June 7, 2012 - U.S. EPA has announced the formation of the Great Lakes Advisory Board to provide advice to the Administrator in her capacity as Chair of the Inter-Agency Task Force, on matters related to Great Lakes restoration and protection. The Inter-Agency Task Force's Great Lakes efforts are focused in 5 major areas: 1) cleaning up toxics and toxic hot spot Areas of Concern; 2) combating invasive species; 3) promoting near-shore health by protecting watersheds from polluted runoff; 4) restoring wetlands and other habitats; and 5) raising public awareness, tracking progress, and working with partners.

The Board will be comprised of approximately fifteen members, and EPA will consider a broad range of candidates, including those from: environmental groups, business, agricultural groups, funders/foundations, environmental justice groups, youth groups, academia, and state, local and tribal representatives. Nominees will be solicited through a second Federal Register notice in the coming weeks, with the Board expected to be established this summer.