GLIN==> Schedule of Calls for Draft Lake Superior Aquatic Invasive Species Complete Prevention Plan Comment Period

Schedule of Calls for Draft Lake Superior Aquatic Invasive Species Complete Prevention Plan Comment Period



As part of the stakeholder review period for the draft Lake Superior Aquatic Invasive Species Complete Prevention Plan, a series of conference calls are scheduled for February. On these calls, the plan will be presented via webcast and comments will be welcome. The schedule of calls is as follows:



For those interested in the Maritime Commerce, Canals and Diversions, and Agencies Activities vectors:

February 3, 2010, from 11:30 AM to 12:30 PM (10:30 to 11:30 AM Central)



For those interested in the Organisms in Trade and Illegal Activities vectors:

February 10, 2010, from 11:30 AM to 12:30 PM (10:30 to 11:30 AM Central)



For those interested in the Water Recreation, Fishing and Aquaculture, and Tourism and Development vectors:

February 17, 2010, from 11:30 AM to 12:30 PM (10:30 to 11:30 AM Central)



The teleconference/webcast information will be distributed in advance of the calls.



Comments on the draft Lake Superior Aquatic Invasive Species Complete Prevention Plan are due by February 26, 2010.  Comments may be given during the conference calls scheduled above or in writing at http://epa.gov/glnpo/lakesuperior/ais_draft.html.  In addition, a series of workshops will be held in the spring and summer of 2010 to provide additional information and answer questions.  Additional workshop details will be forthcoming.



The Lake Superior Binational Program recognizes that aquatic invasive species are one of the biggest threats to Lake Superior in terms of negative ecological and economic impacts.  To address this critical threat, the Lake Superior Binational Program developed a draft Aquatic Invasive Species Complete Prevention Plan (Plan) for the lake.  The Plan identifies the pathways aquatic invasive species use to enter and become established in the lake.  Further, the Plan recommends prevention actions that need to be newly implemented, in addition to existing efforts, in order to close existing pathways on both sides of the border and prevent new aquatic invasive species from entering  the Lake Superior ecosystem.  The draft plan is available at:

http://epa.gov/glnpo/lakesuperior/ais_draft.html



After the comment period closes on February 26, 2010, we will consider all comments, revise the Plan accordingly, and finalize.  An implementation plan will then be written and circulated which will help relevant agencies and organizations incorporate prevention actions and activities into their respective work plans. Much of the Plan's focus is on coordinating existing efforts that are part of already-approved agency plans. We encourage implementation of actions in these approved plans as funding becomes available to protect Lake Superior from new aquatic invasive species.  We encourage you to apply for relevant funding under the Invasive Species section of the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative (GLRI) Request for Proposals found at www.epa.gov/greatlakes<http://www.epa.gov/greatlakes>.



Thank you for your interest in the Lake Superior Aquatic Invasive Species Complete Prevention Plan.  If you have questions, you may contact



Nancy Stadler-Salt (nancy.stadler-salt at ec.gc.ca<mailto:nancy.stadler-salt at ec.gc.ca>) or Elizabeth LaPlante (LaPlante.elizabeth at epa.gov<mailto:LaPlante.elizabeth at epa.gov>).



Sincerely,

Nancy Stadler-Salt

Canadian Co-Chair Lake Superior Work Group



Elizabeth LaPlante

US Co-Chair Lake Superior Work Group



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