A Strategic Plan for the Great Lakes Commission

Communications and Information Management program
Note: Since the creation of this document, the Communications and Information Management program has been split into the Communications and Internet Technology and Data and Information Management programs.

Our goal: To promote informed public policy by applying communications and information management technology to the environmental protection, resource management, transportation and sustainable development needs of the Great Lakes-St. Lawrence system.

Objective #1 of 5
Timely, accurate, and objective data and information accessible by all members, interested parties and the larger Great Lakes-St. Lawrence community.

• Develop, maintain or otherwise contribute to databases and inventories that permit broad access to comprehensive and consistent systemwide data and information.


• Inform and educate the citizenry through outreach programs that strengthen its interaction with researchers, policymakers, managers, and other interests.

Objective #2 of 5
A state-of-the-art public information infrastructure that promotes an active and informed citizenry through both electronic communications technology and conventional means.

• Maintain and develop the Internet-based Great Lakes Information Network (GLIN) infrastructure, and explore new applications for public information and education.


• Through demonstration and training, promote the use and application of GLIN and other communications technology within member jurisdictions and the Great Lakes-St. Lawrence community in general.


• Maintain and enhance a systemwide network of educators, both within and outside the classroom, to advance an understanding of, and solutions to, leading resource management and environmental protection problems.


• Advance Great Lakes-St. Lawrence news, information, education, and outreach activities through the development, assembly and dissemination of relevant materials via electronic and conventional means.

Objective #3 of 5
A decision support system for policy research and development that offers data collection, storage and analysis services.

• Promote systemwide acceptance and use of common information sharing and research protocols and standards.


• Provide policymakers and managers with easy, user-friendly access to data and information needed for decisionmaking purposes.


• Identify data gaps that compromise informed policymaking, and promote actions that address these unmet needs.


• Apply Geographic Information System (GIS) technology to policy and planning decisions through online spatial data sharing and integrated mapping initiatives.

Objective #4 of 5
A mechanism for the prompt and efficient development, publication and promotion of Great Lakes Commission policy positions, reports and related products.

• Publish and distribute, in both print and electronic form, Commission reports, newsletters, brochures, policy documents, meeting announcements and other materials.


• Provide a response and referral service for all system-related inquiries.


• Establish and maintain a media relations program to ensure that Commission policies, products, activities and announcements are publicized to all relevant audiences in a timely manner.

Objective #5 of 5
Technology transfer and information exchange among Great Lakes-St. Lawrence researchers, managers, policymakers, and their counterparts in other regions of North America and the world.

• Strengthen the collective Great Lakes-St. Lawrence management effort by linking grant-seeking agencies and organizations with government, foundation and corporate grant programs.


• Promote the open exchange of information, ideas and technology at the interregional, international and global levels via electronic means, personnel exchanges and related mechanisms.