The Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Cities Initiative and the Mayors Innovation Project are hosting a webinar on Tuesday Feb. 21 at 11AM CST (noon EST) to provide an overview of financing needs and existing/emerging options for water and stormwater infrastructure for municipalities.

he Great Lakes: Managing for Action conference will address some major benefits that the Great Lakes provide as well as challenges they face. Topics include Agricultural Best Management Practices in the Lake Erie basin, Economic impacts of Great Lakes restoration, Control mechanisms for Asian carp, Wild rice and its significance, and Virtual trails and birding in the Great Lakes basin. Dr. Howard Tanner, who was instrumental in bringing Salmon into the Great Lakes, will give a presentation on how this project came about, and will be signing his new book on this subject.

Stacie Hall, Assistant Manager for Pymatuning State Park with Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, and Cathy McGlynn, Aquatic Invasive Species Coordinator with New York Department of Environmental Conservation, will present on Hydrilla Stakeholder Outreach/Education for Pymatuning State Park and the Croton River. Stacie will present on the park’s invasive species check stations targeting boater outreach and coordination with Ohio agencies. Cathy will present on outreach efforts for the Croton River Hydrilla Control Project, including the stakeholder communication strategy and locally-supported monitoring efforts.

Many advances in agricultural technology offer opportunities to protect water quality and build soil health, yet farmers are often unable or unwilling to adopt new practices. Conference speakers will include national experts and experienced crop producers who will share experience and insights into how to develop and deliver specific assistance to individual farmers in a format that is compatible with their needs and capabilities.

Asian Carp Canada will be holding an information session at the Sarnia Yacht Club on March 6th from 6:30 – 9:00 pm. This free event will consist of informative booths to network with experts and learn about Asian Carps, and a formal presentation form Fisheries and Oceans Canada. As well as a discussion period with a panel of experts from OFAH, the Federation of Ontario Cottagers’ Associations, the Invasive Species Centre, Fisheries and Oceans Canada, the MNRF, the author of Overrun: Dispatches from the Asian Carp Crisis and a commercial fisherman.

This year’s Shoreline and Shallows conference focuses on the impacts of moderate and high-energy waves on lake shorelines. It will also include information on lake levels, native plant communities along shorelines and healthy shorelines and fish responses. Contractors, state and local governments, educators, non-profit organizations, lake suppliers, native plant growers, landscape designers, and lakefront property owners will all benefit from attending this program.