Ross & Associates Environmental Consulting, Ltd.

Ross & Associates provides strategic facilitation, process management, and analytic support to major collaborative initiatives to protect and restore the Great Lakes. Beginning in 2005, Ross supported the U.S. EPA Great Lakes National Program Office (GLNPO), along with numerous government, NGO, and industry partners, to implement the Great Lakes Regional Collaboration and develop a comprehensive strategy for restoring the Great Lakes. Ross supported issue teams addressing topics including invasive species, protection and restoration of native fish and wildlife species and habitats, performance indicators, and information management.

In 2006, Ross began supporting U.S. EPA and Environment Canada in conducting a multi-stakeholder review of the U.S.-Canada Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement (GLWQA). Ross facilitated expert work groups examining aspects of the GLWQA such as research and monitoring, climate change and emerging issues, and governance and institutions.

In 2010, Ross is providing facilitation support to U.S. EPA GLNPO, addressing initiatives including the invasive species (Asian carp), U.S.-Canadian negotiation of amendments to the GLWQA, and implementation of the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative, the Obama Administration’s $475 million FY2010 effort to implement many elements of the Great Lakes Regional Collaboration strategy.