New web page a gateway to hot Great Lakes issues, opportunities

MADISON -- A slew of issues are on tap now for the Great Lakes -- and a new web page will make it easier to learn about and get involved in these issues and opportunities in coming weeks, the state’s top water official says.

“The Great Lakes region is acting with the strongest unified voice in several decades. We’re hoping that focus will translate to even better actions at the state and federal level and more federal funding,” says Todd Ambs, Department of Natural Resources Water Division Administrator.

“Now is a great time for citizens to get involved in Great Lakes issues and to share their opinions with their elected officials,” he said.

The Our Great Lakes web page provides links to these and other issues making the headlines:

The Web page also links to information about the Office of Great Lakes, which DNR created in 2004 to bring a greater focus and visibility for Great Lakes management needs, and which was involved in many of the issues featured on the special Web page.

The office provided administrative support for negotiations on the water use agreements, represented the state in the Great Lakes Regional Collaboration, coordinated the development of a Wisconsin restoration and protection strategy, and provided financial support for restoration and protection projects around the basin.

The office has also been the key support unit for Governor Doyle as chair of the Council of Great Lakes Governors. The office was created through an organizational reassignment of existing staff. The DNR Office of Great Lakes is led by Chuck Ledin, a veteran DNR water resources official long involved in Great Lakes issues.

FOR MORE INFORMATION ON GREAT LAKES ISSUES CONTACT: Todd Ambs (608) 264-6278 or Chuck Ledin (608) 266-1956