The purpose of the EPA-funded tour is to spread the word about the Lake Michigan Lakewide Management Plan for Lake Michigan and gather input on lakewide issues from the public. This is done in a variety of ways through water quality sampling cruises, open houses on the vessel, exhibits, and public meetings. There is no charge to the local hosts or participants. Local contacts at each port arrange the programs and invite people to the events.
The W.G. Jackson is the outreach and education vessel of GVSU's Annis Water Resources Institute that takes out over 5,000 people per year on educational cruises. The Jackson's science instructors and crew provide the program for the cruises. Generally, there can be up to four 1-hour cruises or three 2 1/2-hour cruises in a day for groups of up to 30 adults and children age 8 and above. On cruises, there are hands-on sampling and analysis opportunities as well as presentations about the Lake Michigan Lakewide Management Plan, the U.S. EPA Lake Michigan Forum and its activities as well as local issues of concern. On the vessel, there are informational handouts for the public and some space for displays from local groups.
The 2002 Tour schedule for the W. G. Jackson will include visits to
- Waukegan (July 15, 16, 17)
- Chicago (July 18, 19)
- Kenosha (July 20)
- Frankfort (August 12 and 15)
- Grand Traverse Bay (August 13 and 14)
- White Lake (July 27)
- Holland (August 26)
