Resolution: Use of Sound Science in Great Lakes Coastal Wetlands Policy
Adopted on October 3, 2003

Whereas, Great Lakes coastal wetlands are unique habitats essential to the health and diversity of the Great Lakes ecosystem; and

Whereas, Great Lakes water levels fluctuate regularly over time, creating larger areas of coastal wetlands and wider beaches with more naturally exposed vegetation during low level periods; and

Whereas, lower water levels have resulted in increasing pressure by some to alter coastal wetlands through practices involving the mechanized removal of wetland vegetation; and

Whereas, such actions can diminish many valuable functions of Great Lakes coastal wetlands including improving water quality by filtering nutrients and sediments; protecting against shoreline erosion during periods of high water; providing breeding and foraging habitat for wildlife; and offering a range of water-based recreational opportunities; and

Whereas, removal of wetlands vegetation can also encourage the spread of exotic and invasive plant species by weakening or destroying native plant communities, thereby allowing the establishment of invasive plants and other opportunistic species; and

Whereas, development pressures on the Great Lakes coastline have already eliminated or diminished the quality of existing coastal wetland resources; and

Whereas, to date, there has been no scientific review of the impact that various vegetation removal practices may have on coastal ecology.

Therefore, Be It Resolved, that the Great Lakes Commission recommends that a thorough scientific review of the prospective impacts of laws pertaining to vegetation removal on coastal wetlands ecosystems should be conducted and made available to decisionmakers; and

Be It Finally Resolved, that the Great Lakes Commission shall continue to promote the use of sound science in coastal wetlands policy by partnering with federal, state, provincial and tribal agencies/First Nations in the interest of developing and implementing a sustainable, basinwide monitoring plan for Great Lakes coastal wetlands.

Unanimously adopted by the Great Lakes Commission at its 2003 Annual Meeting in Chicago, Illinois, October 3, 2003.