GLIN==> LAKE ERIE COMMISSION GRANTS AWARDED

[Jill Woodyard <jill_woodyard@ameritech.net>]

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 11, 2003


OHIO LAKE ERIE COMMISSION ANNOUNCES MORE THAN
$400,000 IN GRANTS TO NINE ORGANIZATIONS

The Ohio Lake Erie Commission (LEC) has awarded more than $375,000 to six 
organizations to conduct long-term research projects on the lake. Nearly 
$30,000 more went to three other organizations for short-term research 
projects.
The grants were approved on September 4 at the commission's meeting in 
Cleveland. Larger projects that received funding were: a nature-based field 
guide and survey of the Lake Erie Islands; efforts to inspect 4,000 home 
sewage systems in Cuyahoga County; a Clean Boater Program for the Lake Erie 
region; water quality monitoring on Maumee Bay; an pilot beach advisory 
system for Huntington Beach and an initiative to reduce soil erosion among 
Lake Erie watershed farmers.
Smaller grants were awarded to study yellow perch reproduction in the lake 
and PCBs in the Ashtabula River. Another project will look at ways of 
reducing sediment loading in the lake through improved drainage ditch 
regulations.
During the last 10 years, the commission has awarded more than $7.5 million 
in grants from its Lake Erie Protection Fund to local and state 
organizations for a variety of lake-based research projects. Money for the 
fund comes from the sale of Lake Erie license plates, which feature an 
image of the historic Marblehead Lighthouse.
The Ohio Lake Erie Commission is comprised of the directors of the Ohio 
departments of environmental protection, transportation, development, 
health, natural resources and agriculture.
The commission was established to preserve Lake Erie's natural resources, 
water quality and ecosystem by furthering the goals laid out in the Lake 
Erie Protection & Restoration Plan. It also promotes economic development 
in the region.
-30-
For Further Information Contact:
Jill Woodyard, Ohio Lake Erie Commission
(419) 245-2514
EDITORS NOTE: A COMPLETE LIST OF THE MOST RECENT LEPF GRANT
RECIPIENTS FOLLOWS:
Lake Erie Coastal Ohio, Inc. received $29,500 to develop "The Lake Erie 
Islands: Nature-Based Field Guide And Survey." The project will enhance 
eco-tourism throughout the region by promoting tours and other activities. 
 Project director: Melinda Huntley.
Cuyahoga County Board of Health received $49,080 to inspect 4,000 household 
sewage treatment systems throughout Cuyahoga County and educate 1,000 
homeowners on their proper maintenance. Homes will be selected according to 
their proximity to lake tributaries. Project director: Harry Stark

The Ohio State University Research Foundation received $50,000 to develop a 
Clean Boater Program for Ohio, with focus on Lake Erie. The project will 
develop educational materials and employ other incentives for clean boating 
practices. Project director: Leroy J. Hushak

The University of Toledo, Lake Erie Center received $55,391 to monitor 
water quality in Maumee Bay and western Lake Erie. Monitoring will help 
document the influence of the Maumee River on water quality, bacteria 
spikes and zooplankton species. Project director: Thomas Bridgeman

U.S. Geological Survey received $93,871 to implement a system for 
"nowcasting" bacteria levels and beach advisories for Huntington Beach and 
compare to current methods of determining water quality. The project will 
develop models for Lakeview and Century Beaches for an Internet-based beach 
advisory program. Project director: Donna Francy

Conservation Action Project received $97,640 to reduce soil erosion and 
implement innovative farming practices, using 25 area farms. Farmers will 
be selected to demonstrate practices that reduce soil compaction and 
erosion. Field days will be held to showcase the new technologies. Project 
director: William Rohrs

Small Grant Projects:
The Ohio State University Research Foundation received $9,986 to evaluate 
the quality of yellow perch eggs in Lake Erie. Project director: Dr. Knorad 
Dabrowski
The Ohio State University Research Foundation received $9,993 to 
investigate the release of PCBs during dewatering of Ashtabula River 
sediments. Project directors: Patrick J. Fox and John L. Lenhart

The Ohio State University Research Foundation received $10,000 to reduce 
sediment loading in Lake Erie by revising drainage ditch regulations in the 
lake's watershed. Director: Dr. Larry Libby




* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
glin-announce is hosted by the Great Lakes Information Network (GLIN):
http://www.great-lakes.net
To subscribe: http://www.glin.net/forms/glin-announce_form.html
To post a message: http://www.glin.net/forms/glin-announce_post.html
To search the archive: http://www.glin.net/lists/glin-announce/
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *