Great Lakes Strategy 2002

A PLAN FOR THE NEW MILLENNIUM

A Strategic Plan for the Great Lakes Ecosystem

Developed by the U.S. Policy Committee for the Great Lakes

APRIL 2002

Table of Contents

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• Why The Great Lakes Are Important Regionally, Nationally, And Globally
• Our Commitment
• Our Long Term Vision
• Our Collective Goals and Priorities

Chemical Integrity: Reducing and Eliminating the Threat of Toxic Pollution and Excess Nutrients

• Implementing the Great Lakes Initiative
• Establishing Total Maximum Daily Loads
• Achieving the Challenges of the Great Lakes Binational Toxics Strategy
• Addressing Impacts from Air Deposition
• Achieving Out-of-Basin Toxics Reductions
• Cleaning Up Past Contamination: Sediments
• Promoting the Safe Consumption of Great Lakes Fish and Wildlife
• Maintaining A Healthy Nutrient Balance

Physical Integrity: Promoting Habitat Protection, Water Quantity Management, and Improved Land Use Practices

• Habitat Protection and Restoration
• Special Focus Area: Great Lakes Coastal Wetlands
• Protection of Great Lakes Water Resources
• Sustainable Land Use
• Brownfield Redevelopment
• Promoting Conservation Practices on Agricultural Lands
• Overflows from Sanitary Sewers and Combined Sewer Systems
• Storm Water Discharges

• Human Health Studies
• Maintaining the Great Lakes as a Safe Source of Drinking Water
• Promoting Clean and Healthy Beaches
• Promoting a Healthy Great Lakes Fishery
• Preventing Unplanned Introductions and Controlling Invasive Species

Working Together: Effectively Coordinating Programs and Resources to protect and restore the Great Lakes

• Implementing the Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement
• The International Joint Commission's Oversight Role
• Implementing Lakewide Management Plans
• Cleaning Up Areas Of Concern Through Remedial Action Plans
• Special Focus Area: Lake St. Clair
• Reporting on Environmental Indicators-Data and Trends
• Establishing Research Priorities for the Great Lakes
• Ensuring U. S. Coordination and Cooperation
• Fostering Binational Coordination and Cooperation
• Public Involvement
• Communicating and Reporting Progress
• Emerging Problems and Continuing Challenges

• Beneficial Use Impairments
• Desired Outcomes for the Great Lakes Ecosystem
• Binational Toxic Strategy Goals and Challenges for the United States
• Role of Partners and Agencies in the Great Lakes Basin