Friends,
The International Joint Commission (IJC) has a meeting for everyone in the Great Lakes region-U.S., Canadian, First Nations--every two years in October. They coordinate with the EPA, Environment Canada, countries, various watershed groups, businesses, academics, and take comments from the public to inform better water policies. It also hosts free workshops for all who wish to attend and is open to comments from the public.
That meeting is happening now! (Oct. 11-14, Tuesday-Friday) You can register here http://meeting.ijc.org/, registration is free! Be aware that parking is $5 though!
Your voice and insight is important! This year the meeting takes place in Detroit at Wayne State University and (again) is free to attend. Please spread the word and attend if you're available to do so.
David Dempsey, a Policy Advisor with the IJC, spoke at the UM-Dearborn Social Science building urged the audience likewise today reiterating the importance of education and vigilant community engagement at events like the IJC Biennial Meeting--"possibly one of the few times the public can deliver remarks in person to major decision makers of the Great Lakes." Having attended the 2009 IJC meeting, I was surprised to find myself as one of the only people in the 30 years and under age bracket attending the comment session.
Dempsey also urged audience members that even though Asian Carp and the condition of Lake Erie will likely be well vocalized issues, don't forget to represent what's going on near you too!
Not ready to submit comments but want to learn?
In addition to public comment sessions, there will be workshops and educational sessions to bring the community up to date on timely developments in science, policy, and perhaps even the economics surrounding the Great Lakes, other inland water bodies and the communities they're integral to.
For those who are looking for things to ponder prior to attending a session, here are some questions for you to consider: Is surface and ground water where you live drinkable, swimmable, fishable (a goal in the EPA Clean Water act on behalf of the citizens who sought a healthy place to live)? Do legal questions about commerce and water access keep you up at night? Does your community's storm water system and sewer drains still discharge into local rivers and tributaries? What are things that citizens can do to make a difference in their community to help improve the condition of the Great Lakes? This is a great time to find out.
We hope to see you there! The SEA is arranging for a few carpools, but to our friends at Wayne State University and those among the greater Detroit community, please be sure to check it out!
No comments:
Post a Comment