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The International Joint Commission's Sixth Report on International Watersheds Initiative

On December 2, 2025, the International Joint Commission (IJC) released its comprehensive Sixth Report to the governments of Canada and the United States, detailing significant advancements in the management of shared waters through its International Watersheds Initiative (IWI). This report spans the crucial period from 2020 to 2024, showcasing the collaborative efforts and achievements made during these years.

Over the past five years, 28 projects were successfully completed under the IWI, bringing together 57 partner organizations that have played essential roles in supporting and collaborating with project teams. With a financial backing exceeding $2.6M from the IJC, these initiatives have also generated an impressive leverage of over $5.1M from various partnering agencies and organizations.

The IWI has established itself as a fundamental aspect of managing transboundary waters, emphasizing a holistic methodology to tackle pressing issues related to water quantity, quality, and ecosystem health within these shared watersheds. The report highlights some of the key accomplishments and advancements made under the IWI, illustrating its collaborative impact.

Key Achievements and Projects

One of the notable successes highlighted in the report is the enhanced collaboration fostered between IJC boards, key watershed organizations, and Indigenous Nations. This cooperation has proven beneficial for addressing emerging challenges through the application of adaptive management practices, ensuring that IJC boards are equipped to tackle new environmental issues as they arise.

A significant milestone was the establishment of the International Red River Watershed Board, which serves as a model for potentially applying similar watershed approaches to additional transboundary basins. Among the specific projects mentioned, the International Kootenay Lake Board of Control developed an interactive visualization tool, launched in 2023, which aids in communicating the dynamics of water levels and the impacts of regulatory measures to both the public and stakeholders.

Another critical project from 2022 involved assessing connectivity within the International Red River Watershed, focused on ensuring that key fish species could move freely to complete their life cycles—a vital element for maintaining ecosystem health.

Moreover, a two-part IWI initiative led to the creation of a stress index for the St. Croix River watershed, also enhancing the water quality monitoring plan. This plan promotes improvements to existing water quality sampling activities, aiming to monitor nutrient levels that could lead to harmful algal blooms, a significant environmental concern.

The Importance of Cross-Border Collaboration

The IJC's commitment to fostering effective communication and action between governments, stakeholders, and local communities underscores the crucial need for collaborative efforts in managing transboundary waters. Pierre Baril, the Canadian Co-Chair of the IJC, emphasized the initiative's role, stating, “The IWI has proven to be an effective tool for bringing governments, stakeholders, and local communities together to address current and emerging issues.” His remarks highlight how partnerships have facilitated a shared understanding of local watershed issues, enabling the development of practical solutions pertaining to water quality, quantity, and ecosystem well-being.

Lance Yohe, the US IJC Commissioner, further echoed this sentiment, underscoring the necessity of teamwork in resolving issues in shared lakes and rivers to protect these vital resources for present and future generations. He noted that the IWI has amassed over 25 years of experience in uniting experts to seek solutions to both existing and upcoming challenges in transboundary watersheds.

Quick Facts

• - The IJC serves as a binational and neutral advisor to both Canada and the United States.
• - Formed by the 1909 Boundary Waters Treaty, the IJC helps prevent and resolve disputes regarding the shared use of boundary waters.
• - The IJC's operations rely on the insights of more than 15 binational boards and committees.
• - The principles of local expertise, adaptive management, and international cooperation are foundational to the IWI's success in addressing cross-border water issues.
• - The IJC adopts a