Scientists and lawmakers met on the campus of Central Michigan University today (Friday) to discuss the importance of cooperation between both groups.
It was the fourth annual symposium on the Great Lakes hosted by Central Michigan University and had as featured speakers Congressman John Moolenaar and State Senator Darwin Booher.
Republican Congressman John Moolenaar touted his support for the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative.
“I think the important thing for people who are not from the region is that it’s an international border, it has multiple states, it has 20% of the world’s fresh water and I think as our colleagues understand the value of the Great Lakes they become more supportive of funding the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative.”
Republican State Senator Darwin Booher talked about his work on the Great Lakes Legislative Caucus, which includes representatives from eight States and two canadian provinces. He said it’s important to bridge the gap between scientists and lawmakers.
“We have to have people who are educated and understand the science that it takes to make decisions. When you talk about something it can’t just be from the gut feeling that I think, you have to know.”
Dr. Donald Uzarski is with CMU’s Institute for Great Lakes Research. He said the goal of the event is the bridge the divide between lawmakers, scientists, and the public.
“There is often a disconnect between all of these groups. We really have to start bringing people together, all of the stakeholders in the room, to be able to address some of the issues that we’re experiencing at this point.”
Lawmakers described the research conducted by state universities as vital for ‘arming’ them with facts about the importance of Great Lakes conservation.