GREAT LAKES Web site set to add participation

People from the United States and Canada can share issues.
MUSKEGON, Mich. (AP) -- A forum created by the Biodiversity Project offers users a chance to discuss and debate issues affecting the Great Lakes.
On the Web site, called Great Lakes Town Hall, people may share personal stories and photos, read Great Lakes-related articles and participate in online discussions and debates with scientists and policymakers.
"The lakes are both magnificent and vulnerable. It's more important than ever to engage our community in the future of our Great Lakes," said Jeffrey Potter, a spokesman for the Madison, Wis.-based conservation group and a co-moderator for the Web site.
The Web site is an attempt to provide a forum where residents of the states and Canadian provinces that border the Great Lakes can talk.
"Without leaving your home or business, you can join thousands of residents across the Great Lakes basin and beyond to participate in the Town Hall community, creating and amplifying the public voice on Great Lakes protection and policy," said David Dempsey, an environmental advocate and co-moderator.
Each week, guests will discuss Great Lakes issues and field questions from participants in the online dialogue.
The Web site also has sections that feature Great Lakes arts news, photos and tourism suggestions.
"Our only agenda is increasing public engagement in the future of our remarkable, yet vulnerable, Great Lakes," Potter said.