GLIN==> Lake Levels Study Gains New Public Advisors

For more information, contact:  John Nevin (202) 256-1368 or Jill
Wingfield (734) 223-3121

 

New Co-Chair and Members Named to Public Interest Advisory Group

Diverse Viewpoints Help Lake Levels Study Improve Public Outreach

 

Michigan attorney and lakeshore advocate Dave Powers has been named the
U.S. co-chair of the 20-member, binational Public Interest Advisory
Group (PIAG) that advises the International Upper Great Lakes Study
(IUGLS) on issues of communications and outreach to the public.   Powers
has served as a member of PIAG since 2007 and replaces Kay Felt, who
continues as a member.  As co-chair of PIAG, Powers will also serve as a
member of the IUGLS Board, providing a direct link from the public to
the ten-member body that makes key strategic decisions regarding
management and direction of the Study.

 

 A highly-regarded lawyer admitted to practice before U.S. Supreme
Court, Powers is a partner in a Bay City, Michigan, law firm and the
co-founder of Save Our Shoreline, a group of lakeshore property owners.
"The International Joint Commission has done a remarkable job assembling
talented and informed leaders to guide public input to the Study," said
Powers.  "I look forward to working more closely with them and to the
continuing challenge of balancing the many varied interests."

 

Launched by the International Joint Commission in 2007, IUGLS continues
through 2012 as scientists and other experts, with extensive input from
the public, develop and evaluate alternative regulation plans for Lake
Superior outflows through the control works at Sault Ste. Marie.  

 

In addition to naming Powers co-chair of PIAG, the International Joint
Commission has also added new PIAG members:

 

*         Glen Nekvasil, vice president, corporate communications, Lake
Carriers' Association;

*         Frank Ettawageshik, executive director, United Tribes of
Michigan, former tribal chairman, Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa
Indians; and,

*         Jim Te Selle, president, Wisconsin Great Lakes Coalition.

 

"Their diverse viewpoints and considerable experience on the Great Lakes
will help PIAG provide important advice to improve public outreach and
assist the already extensive efforts underway to include expertise from
a wide range of interests and geographical areas in the Study," said Jim
Bruce, the Canadian co-chair of PIAG.   

 

"As a long-time resident on the shores of Lake Michigan I've seen a
steady deterioration of the water and basin lands," said Te Selle.
"Most of the problems the lakes face are caused by human beings, so
human beings will need to fix them.  It's encouraging to see our two
countries beginning to do that. I feel honored that the International
Joint Commission chose me to help, and I look forward to contributing to
the welfare of all the Great Lakes and the people who live and depend on
them."

 

"Lake Carriers' Association looks forward to continuing to work with all
to keep the Great Lakes a vital element in the North American
transportation system while protecting the environment," said Nekvasil.

 

"Lake levels have critical impacts on all interests around the basin,"
said Ettawageshik.   "I look forward to helping the Study make sure that
native and aboriginal voices are heard and to ensuring that indigenous
traditional knowledge and philosophies are part of the considerations in
completing the Study."

 

On December 15th, 2009, the Study released a report on the St. Clair
River and its impacts on upper Great Lakes water levels.  The report, a
non-technical summary, public comments and peer reviews are all posted
at www.iugls.org <http://www.iugls.org> .  A report regarding PIAG
activities over the past two years and a synthesis of public comments is
also available at the Study website.

 

The IJC is currently receiving comments on the St. Clair River report
and will soon be announcing dates and sites across the basin where the
public will be able to provide their views on the recommendations.

 

Editor's Note:  Biographies and a complete list of PIAG members IUGLS
Board members are available at:  www.iugls.org <http://www.iugls.org> .


 

 

 

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