Development of a sustainability plan for Lake of the Woods is the major goal of the Lake of the Woods Water Sustainability Foundation. On August 4, Lake of the Woods water quality became an international priority, with Canada committing $5.5 million dollars for Environment and Climate Change Canada to participate along with the significant efforts and investments already being made by Minnesota to develop phosphorus concentration objectives and reduction targets to combat harmful algae blooms—a key pillar of the sustainability plan.
Currently, Environment and Climate Change Canada has proposed a draft plan for science studies. Governments had the opportunity to commit to more. We think they still should.
Our Foundation will continue to work through the International Joint Commission's Rainy-Lake of the Woods Watershed Board and with Global Affairs Canada, Environment Canada and U.S. agencies to ensure that:
Environment Canada's draft study plan integrates with and supports the significant scientific efforts already underway or completed by the State of Minnesota.
This leads to a tangible outcome for our lake — a binational water quality agreement with objectives, reduction targets, timelines and accountability through regular reporting by the IJC on the achievements of governments towards the agreement, just like on the Great Lakes.
The IJC can provide a mechanism for transparency and accountability, similar to its role on the Great Lakes. The IJC should have the role to analyze information provided by the Governments, assess the effectiveness of programs in both countries and report on scientific progress towards meeting water quality objectives and targets when they are developed.
Our Foundation will continue to work with the IJC, Environment and Climate Change Canada and other science agencies to address other areas of concern identified by the IJC in its 2015 Lake of the Woods Plan of Study, such as invasive species, other contamination and the need for coordinated monitoring binationally.