Public meetings being held on NY's Great Lakes Action Agenda

Niagara Gazette, Niagara Falls, N.Y.
·2 min read

Nov. 21—The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation is hosting a series of regional workgroup meetings on New York's Great Lakes Action Agenda 2023.

The workgroups will assist in the implementation of the action plan to guide restoration and conservation and foster sustainable, resilient communities across New York's Great Lakes region.

Announced in July 2023, the Action Agenda is a strategic ecosystem-based action plan to guide restoration and conservation and help communities in New York's Great Lakes Basin better prepare for flooding and severe weather events driven by climate change. Building on the foundation of the first action agenda released in 2014, the updated plan provides a shared vision and blueprint for achieving healthy Great Lakes lands and waters through coordinated, collective action by the many federal, state, and local partner organizations working throughout the watershed.

"Engaging New York's Great Lakes Basin communities' participation is critical to DEC's ongoing efforts to safeguard water quality, improve fish and wildlife habitat, and enhance sustainability and resiliency in the region," Commissioner Basil Seggos said. "The cross-cutting priorities in the 2023 Great Lakes Action Agenda reflect New York's commitment to inclusion and engagement of diverse stakeholders and historically underserved and disadvantaged communities while also ensuring present and future generations of New Yorkers can enjoy the Great Lakes for years to come."

The upcoming public workgroup meetings will be held within the four major Great Lakes sub-basin areas.

—Southeast Lake Ontario — Nov. 29 at McCrobie Civic Center in Oswego

—Northeast Lake Ontario/Saint Lawrence River — Nov. 30 at Massena Town Hall

—Lake Erie — 1-4 p.m. Dec. 4 at the Tifft Nature Preserve, 1200 Fuhrmann Blvd., Buffalo

—Southwest Lake Ontario — 1 to 4 p.m. Dec. 5 at Seymour Library, 161 East Ave., Brockport

Individuals and organizations interested in advancing actions that benefit New York's Great Lakes waters, lands and communities are encouraged to attend. The workgroups offer connections with organizations that may provide technical assistance, subject matter expertise and information about funding opportunities and other resources as well as advance local projects and partnerships.

A remote option to attend will also be made available by request.

To learn more about DEC's Great Lakes Program visit DEC's website. To learn more about how to get involved, contact greatlakes@dec.ny.gov.