This Technical Working Group is examining the impacts of potential changes in Lake Superior outflow regulation on the
ecosystem, including wildlife, fish, and supporting habitats and food sources. Ecosystems of particular interests are
coastal habitats such as wetlands where small changes could change them significantly. Their work is especially challenging
because of the great variability of upper Great Lakes shorelines and the complex array of both physical and biological
responses to water level changes that vary vertically, spatially and over time.
The TWG will be involved in assessing the impact “peaking and ponding” on the St. Marys River ecosystem, especially with regard to
fish habitat. By examining a wide variety of specific sites, the TWG will also collect data and expert opinion on many ecosystem
functions of coastal and nearshore habitats in order to support the analysis of lake level scenarios. The goal will be to fill
gaps in decision support tools needed to understand and predict the responses of various ecosystems to changes in Lake Superior
outflow regulation compared to natural variation and climate change.
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Sandra George Manager, Great Lakes Basin and Lakewide Programs Section Environment Canada 4905 Dufferin St. Downsview, ON M3H 5T4 Email: sandra.e.george@ec.gc.ca |
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Kimberly Walz Co-lead Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources 101 S. Webster Street Madison, Wisconsin 53707-7921 Tel: 608-264-9220; Email: Kimberly.walz@wisconsin.gov |
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