Hosted by the International Joint Commission with support from a local group of volunteers in the Milwaukee area, the 1999 Biennial Forum will provide opportunity for key events such as reports from the Great Lakes Water Quality Boards, public hearings, and the governments' report on their progress to restore and protect the Great Lakes ecosystem. In addition to these main events, more than 20 workshops and sessions are planned on a range of topics from toxics to watershed management and the use of clean technology. The program will emphasize building partnerships for progress so that the best of what is occurring around the Great Lakes can be replicated elsewhere. The 1999 Biennial Forum will focus on issues of concern today and what is being done about them.
Across the Great Lakes basin, citizens, communities, businesses and organizations are finding new ways to work together and balance economic, social and environmental goals in cleaning up the Great Lakes. To find out about these partnerships and innovations and to discover new ones, join us for the 1999 Biennial Forum on Great Lakes Water Quality, September 24-26, 1999 at the new Midwest Express Center in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. This special event, held every two years, helps to catalyze the work of citizens and organizations around the basin working toward a cleaner and healthier Great Lakes. The 1999 meeting in Milwaukee builds on successful past meetings in Niagara Falls, Ontario - 1997; Duluth, Minnesota - 1995; Windsor, Ontario - 1993; and Traverse City, Michigan - 1991; Hamilton, Ontario - 1989; Toledo, Ohio - 1987; Kingston, Ontario - 1985; Indianapolis, Indiana - 1983. Prior the Indianapolis meeting annual meetings were held around the basin.
Why a Biennial Forum on Great Lakes Water Quality?
Under the Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement, the International Joint Commission prepares a assessment every two years on progress to clean up the Great Lakes. This assessment, along with recommendations, is provided to the federal governments of the U.S. and Canada. As part of this assessment, the Biennial Forum provides an opportunity for citizens, government officials, industry, environmental organizations, scientists, the media and others from Canada and the United States to meet and discuss issues of concern regarding the Great Lakes ecosystem and to provide information to the Commission. Other scheduled events during the three-day meeting include presentations by the U.S. and Canadian governments on their programs and progress to clean up the Great Lakes, educational workshops, and time for attendees from around the Great Lakes basin to network and caucus.
All sessions are free and are open to the public. Fees will be charged for optional meals and tours.
The 1999 Biennial Forum on Great Lakes Water Quality is the only public meeting of its kind that targets the general public as well as organized groups and others that have an interest in future of the Great Lakes. The program features a variety of learning, discussion and networking opportunities that highlight the vital issues that must be addressed to restore and maintain the chemical, physical and biological integrity of the waters of the Great Lakes basin ecosystem.
Planned activities include:
Who will attend the Biennial Forum?
Over 2,000 interested people from all over the Great Lakes basin and beyond are expected in Milwaukee.
Plan to come to Milwaukee September 24-26, 1999, to participate in the 1999 Biennial Forum on Great Lakes Water Quality. Continue to explore the Biennial Forum web site and register to attend. Upon registering, future mailings will be sent to you.
Showcase what your organization is doing to benefit and restore the Great Lakes ecosystem. In conjunction with the International Joint Commission's 1999 Biennial Forum on Great Lakes Water Quality, the first Great Lakes Environmental Expo will be held at the New Midwest Express Center in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, September 24-26, 1999. The Great Lakes Environmental Expo will provide the opportunity for organizations, companies, schools and government to showcase a variety of special projects, new technology, environmental products and future plans to maintain and preserve our Great Lakes.
The main focus of The Great Lakes Environmental Expo will be to provide information and further educate the public on environmental concerns within the Great Lakes system. Never before have groups been given the opportunity to display at an event of this type and scale which brings together the major players surrounding the quality of our Great Lakes, the largest fresh water system on the planet. This event will also have an emphasis on hands-on activities to showcase specific projects and environmental technology.
Students will play a key role in this 60,000 square foot event. Special displays will give attendees some insight on what tomorrow's leaders have to say about the future of the Great Lakes and the efforts taking place to preserve them. For more information on The Great Lakes Environmental Expo visit our web site at or call Chuck Stoffle, Show Manager, at 519-734-8006.
What will I take home from the 1999 Biennial Forum?
In addition to the connections you will make with other Great Lakes leaders from across the basin, you will receive specific ideas and tools to jump start cleanup initiatives in your own community.
Who is sponsoring and planning the 1999 Biennial Forum?
The 1999 Biennial Forum on Great Lakes Water Quality is hosted by the International Joint Commission with the support of a local Milwaukee planning committee. The planning process for the 1999 Biennial Forum has involved leaders from business, not-for-profit organizations, academia, community and government organizations.
How can I get more information?
For more information, please continue to explore the 1999 Biennial Forum
website, email or call 313-226-2170 ext. 6733 in the U.S. or 519-257-6733 in Canada.