Approved September 22, 2006

MINUTES
INTERNATIONAL JOINT COMMISSION
COMMISSIONERS' CONFERENCE CALL
July 26, 2006

The International Joint Commission met in Executive Session on July 26, 2006, with Chair Gray chairing.

1. GREAT LAKES WATER QUALITY AGREEMENT REVIEW ADVICE
   The Commission discussed in detail its draft report providing advice on governments' Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement Review.
   
   
2. DEVILS LAKE
   The Commission approved formal transmittal to governments of a report from its International Red River Board entitled "Devils Lake, Red River, and Lake Winnipeg Parasite/Pathogen Monitoring", subject to a minor edit.
   
   
3. FACILITATING BORDER CROSSINGS
   The Commission discussed cross-border work required to support the needs of its boards, such as in the Souris River basin, noted standard letters held by the U.S. Geological Survey intended to facilitate such border crossings, noted cards carried by the International Boundary Commission, and asked staff to check into the arrangements of the International Boundary Commission.
   
   
4. MEETING OF THE INTERNATIONAL NETWORK OF BASIN ORGANIZATIONS (INBO)
   The Commission noted that the International Network of Basin Organizations (INBO) is preparing a "twinning proposal" of which the Commission should be aware as it works with others on a proposal to twin the International Joint Commission and the Great Lakes Fisheries Commission with the Lake Victoria Basin Commission and Lake Victoria Fisheries Organization to facilitate inter-basin knowledge exchange. The Commission also noted the regional and yearly meetings held by INBO and requested additional information regarding the distinction between them in order to better inform its appropriate participation.
   
   
5. THUNDER BAY REMEDIAL ACTION PLAN (RAP)
   The Commission approved the review of the Stage 2 Remedial Action Plan for Thunder Bay, Ontario, and asked that the comments be transmitted to governments.
   
   
6. CANADIAN COLUMBIA RIVER INTER-TRIBAL FISHERIES COMMISSION (CCRIFC)
   The Commission agreed that legal advisers should work to develop joint explanatory language for Commission consideration concerning a request of the Canadian Columbia River Inter-Tribal Fisheries Commission. The Commission also asked staff to confirm its decision regarding the posting of letters received from the two governments on this matter.
   
   
7. CONFERENCE CALL
   The Commission cancelled its conference call scheduled for July 28, 2006.
   
   
8. RESPONSE TO THE GEORGIAN BAY ASSOCIATION
   The Commission discussed draft responses to inquiries from the Georgian Bay Association regarding dredging in the St. Clair River and asked staff to address comments and provide a subsequent draft for consideration.