Our Mission: To create a grassroots wave of support, by a people's petition, for the designation of the Great Lakes as a PROTECTED BIOREGION, governed by joint U.S. and Canadian agreement, establishing a sound Public Trust, where private industry only operates under goals that restore and preserve the Great Lakes Basin. There are currently 47 Biosphere Reserves in the USA, including Isle Royale, Great Smoky Mountains and Yellowstone. Can we make the Great Lakes #48?Our Goal: ONE MILLION Great Lakes Supporters
Our Action Plan: This petition will be sent to inform President Obama, Great Lakes States legislators and other federal, state and local agencies of our commitment towards the high standards of a Great Lakes Protected Bioregion. (List of legislators found under Contacts)
ACTION TAKEN:
June 30, 2011: Members of Ohio legislature, re: Legislation to increase water withdrawals (July 15, 2011 Ohio Governor John Kasich vetos water bill saying "Ohio's legislation lacks clear standards for conservation and withdrawals and does not allow for sufficient evaluation and monitoring of withdrawals and usage.")
July 2, 2011: National Ocean Council, re: Public comment on strategic policy planning for the Great Lakes
August 5, 2011: EPA, re: opposition to S.S. Badger extension request to continue dumping coal ash into Lake Michigan for 5 more years
August 12, 2011: Wisconsin DNR, re: opposition to Waukesha Diversion application, public comment
September 19, 2011: EPA, re: Public comment on Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement
December 1, 2011: EPA, re: Public comment on proposed reporting rule for Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations (CAFO)
August 31, 2012: IJC, re: Public comment on Water Levels Study and proposed management options. Recommendation: immediate restoration initiative to stabalize Great Lakes water levels.
