"H20 NOW" About the Biennial Meeting
The theme of of the 2011 Great Lakes Water Quality Biennail Meeting is "H20 NOW" emphasing the pressing need for action to protect and restore the Great Lakes. Just as important, "H20 NOW" applies to everyone -- to the public, to industry, to environmental organizations and government -- all have a role to play. Join friends and colleagues from throughout the Great Lakes basin to learn about the latest research regarding critical threats to water quality, to share ideas and solutions and to join in the collaborative process of producing the 16th Biennial Report. Focusing on the importance of addressing challenges to the nearshore, speakers will include top government officials from the U.S. and Canada, including key decision-makers from the federal, state and provincial level.
As the U.S. and Canada reach the final stage of negotiations regarding an updated Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement, the Biennial Meeting will for the first time be held in conjuction with annual meetings of the Great Lakes Commission and the Healing Our Waters Coalition, among other organizations. Great Lakes Week Detroit 2011 will include a joint meeting of all of the groups the afternoon of October 12, 2011.
Great Lakes Priority Reports
For the past two years, experts from the Water Quality Board, Science Advisory Board, Council of Great Lakes Research Managers, Health Professionals Task Force and International Air Quality Advisory Board (and other expers) have been developing findings and recommendations regarding six key research areas: the Nearshore Framework; Chemicals of Emerging Concern, Harmful/Nuisance Algae; Aquatic Invasive Species; Benefits and Risks of Fish Consumption; and Beaches Recreational Water Quality. At the end of summer, draft reports will be posted here and available for public comment. Following the Biennial Meeting and the incorporation of comments received, these reports will become the foundation for the 16th Biennial Report, to be released in 2012.
Don't Miss Out Register Now!
Register now to make sure you have a seat at the table at a historic moment in the history of U.S. and Canadian efforts to restore the biological, physical and chemical integrity of the waters of the Great Lakes Basin Ecosystem. There is no cost to attend sessions, but there is a $50 meal fee.
Registration entitles you to attend the historic joint session on on October 12 and then TWELVE different workshops and plenary sessions with top officials on October 13th and 14th. For your convenience, the $50 meal fee covers the networking box lunch prior to the joint meeting (October 12), luncheon with the keynote speaker (October 13) as well as breakfast on both Thursday and Friday (October 13-14). Separate registration and payment is required for a reception at the Detroit Institute of Arts following the joint meeting (Oct. 12) and for the Detroit River Boat Tour (Oct. 13).
Special Event
Kick off the Biennial Meeting early on October 11th by joining us to discuss "Issues Affecting Lake Erie Water Quality" at the Science Advisory Board's public meeting.
