On November 22, 2008 Paul Morgan attended a GBA seminar in Toronto. The following is his summary on what he thought was an excellent meeting. 
 
 
 
There were 4 presentations: 
 
 Climate change : impacts for the Great Lakes 
Dr David Pearson gave a summary of our climate change knowledge in layman's terms. This was sufficiently scientific to debunk the theories/opinions that climate change is not effected by mankind.  He explained how the cumulative effects of mankind consumption along with natural changes is causing a change to our environment that will not be in mankind's best interests.  Global warming is here, and although we are still below the average temperatures of the 14th and 15 century, we are on a faster and eventually bigger change than before. Our production of CO2 and depletion of forests will mean that the temperature rise will be higher and devastating to mankind.   
 
 Wetlands : Report on 2008 Georgian Bay wetlands research and the "Adopt a Wetland" work. 
Dr Pat Chow-Fraser presented her latest work including an additional wetland  study on Perry Island. Her studies are being expanded to include inland lakes in the Great Lakes drainage basin. 
Dr. Pat Chow-Fraser also spoke on the "Adopt a Wetland" project. For the SCA Family Fun Day we had a presentation for the kids and adults on this important project. Some SCA members volunteered and adopted a wetland. 
 
The results of the  Wetland project has shown that volunteers can add significantly to the gathering of information, and that the quality of the collected information correlated well with the "experts".  She has presented her findings at a conference in Brazil where they were astounded that volunteers could make such a valuable contribution.  By providing volunteers with good information, and having those volunteers identify a number of plants in a wetland, Dr. Pat Chow-Fraser has proven that we can provide a basis for quantifying the water quality of the wetland. This means that volunteers can establish water quality accurately without sending professionals with expensive equipment to the site. Since we know there are thousands of wetlands in the Georgian Bay  we can economically monitor their health as water levels change, and chemical use changes. This information is critical in dealing with the IJC as we urge that they accept responsibility for our bay water level and for our municipalities in order to set appropriate standards for our water use. 
 
(PS, When I heard the the positive study results  and realized that as I had  adopted a wetland , done the study with my wife , BUT  NOT  sent in  the results , I felt like a shmuck. Anyone else that hasn't sent  in their study PLEASE do so.  Also next Aug is the time to redo the study on your wetland. They  need  the information and will continue to want  the information yearly. ) 
 
Water Quality: Impacts on water quality in enclosed bays of sustained low water levels. 

Dr. Karl Schiefer, Aquatic Ecologist, presented an excellent review on deterioration of  water quality and early signs of deterioration. The resulting losses in real-estate values, and of recreational usage were  shown with examples of high phosphorous and high building densities. It was pointed out that many Georgian Bay municipalities were using septic guidelines developed for deep soil beds of southern Ontario, not for the hard rock shield of Georgian Bay. The result is higher than acceptable phosporous levels at shoreline properties. In Sturgeon Bay, last summer the blue-green Algae was so bad that water activities were restricted. Study results gave the phosphorous levels of water entering the Bay and the resulting levels of phosphorous within the bay. The conclusion regarding the additional phosphorous added by the community was obvious. The photos of the blue-green algae were terrifying.

(I now have concerns regarding Menominee channel where my cottage is. The possibility of the blue-green algae as was shown on slides in the Sturgeon Bay near Pointe au Baril left me wondering how my bay was faring with the build up of phosphorous etc. We need to continue to help the GBA and their Scientists with their studies.)  

Georgian Bay Water Levels: What's happening to water levels and is the  IJC Study going to help?

Mary Muter, of GBA, and on the Public Interest Advisory group to the IJC International Upper Great  Lakes Study Board, brought us up to date on the study results and progress with the IJC. Our support of the GBA has made these studies possible, and the GBA has been effective in ensuring change. The GBA is continuing to keep pressure on the IJC and is recognized as the leader amongst the great lakes shoreline associations in Canada and the US in mobilizing the IJC to accept their responsibility to preserve the upper great lakes water levels within a defined range. The IJC has now admitted that we are in the crisis area of low levels and that the outflow thru the St. Claire river is greater than previously thought.  They also have included the Georgian Bay area as their responsibilities in managing the Great Lakes. 

In summary, I left concerned that we live in a fragile environment, that is the waters edge on Georgian Bay, and we better understand what we are doing to it if we want to keep it.  

Paul H. Morgan