Lake County Times

The annual meeting of the Great Lakes Commission concluded in New York, as announced by State Representative and Great Lakes Commissioner Jamie Callender. The two-day event included seminars on issues affecting the Great Lakes region, resolutions to address ongoing challenges in the Great Lakes Basin, and speeches from various officials.

Key resolutions discussed included urging federal agencies to enhance protections against invasive species and supporting the reauthorization of the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative (GLRI). According to the US EPA, over 180 non-native aquatic species are established in the basin, with 34% deemed invasive. The resolution calls for legislative and executive actions to improve screening processes and ban hazardous species importation. All proposed resolutions were approved by the commission.

The GLRI was established in 2009 as a multi-agency federal program aimed at restoring and protecting this major freshwater system. Since 2010, it has received $4.9 billion for projects focusing on toxic substances, invasive species, pollution impacts on nearshore health, habitat and species conservation, and future restoration actions.

Jamie Callender stated: “The Great Lakes are at the heart of what makes Northeast Ohio a great place to work, live, and raise a family. By investing in conservation efforts, not only will Lake Erie remain a leading economic engine for the region, but countless generations will be able to enjoy the rivers, wetlands, and beaches found across Ohio and the entire Great Lakes Basin.”

Established in 1955 as part of the Great Lakes Basin Compact by Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, and Wisconsin for promoting conservation efforts; New York joined in 1960 followed by Pennsylvania during its 1955-1956 session while Ohio joined in 1963 alongside Quebec's Government & Ontario creating an eight-state two Canadian province board receiving congressional consent back then during '68.