But for such projects to help the Great Lakes as a whole, they should be part of a basinwide plan. The annex should require an inventory of water system problems and the creation of a very general plan for restoring what we have lost. Annex 2001 also should stipulate ongoing public involvement. The annex is the start of a scheduled two to three years of negotiations among the states and provinces over a final, very specific agreement. The contemplated changes in water use are too extensive, and the stakes for the region too high, for public involvement to be limited to one or two comment periods years from now.
Public involvement needs to be substantial and continuous.
The draft Annex 2001 is a welcome first step toward the full, effective protection that the Great Lakes need and deserve. If they make the right changes, the governors and premiers should be able to protect the Great Lakes from water misuse, diversions and export.