Approved May 5, 2006

MINUTES
INTERNATIONAL JOINT COMMISSION
COMMISSIONERS' CONFERENCE CALL
March 31, 2006

The International Joint Commission met by conference call on March 31, 2006, with Chair Schornack chairing.

1. OVERALL AGENDA
   Commissioners reviewed logistical information for meetings in Seattle, Washington, on Monday, April 3; asked staff to follow up concerning a potential meeting with Mayor Nichols that week and on information on the significance of the locks (at which Monday's meeting will be held); and agreed to make themselves available to media.
   
   
2. MINUTES
   Commissioners approved minutes of conference calls on March 3 and 17, 2006.
   
   
3. APPOINTMENTS
   Commissioners approved the appointment of Dr. Monica Campbell as a Canadian member of the Health Professionals Task Force from April 1, 2006 to March 31, 2009, and approved the following reappointments to the Health Professionals Task Force:
   Dr. Peter Orris as the U.S. co-chair from April 1, 2006 to March 31, 2008;
   Dr. Brian Gibson as the Canadian co-chair from April 1, 2006 to March 31, 2008;
   Dr. John Dellinger as a U.S. member from April 1, 2006 to March 31, 2009;
   Dr. Drew Brodkin as a U.S. member from April 1, 2006 to March 31, 2009; and
   Dr. Marg Sanborn as a Canadian member from April 1, 2006 to March 31, 2009.
   
   
4. BRING-FORWARD SYSTEM
   Commissioners agreed that no action was required in follow-up to December 2005 letters sent to President Bush and then Prime Minister Martin unless determined otherwise in the future.
   
   
5. PRESENTATION ON SALMON RESTORATION
   Commissioners noted plans for presentations by William Ruckelshaus and John Fraser on salmon restoration efforts.
   
   
6. WASHINGTON-BRITISH COLUMBIA ENVIRONMENTAL COUNCIL
   Commissioners noted plans for discussions with the Washington-British Columbia Environmental Council.
   
   
7. OTHER BUSINESS
   
   1. Agreement Review Committee. Commissioners agreed that staff will participate in Agreement Review Committee Work Groups as "observers", with the understanding that staff participating in this capacity should feel free to correct any errors of fact, interpretation, or perception where that would be helpful; Commissioners further agreed that the Director, Great Lakes Regional Office, should email that day an initial list of Commission staff willing to participate on the work teams.
   2. Lake Ontario - St. Lawrence River Study. Commissioners approved the text for letters transmitting the Study Board reports to the federal governments, subject to minor edits.