Science & Policy Converge at Forum
When science and policy begin to converge, we’re on the right track. In addition to research studies, this year’s science Forum highlighted policy efforts underway to put a binational plan in place for the Lake of the Woods basin, with presentations from Global Affairs Canada and the Rt. Honourable Robert Nault, Member of

Scientists from Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) started work on Lake of the Woods this winter. They collected samples to characterized the water chemistry, algae community, nutrient conditions, and the role of nutrient release from the sediments under low oxygen conditions under ice cover, in contributing to the nutrient loads and summer algae blooms. The ECCC crew will be on the 
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 
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.
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.