PUBLIC HEARING

Alex Birthart, high school student, Duluth, Minnesota

I'm involved in projects such as those put on by the Great Lakes Aquarium and things such as River Watch. There aren't many programs that involve students from all over the Great Lakes. I think that's a real disappointment because I think it would be great if we could find a way to have some sort of organization that brought together students from all over the five Great Lakes, not necessarily in body, but in organization, to work together to protect them.

Commissioner Murphy

Thank you very much. We would certainly agree with you that it would be nice to find ways. We had a hard time to find ways to put this on, to pay for it ourselves, to tell the truth but, hearing you, we'll certainly pass it on.

Commissioner Chamberlin

Alex, you might already know about the Great Lakes student forum that takes place every two years in Buffalo. I know that's a long way from where you are, but that's certainly one of the challenges for schools is that the basin is so huge. But I could put you in touch with the person that directs that every two years. She may know of other opportunities for students.

Ms. Birthart

Thank you.