ABSTRACT
Water level regime is one of many manageable factors which could influence the condition or extent of a Great Lakes wetland. There are at least three major aspects which merit examinations: Comparison of causal factors in order to isolate similarities among causes, Contrast of stresses and of long-term responses in order to clarify the ecosystemic significance of water level regime. The major aspect also include investigation of interaction among causes, among stresses and among long-term responses in order to specify synergisms and antagonisms. The most pronounced stresses on wetlands have historically occurred in the lower Great Lakes and southern Lake Michigan where human activity has been most intensive. Many Great Lakes wetlands are somewhat independent of the natural Great Lakes' water level regime and problems of lacustrine origin. Binational governance of various types and at varying degrees of formality operates with respect to many major uses and features of the Great Lakes.
