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Regional Collaboration
Federal agencies, Great Lakes Governors, Great Lakes Mayors, Great Lakes Tribes, and Members of the Great Lakes States Congressional Delegation together are convening a collaboration to restore and protect the Great Lakes ecosystem.
- Collaboration intro
- Conveners meeting
- Interagency Task Force
- Presidential Executive Order
- Great Lakes Declaration
- Great Lakes Framework
- Issue Area Strategy Teams
EPA is hosting this information on behalf of the Great Lakes Regional Collaboration Members.
Regional Collaboration
Interagency Task Force
Statement by President Bush
May 18, 2004
The Great Lakes are a national treasure that represents 20 percent of the world’s fresh water. The Great Lakes region is an economic engine and recreational haven, and we are making great progress in protecting and restoring this vital natural resource.
To build on that progress, today I am establishing the Great Lakes Interagency Task Force, chaired by EPA Administrator Mike Leavitt. The Task Force will address environmental and natural resource issues of national concern and better coordinate the region's sustainable development and restoration. It will harness the collective efforts of the Federal government, Governors, Mayors, Members of Congress, tribes, and citizen stewards to ensure that the greatness of the lakes endures for generations. The Task Force will also consult with the Government of Canada on the most effective way forward on addressing past and current environmental impacts to the Great Lakes ecology.