Prior the Indianapolis meeting annual meetings were held around the basin. Under the Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement, the International Joint Commission prepares a assessment every two years on progress to clean up the Great Lakes. This assessment, along with recommendations, is provided to the federal governments of the U.S. and Canada. As part of this assessment, the Biennial Forum provides an opportunity for citizens, government officials, industry, environmental organizations, scientists, the media and others from Canada and the United States to meet and discuss issues of concern regarding the Great Lakes ecosystem and to provide information to the Commission. Other scheduled events during the three-day meeting include presentations by the U.S. and Canadian governments on their programs and progress to clean up the Great Lakes, educational workshops, and time for attendees from around the Great Lakes basin to network and caucus.
All sessions are free and are open to the public.
Fees will be charged for optional meals and tours. The 1999 Biennial Forum on Great Lakes Water Quality is the only public meeting of its kind that targets the general public as well as organized groups and others that have an interest in future of the Great Lakes. The program features a variety of learning, discussion and networking opportunities that highlight the vital issues that must be addressed to restore and maintain the chemical, physical and biological integrity of the waters of the Great Lakes basin ecosystem. Over 2,000 interested people from all over the Great Lakes basin and beyond are expected in Milwaukee. Continue to explore the Biennial Forum web site and register to attend.