Project Leader McClain participated in a Lake Huron Binational Partnership (LHBP) meeting on September 20-21 in Alpena.  The LHBP is being led by Michigan Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Environment Canada and Ontario Ministry of Environment (MOE) with participation from multiple partners including the Service, Michigan Department on Natural Resources(MDNR), and Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources (OMNR). 

In 2002, federal, state, and provincial agencies involved in the management of environmental issues in Lake Huron endorsed the formation of the LHBP.  This partnership builds on efforts initiated by the Michigan DEQ - Office of the Great Lakes in their Lake Huron Initiative (LHI).  Priority actions were identified by the LHI to address use impairments, critical pollutants, habitat, and biodiversity and included these actions in an Action Plan developed in 2000.  The Action Plan was updated in 2002.  These activities are now being addressed by the LHBP.

Three initial binational issues have been agreed upon by the partners and include; contaminants in fish and wildlife, biodiversity and ecosystem change, and fish and wildlife habitat.  The September meeting was convened to discuss agency activities and future collaborative efforts needed to address concerns in the Lake Huron basin.  A progress report of ongoing activities is being developed and participation by all current partners is being sought to complete the report.

A follow-up meeting of U.S. partners is scheduled for October 11 to discuss ongoing agency activities for inclusion in the progress report.  The Alpena NFWCO will participate in that meeting as well to update the partnership on office/agency activities in Lake Huron.