Reports

State of the Strait - Ecological Benefits of Habitat Modification, 2010
The State of the Strait (SOS) conference is held every two years to bring together key Canadian and U.S. stakeholders to assess ecosystem status and provide advice to improve research, monitoring, and management of the Detroit River and western Lake Erie. The 2009 conference was held at the University of Windsor and its theme was "Ecological Benefits of Habitat Modification." This two-year project involved nearly 50 organizations and more than 200 participants at the conference. Over the past 30 years, much has been done to restore lost habitats and improve conditions in this region. However, the ecological improvements resulting from these projects, as well as the cumulative effects of these changes have yet to be quantified or evaluated against goals or targets of existing plans or programs. The SOS conference and subsequent report translates and transfers the science regarding ecological benefits of habitat modification. The report includes all extended abstracts presented at the conference as well as a synthesis and summary of discussions, key findings, and recommendations based on the conference. | 2/1/10
State of the Strait - Status and Trends of Key Indicators, 2007
IAGLR was a partner in the U.S.-Canada Detroit River-Western Lake Erie Indicator Project. Long-term trend data on 50 indicators has been compiled, interpreted, and translated for policy-makers and key managers in an effort to strengthen the science-policy linkage. Over 20 IAGLR members were involved in preparing indicator write-ups. In December 2006 this indicator work became the focus of the biennial State of the Strait Conference. A final report became available in December 2007. | 12/4/07

Great Lakes Science & Policy Project (2001-2002)

Strengthening the Connection Between Great Lakes Science and Policy: Final Report of the Great Lakes Science-Policy Initiative
This report is a culmination of the work undertaken during this two-year grant to strengthening linkages between scientific research and environmental policy in the Great Lakes Basin. Prepared for The Joyce Foundation by the International Association for Great Lakes Research. | 1/22/03

The Great Lakes Science-Policy Initiative: Stakeholder Evaluation of IAGLR's Great Lakes Science-Policy Resources
This report summarizes stakeholder evaluation of resources developed under the Great Lakes Science-Policy Initiative. Prepared for The Joyce Foundation by the International Association for Great Lakes Research. | 1/03

Research and Management Priorities for Aquatic Invasive Species in the Great Lakes
Urban nonpoint source pollution is a problem throughout the entire Great Lakes Basin Ecosystem. It is a major obstacle to the full restoration of beneficial uses in urbanized portions of the Great Lakes Basin and to the full realization of the economic and societal benefits of the Great Lakes. In response to this ubiquitous problem, this report summarizes the current state of science and evaluates a case study of an environmental controversy involving suburban development on the Oak Ridges Moraine, north of Toronto, Ontario. The Oak Ridges Moraine case study illustrates some of the obstacles to smart growth, and the role that science might play in overcoming these obstacles. | 12/9/02

Linking Science and Policy for Urban Nonpoint Source Pollution in the Great Lakes Basin
Aquatic invasive species pose one of the greatest risks to the health and productivity of our Great Lakes, and threaten economic losses that total in the billions of dollars. In response to that threat, this report summarizes the state of the current science and challenges governments to take action. | 11/15/02

Summary and Feedback from the Congressional Briefing and Detroit River/Lake St. Clair Boat Tour held on August 14, 2001
This report report summarizes the Congressional Briefing to Strengthen the Science-Policy Linkage, held Aug. 14 and hosted by Sen. Debbie Stabenow of Michigan. All participants agreed that communication/translation of current and timely scientific and research results to policymakers is essential. | 11/13/01

Report of a Survey of Great Lakes Policy Issues: Great Lakes Science & Policy: Strengthening the Connection
During winter/spring 2001, IAGLR conducted the Survey of Great Lakes Policy Issues, which asked organizations to identify and rank high-priority policy issues in the region, and to identify information that could assist policymakers in decision-making regarding these issues. This report describes the research methods used in IAGLR's Survey of Great Lakes Policy Issues, and it presents survey findings and Advisory Board recommendations for key issues to guide the Association's remaining project activities. | 7/01