Sep 25: Experts will discuss Lake Michigan and Great Lakes issues at three conferences in Milwaukee from September 29 through October 2. Topics at the concurrent State of Lake Michigan and Great Lakes Beach Association conferences September 29 - October 1 include Lake Michigan fisheries; invasive species; nuisance and harmful algal blooms; climate change; lake water levels; sustainability; progress in cleanups on contaminated sediment; rapid testing methods for beach management; and beach restoration. In association with these meetings, the annual Areas of Concern (AOC) conference will be held October 1-2 at the same location.
The events will be held at the Hyatt Regency and many sessions will be webcast live (See link below). The conferences are sponsored by U.S. EPA, University of Wisconsin Sea Grant Institute, Great Lakes Beach Association and many other organizations.
Access agendas, sponsors and information at (click here). Access separate information for the Areas of Concern conference (click here). Access the schedule of conference session webcasts (click here).
Dear Sirs, It is important to remember that when addressing the Coast Guard about ballast water , that although sadly the military has found it necessary to intervene to protect America’s water from invasive species, human bacterial pathogens and virus being dumped in our water by domestic and international private enterprise, our country is a democracy. The largest elected legislative voice of the people has already spoken with overwhelming resolve. It was because one Senator, Senator Boxer believes that control of pathogens in water distributed by ballast dumping, capable of spreading to all Americans was a states rights issue. She did not want Federal policy to over ride her states rights. To understand her position you have to look at the time line for new standards that were passed with H.R.2830 vs. her states laws. As no action was taken by the Senate in 2008 and it is now close to 2010 her objections should have less relevance. To believe that because the Coast Guard is asking for public opinion through their forum that their decisions will reflect the wish’s of the American people is to not understand what our democracy is or should be.
ReplyDeleteSincerely,
Don Mitchel