IJC Leaves Boaters High And Dry

In response to the growing concerns over the dropping water levels seen on the Great Lakes in the last few years, the International Joint Commission recently assembled individuals to participate on a critical five year International Upper Great Lakes Study. The study will, among other objectives, “determine the factors that affect water levels and flows in the upper lakes.” The IJC also stated that it would “appoint a public interest advisory group to assist the study board” in order to make “sure that the views of the public are given due consideration.

However the 6 million boaters who use the lakes each year have been left high and dry. According to the International Joint Commission, they don’t deserve to have their voices heard despite the $16 billion in funds those boaters contribute to local economies and the direct effect the study will have on this large group of citizens.

The IJC appointed to the study board representatives of seven conservation organizations, a representative of a coastal landowners’ organization, a representative of the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa, a representative from a Canadian shipping group and a private citizen.

It is unfortunate that the IJC has chosen to leave out boaters. One can only hope the "private citizen" is a boater.