NEWS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 18, 2005
2005
COASTWEEKS CELEBRATION IS AUGUST 20 THROUGH SEPTEMBER 18
Organizations along
Lake Erie encouraged to plan now for this
month-long celebration
TOLEDO, OH
– Celebrating and protecting Ohio’s
great lake is the focus of this year’s Coastweeks observance, August 20
through September 18, according to the Ohio Lake
Erie Commission (LEC), which coordinates the program.
Ohio's
Coastweeks is part of an annual nationwide effort to educate the public about
protecting America's
coastlines. In Ohio, the focus is Lake Erie and its shoreline.
Beach walks and cleanups, nature programs, campouts and canoe
tours are examples of the popular activities that take place during Coastweeks.
This year's International Coastal Cleanup Day is Saturday,
September 17, and is the world’s largest one-day volunteer effort to
clean up coastlines and waterways.
Environmental organizations, schools, libraries, community
groups and individuals throughout the Lake Erie
region are encouraged to host events for this year’s Coastweeks.
Visit the LEC web site at www.epa.state.oh.us/oleo or call 419-245-2514 to learn more
about participating in Coastweeks and to obtain an event form.
LEC will provide tools needed to help promote Coastweeks
events.
The Ohio Lake Erie Commission was established for the purpose
of preserving Lake Erie's natural resources,
protecting the quality of its waters and ecosystem, and promoting economic
development of the region. The director of the Ohio Department of Natural
Resources serves as the commission's chairman. Additional members include the
directors of the state departments of Transportation, Health, Development,
Agriculture, and the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency.
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For Further
Information Contact:
Edwin Hammett,
Ohio Lake Erie
Commission
419-245-2514