We deliver sound scientific research and solutions supporting water levels, water quality, wetlands, the fishery, and aquatic invasive species control.

 

Water Levels

Now the most valuable commodity in the world and we have 20% of the world’s freshwater in the Great Lakes. But it is a glacial deposit and only 1% is renewable. And in periods of declining water levels there have been significant concerns over water quality – increased nutrient concentrations leading to toxic blue green algal blooms. [READ MORE]

Wetlands

The most important element in aquatic ecosystems. Georgian Bay has the highest quality, most diverse, most extensive wetlands found anywhere in the Great Lakes. But our wetlands are the most sensitive to sustained low water levels since they are on glacial till sediments scattered among the 30,000 granite islands on Georgian Bay. [READ MORE]

Grass Carp

Grass Carp, with their voracious appetites … pose a serious threat to waterfowl habitat and wetlands. It is currently estimated that, unless Grass Carp are eradicated immediately, they will quickly colonize the middle and lower Great Lakes and destroy the wetlands. [READ MORE]

2023 Fall Science Reporting Meeting

Explore the intricate challenges of managing water levels in the Great Lakes, with a focus on Georgian Bay. This video features insightful presentations from Bill Bialkowski, a retired hydraulic control engineer, and Professor Pat Chow-Fraser of McMaster University. They delve into historical dredging impacts, ecological responses of wetlands, and the complexities of lake balancing. The Q&A session sheds light on funding opportunities, research needs, and the unique issues facing Georgian Bay. Discover the interplay of environmental, economic, and political factors in Great Lakes water management and the ongoing quest for sustainable solutions.

 

2023 Science Reporting Seminar

Water Level Predictions, Wetlands, Blanding’s Turtles, and Nearshore Water Quality

We hosted five experts who shared their in-depth research on vital aspects of the Great Lakes, ranging from the conservation of the Blanding’s Turtle and improving water quality monitoring, to understanding water level fluctuations and the impact of climate change. Their insights provide a fascinating glimpse into the complexities of our ecosystems and highlight the crucial role of ongoing research and community involvement. We invite you to delve deeper into these pressing topics, enhance your knowledge, and join the discussion. Click the link below to explore more and watch these thought-provoking presentations.

Here’s a short video looking at Lake Superior Regulation Plans
and how effective they’ve been
in balancing lake levels.

2022
Science
Reporting
Webinars

GBGLF hosted a webinar in May 2022 to share new research on water levels from our hydraulic control engineers Bill Bialkowski and Rob Nairn, and information from ECCC on climate change water level predictions that everyone on the Bay should understand including our younger generations. Plus, we shared all the latest water quality, wetlands and turtle research findings from Prof Pat Chow-Fraser’s research lab.

Click the video links below to watch videos of the presentations.

Great Lakes Monthly Water Level Forecasts

From US Army Corps of Engineers

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

In the News

July 2023 Update

Heads Up!! July 2023 – GBGLF’s evidence shows the St. Clair River is eroding again – contributing to the sudden decline of our water levels!Once again our hydraulic control engineer Bill Bialkowski has determined that the St. Clair Riverbed is eroding – increasing the...

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November 2022 Update

November 2022 Update

GBGLF November 2022 NewsletterAs 2022 winds down it is time for us to report on our work this year. But first we need to bring to your attention the little known facts about Premier Ford’s  Bill 23. While public pressure forced the re-instatement of the democratic...

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About Our Foundation

Where are we?

In the fall of 2016, we joined the Huronia Community Foundation(HCF), a well-funded, highly respected charity based in Midland, Ontario on the south shore of Georgian Bay.

What do we stand for?

Our dedicated team of eight experienced, knowledgeable passionate volunteers will continue to work, as it has for many years under other charities, to protect and enhance the environment of Georgian Bay as part of the Great Lakes’ ecology.

Our Successes

It was our team’s investigation of the St. Clair River that inspired the 2004 Baird Report. It led to the inclusion of the St. Clair River in the International Upper Great Lakes Study.

Current Priorities

We will continue and endeavour to expand our visits to Ottawa and Washington, D.C., in order to ensure that key elected officials and government agencies receive accurate, up-to-date information on Great Lakes issues, particularly those impacting Lakes Michigan-Huron and Georgian Bay.

We Have the Power to Impact Our Future, and We’re Doing Something About It

Although almost all of our work is undertaken by volunteers, the Georgian Bay Great Lakes Foundation has major expenses for our scientific research and education program around all the Great Lakes and minor expenses for admnistration and for travel to meetings with key officials and shoreline property owners’ groups.

When you give, almost 100% goes to support our cause!

Our administration expenses are very low – a very modest amount to the Huronia Community Foundation, and a similarly modest amount for the work of our professional communications expert and our website.

We are deeply grateful for your past generosity and support for our work and urge you to help us bring these endeavours to a successful conclusion.

Donate

We held a Science Sumposium in November 2019 at the McMichael Canadian Art Collection.
Here are the videos:

Video 1 of 5

McMaster U’s Prof Pat Chow-Fraser;
her assessment of Eastern Georgian Bay wetlands and impacts of extreme water levels.

Video 2 of 5

McMaster U’s Prof Pat Chow-Fraser;
reports on assessment of threat to Georgian Bay wetlands of the invasive Grass Carp

Video 3 of 5

GBGLF Chair Mary Muter;
pressure by GBGLF to get an eradication program started for Grass Carp AND outline of concerns re the extreme high water levels now predicted by March 2020

Video 4 of 5

Rob Nairn, Principal at W.F. Baird and Associates, author of Baird Reports I and II on historic and future lake levels

Video 5 of 5

GBGLF Vice Chair Roy Schatz
on GBGLF needed funds for research

Our Top Priorities

Water Levels

We have engaged W.F. Baird & Associates to begin a study to model water levels on Lakes Michigan-Huron in the light of historical water level cycles and the change in conveyance capacity of the St. Clair River.

Education on Carp Threat

We will continue to participate in national and international meetings on the threat of entry into the Great Lakes of destructive invasive species of Carp.

Wetlands

Support wetlands researchers from Environment Canada, and support research of Prof. Pat Chow-Fraser of McMaster University on wetlands, fish productivity, water quality, and the survival of threatened species such as Blandings Turtles.

Education of Elected Officials & Government Agencies

We will continue and endeavour to expand our visits to Ottawa and Washington, D.C., in order to ensure that key elected officials and government agencies receive accurate, up-to-date information on Great Lakes issues, particularly those impacting Lakes Michigan-Huron and Georgian Bay.

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Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.
- Margaret Mead

RN