GLIN==> Lake Erie Protection Fund Final Reports

[Jill Woodyard <jill_woodyard@ameritech.net>]

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 30, 2004


LAKE ERIE PROTECTION FUND GRANTEES FILE FINAL REPORTS

The Ohio Lake Erie Commission is pleased to announce that final reports 
detailing the results of four grant projects funded by the Lake Erie 
Protection Fund are now available. Abstracts and final reports are 
available online at http://www.epa.state.oh.us/oleo/Grant/grants.htm, 
please refer to the Final Report Listing.

These four projects were the focus of topics including storm water 
managment, conservation buffers, training for watershed organizations, and 
development of a comprehensive GIS program. All projects are aimed at 
protecting and preserving Lake Erie and address one or more of the 
strategic actions outlined in the Lake Erie Protection & Restoration Plan.

The Lake Erie Protection Fund (LEPF) is supported by Ohioans purchasing 
Lake Erie License Plates. During the past 11 years, the commission has 
raised more than $7.5 million and has funded over 200 projects. Most 
recently, the commission has announced a new Lake Erie License Plate 
featuring the Toledo Harbor Lighthouse, commemorating its 100-year 
anniversary this year. The new plate goes on sale August 2nd and joins the 
original Marblehead Lighthouse License Plate, both designed by Ohio Artist
Ben Richmond.

The Ohio Lake Erie Commission administers the LEPF and Lake Erie License 
Plate Program. The commission is comprised of the directors of the Ohio 
Environmental Protection Agency and the Ohio departments of natural 
resources, transportation, development, health and agriculture. The 
commission was created to preserve Lake Erie's natural resources and 
protect the quality of its waters and ecosystem.

For more information about the commission and its programs, please visit 
http://www.epa.state.oh.us/oleo

Attached is a listing of the four final reports.




For Further Information Contact:
Patricia Madigan, Ohio Lake Erie Commission
(419) 245-2514

FINAL REPORTS JUNE 2004.doc