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, 2017 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.
Researchers from across North America will focus on the Rainy-Lake of the Woods watershed at the 14th annual International Rainy-Lake of the Woods Watershed Forum, March 8-9, 2017 in International Falls, Minnesota. Attendance similar to last year's record of 160 participants is expected.
Research supported in part by the Foundation, is underway aimed at understanding how multiple environmental stressors, such as nutrient enrichment and climate change, will affect habitat viability for lake trout by contributing to deepwater oxygen depletion in lakes.