-in-Council of Canada, on the advice of the Prime Minister.

Features On the Trail to a Sustainable Hamilton-Wentworth What Are Remedial Action Plans Cooperation Serves the Maumee RAP Well Community Restores Lands in Little River Watershed Duluth and Superior Communities Strive to Restore Water Quality Striving for Healthy Folks and Fish Un nouveau centre d'observation environnementale ouvre à Montréal A New Ecowatch Centre opens in Montreal IJC to Review Water Levels Regulation in Rainy Lake Watershed Columns Briefs RapSheet Perspective Bookshelf Events

Biennial Meeting Communities While it may seem otherwise, geography alone does not determine the site of the International Joint Commission's Biennial Meetings on Great Lakes Water Quality. Yes, the meetings are held in a wide variety of geographical sites around the basin, and rotate between U.S. and Canadian communities. But the Commission considers other elements in its choice as well. Most importantly, it looks for communities which, because of particular programs and local citizen leadership, can share with others innovative approaches to restoring and protecting the sweetwater seas. By bringing the Biennial Meeting to those communities, the Commission strives to help others learn about these approaches and, just as importantly, generate additional enthusiasm and momentum for each local community's efforts. This issue's articles highlight some of the reasons why we have taken our meeting to Hamilton, Toledo, Windsor and Cleveland, among others. Each article provides a glimpse of the creativity and commitment these communities have to enhancing their piece of the Great Lakes ecosystem. We are excited for Biennial Meeting participants to learn about several creative programs underway in the Duluth, Minnesota and Superior, Wisconsin area, and to help the Binational Program for Lake Superior to move forward toward its goals. You'll find the program and registration materials for this year's meeting in the center pullout section. The Local Planning Committee, and the Commission, are excited about the variety of issues and events to be presented at the meeting. We look forward to hearing your views on progress toward meeting the goals of the Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement and encourage you to register early. See you in Duluth!

Revised: March 20, 1997
Maintained by Kevin McGunagle, mcgunaglek@ijc.wincom.net