This week, IJC GLRO Director Heather Stirratt provided the @glcommission.bsky.social with an overview of the IJC's work—dating back to 2015—advising Canadian and US governments on actions to monitor and prevent #GreatLakes #microplastics pollution.

*This week and next - International Rainy-Lake of the Woods Watershed Board Water Levels Committee - Virtual pre-spring information session on Tuesday, March 4: www.ijc.org/en/rlwwb/int... Public meeting on Tuesday, March 11 in International Falls, Minnesota: www.ijc.org/en/rlwwb/int...

Great Lakes Water Levels Boards – Winter Update 2024-2025 https://ijc.org/en/great-lakes-water-levels-boards-winter-update-2024-2025

In a week - Tuesday, March 4, 11:30 a.m. CST - International Rainy-Lake of the Woods Watershed Board Water Levels Committee will host a virtual pre-spring information session. Register here:

Next week, Tuesday, Feb. 25: Attend a public meeting of the International Souris River Board in Minot, North Dakota, or online. Including the latest updates on hydrological conditions, time for questions and comments:

Continued conservation efforts aim to prevent historic #Kootenay fish population lows #Burbot https://www.castanet.net/news/Nelson/533266/Continued-conservation-efforts-aim-to-prevent-historic-Kootenay-fish-population-lows

Two week reminder: International Souris River Board hosting public meeting on Tuesday, Feb. 25, in Minot, North Dakota, and online. Register: https://www.ijc.org/en/srb/february-2025-international-souris-river-public-meeting-planned-minot-north-dakota

Today is the IJC Great Lakes Science Advisory Board's #microplastics webinar. Learn about the science of #GreatLakes microplastics monitoring and ecosystem risk assessment. Join by Zoom (https://bit.ly/SAB-MICRO) or tune into the YouTube livestream at 1 pm ET:

Which watershed has your heart? 💕 This Valentine's Day, we're sending love to watersheds all along the transboundary area between the Canada and the United States. These shared waters are worth protecting every day. 🌊💖

What’s the status of microplastics in the Great Lakes? How can the 🇨🇦 and 🇺🇸 governments address this issue? Join the IJC Science Advisory Board webinar on Feb. 12 to hear about tools for standardized monitoring and managing risks from plastic pollution. 🔗 Register: bit.ly/SAB-MICRO

#Microplastics pollute all 5 #GreatLakes, but monitoring is periodic. The IJC’s Science Advisory Board proposes regional coordination to track & manage this growing threat.

Until Feb. 17: International Elk-Kootenai/y Watershed Study Board inviting public comment on draft Plan of Study to explore impacts of water pollution in the Kootenai/y watershed 📣 Add your voice! https://ijc.org/en/ekwsb/public-consultation-draft-plan-study

Register today for an International Rainy-Lake of the Woods Watershed Board Water Levels Committee virtual public information session on Tuesday, March 4, 2025

Update on Lake Superior Outflows and Expected Conditions – February 2025 https://ijc.org/en/update-lake-superior-outflows-and-expected-conditions-february-2025

Ohio project aims to enhance water quality along Auglaize River, which feeds into Lake Erie, through the addition of 40 acres of wetlands and over 40,000 hardwood trees. https://www.limaohio.com/top-stories/2025/02/03/boardwalk-wetlands-enhancement-set-for-kendrick-woods-park/ #GreatLakes

Until Feb 17, 2025: International Elk-Kootenai/y Watershed Study Board inviting public comment on its draft Plan of Study - https://www.ijc.org/en/ekwsb/international-elk-kootenaiy-watershed-study-board-opens-public-comment-period-draft-plan holding virtual public meeting on Feb. 11:

Okanagan Nation Alliance: Detours and temporarily closures to river access by Penticton Dam to create fish passage into Okanagan Lake. #salmon #ColumbiaRiver

Wednesday, February 12, 1-2 p.m. ET, Zoom Webinar: Join the IJC's #GreatLakes Science Advisory Board to learn about the latest report on #microplastics and how to strengthen monitoring efforts with greater coordination across the region http://bit.ly/SAB-MICRO

#ParksCanada will allow watercraft on Clear Lake in Riding Mountain National Park, Manitoba, after determining there are no feasible options to eradicate zebra mussels https://winnipegsun.com/news/provincial/parks-canada-will-allow-boats-on-clear-lake-with-restrictions

Feb. 25 public meeting of the International Souris River Board 📰 https://www.minotdailynews.com/news/local-news/2025/01/isrb-to-provide-update-on-souris-river-at-minot-meeting/ (Register https://bit.ly/Souris25 )

Pacific Salmon Foundation study suggests #salmon in the transboundary British Columbia, Alaska, Yukon region are facing a decline in abundance from decades ago

🌍 On Jan. 26, we’re celebrating International Environmental Education Day! Education = knowledge = action. Let’s work together to protect our shared waters for generations to come. Share your thoughts! #EnvironmentalEducation #IJCSharedWaters

Vermont report says it's cut water pollution including phosphorus by investing over $603 million in clean water projects in the past nine years - also helping reduce flood damage and flood risk #LakeChamplain https://www.reformer.com/news/state/vermont-releases-clean-water-initiative-2024-performa…

#Kootenay #Conservation Program— 85 organizations also funded by Environment and Climate Change Canada—created the Kootenay Connect Priority Places initiative to support monitoring and restoration work throughout the region. https://www.castanet.net/news/Nelson/529233/Vital-conservation-projects-i…

there’s currently no coordinated regional effort to monitor #microplastics across the #GreatLakes. That would change if microplastics are added to a binational list of contaminants.

"Only trailing Alaska, Minnesota has the largest amount of peatlands in the U.S. ... they absorb carbon emissions while acting as ecosystems for a number of species."

Sign up to attend a public meeting of the  International Souris River Board in Minot, North Dakota, or online.

Water management, drought, flooding, water quality, ecosystem health & the transfer of invasive species were some of the topics discussed at last week’s Intl Red River Watershed Board public meeting in Grand Forks, North Dakota. Stay in touch with board activities here: https://ijc.org/en/rrb

The American Mariner, downbound for Buffalo, New York, was officially the last freighter through the #SooLocks for the season. The locks are now closed for winter maintenance, set to reopen March 25. #GreatLakes

The Blue Tech Innovation Challenge is focused on issues facing the #GreatLakes: -Water quality and nutrient cycling -Forever chemicals -Microplastics -Marine infrastructure, stormwater management, wastewater treatment Opens Jan. 27, 2025. Register:

[RFP Please repost] The IJC GLRO (@IJCsharedwaters.bsky.social) is currently soliciting bids to undertake a pilot project of the Great Lakes Early Warning System. Interested bidders should contact [email protected] for a copy of RFP and to confirm intent. Proposals due Feb 4 2025, 11 am EST.

This week, Commissioner Chiblow spoke about traditional Indigenous knowledge at the 42nd Annual Land & Water International Summit Conference. Read more about the IJC’s ongoing relationship with Indigenous knowledge and perspectives here: https://ijc.org/en/indigenous-engagement/knowledge

A new study says cities across southern #Ontario, including Hamilton, see fewer below-zero days during the winter because of #ClimateChange

Reminder 🎗️ The International Red River Watershed Board hosts a public meeting on Thursday, Jan. 16, in Grand Forks, #NorthDakota, during the annual Red River Basin conference. Details here 👇 https://www.ijc.org/en/rrb/international-red-river-watershed-board-host-person-public-meeting-0

This week marks the 116th anniversary of the Boundary Waters Treaty of 1909. This historic agreement btw Canada & the United States established the IJC to manage shared waters & resolve disputes. https://ijc.org/en/boundary-waters-treaty-1909

Study: widespread use of pharmaceuticals in America is introducing even more toxic “forever chemicals” into the environment through wastewater; large municipal wastewater treatment plants not capable of fully filtering out. #PFAS @pnas.org

International Red River Watershed Board will host public meeting on Thursday, January 16, 2025, during Land & Water International Summit Conference in Grand Forks, #NorthDakota https://www.ijc.org/en/rrb/international-red-river-watershed-board-host-person-public-meeting-0

"In lakes with zebra mussels, mercury levels in walleyes were found to be on average 72 percent higher than in walleyes from uninvaded lakes ..." https://www.minnpost.com/environment/2025/01/zebra-mussels-and-mercury-in-fish-why-a-new-studys-findings-are-alarming-for-minnesota/

Public webinar planned for Thurs, Jan 23, to provide #LakeErie updates on work under Nutrients Annex of #GreatLakes Water Quality Agreement - led by US Environmental Protection Agency, Canada Water Agency https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZYscO2hrT0sGdcSBslxPv2eSL8vmz9_cJW5#/registration

Canadian Wildlife Federation celebrates 25 photographers from coast to coast for images showcasing the beauty of Canada’s wildlife, including “In hot pursuit” by Barb Callander, Kawartha Lakes, Ontario https://blog.cwf-fcf.org/index.php/en/winners-of-the-2024-reflections-of-nature-photo-contest/

Looking back at the environmental highs - and lows - of 2024 🟢 From a landmark deal to fund conservation to chilling news about greenhouse gas emissions https://www.unep.org/news-and-stories/story/looking-back-environmental-highs-and-lows-2024 #Goodbye2024 #Hello2025

'One of the most alarming findings, as reported by Juneau Empire, is the flooding in Juneau caused by glacial melt, with experts pointing out that "weather had little to do with the floods." '

The IJC is a global model for transboundary water cooperation. At #WorldWaterWeek & INBO’s General Assembly, we shared lessons on collaboration, Indigenous partnerships & climate adaptation. Explore how shared waters unite us:

Adapting to climate pressures on transboundary watersheds: At the IJC Climate Workshop, experts discussed innovative solutions, adaptive management & the idea of a Climate Hub for collaboration. Together, we face these challenges head-on.

The IJC took a significant step forward with the inaugural meeting of the Indigenous Circle of Experts, fostering meaningful collaboration to weave Indigenous science, spirituality & ceremony into transboundary water governance.

"Indigenous Circle Launches, Boards Tackle Climate, Transboundary Cooperation Highlighted" and more in the December 2024 issue of the Shared Waters IJC Newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/ijc/shared-waters-12-2024

New on our newsletter page: "Elk-Kootenai/y Study Board Moves Forward During First In-Person Meeting" https://ijc.org/en/elk-kootenaiy-study-board-moves-forward-during-first-person-meeting

Under pressure: 9 in 10 #GreatLakesH2OpinionPoll respondents agree that global #climatechange will increase pressure on the #GreatLakes, according to IJC #GreatLakes Water Quality Board poll report: ijc.org/wqb/2024-great-lakes-poll

Winnipeg South End sewage plant hits pollution-reduction target for phosphorus, nitrogen to fight algae growth, work ongoing #LakeWinnipeg https://www.winnipegfreepress.com/breakingnews/2024/12/16/huge-milestone-for-the-city-south-end-sewage-plant-hits-pollution-reduction-target

Check your Inbox. The final Shared Waters IJC Newsletter of the year is out: "Indigenous Circle Launches, Boards Tackle Climate, Transboundary Cooperation Highlighted"