Work begins on Great Lakes cleanup plan

Booth Newspapers reports on a conference starting today in Chicago that focuses on efforts to clean up the Great Lakes:

Leaders from Great Lakes cities, states and Indian tribes will sit down today in Chicago with federal officials to commit themselves to protecting and restoring the Great Lakes, moving one step closer to a multibillion-dollar cleanup.

In an unprecedented move, officials will sign a declaration of their intentions and begin work on a blueprint for sustaining the long-term health of the lakes and staving off threats such as diversion, pollution and invasive species. The plan will be based on efforts used to successfully clean up other prized natural areas.

Some have pegged the cost of cleaning up the Great Lakes at $8 billion.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency will lead much of the Great Lakes Regional Collaboration initiative. The team members will break out into nine smaller groups to look at specific policy recommendations for areas such as invasive species, coastal health and habitat. A final document outlining a Great Lakes restoration and protection strategy is expected by December 2005.

In May 2004, President Bush signed an executive order recognizing the Great Lakes as a "national treasure" and created the Great Lakes Regional Collaboration initiative.

Good news for the lakes.