AWRI hosts public meeting to discuss Great Lakes water levels

Experts from the International Upper Great Lakes Study (IUGLS) will present the latest scientific findings and provide current information about water levels at a public meeting May 3, at Grand Valley State University's Annis Water Resources Institute. Experts will also outline the structure and purpose of the study and review a history of water level regulation in the Great Lakes.

The presentation will stress the importance of public input to the study process and the need for interested individuals and organizations to participate. Attendees will have an opportunity to present their views and ask questions.

The initial focus of IUGLS is whether possible physical changes in the St. Clair River are contributing to near-record low levels in the upper Great Lakes. More broadly, the study is examining whether regulation of outflows from Lake Superior might be improved to take into consideration changing climate, evolving interests of property owners, the environment, local governments, the shipping sector and the recreation/tourism industry.

The public meeting will take place Saturday, May 3, from 10 a.m.- noon in the Lake Michigan Center of Grand Valley State University’s Annis Water Resources Institute, 740 West Shoreline Dr., Muskegon.

IUGLS was launched by the International Joint Commission of the U.S. and Canada in March of 2007. While the overall project has a five-year timeline, a final report regarding the St. Clair River question is due in June of 2009.

For more information, contact Al Steinman, director of AWRI at (231) 728-3601.