News Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September
15, 2005
TWO RECEIVE OHIO LAKE ERIE AWARDS
TOLEDO,
OH – Lake Erie Coastal Ohio, Inc., a
non-profit organization promoting natural and historic sites along Lake Erie,
and Heidelberg College professor Dr. David Baker, who
has led regional research on water quality, are winners of the 2005 Ohio Lake
Erie Awards, according to the Ohio Lake Erie Commission.
“These award recipients have shown
a great commitment to protecting and promoting Lake Erie
and its watershed,” said Edwin J. Hammett,
executive director of the commission. “We commend their efforts.”
The commission honors one person and one
organization each year that have worked to protect and restore Lake Erie and its watershed. Since 1995, the commission
has awarded 10 individuals and 10 organizations for their stewardship.
Lake
Erie Coastal Ohio, Inc., led by director
Melinda Huntley, has linked more than 200 locations along the Ohio lakeshore into a trail of historic and
natural sites. Their efforts have had a significant impact on the economy and
tourism along Lake Erie. The organization is
also dedicated to educating the community and policymakers about the importance
of Lake Erie’s resources. It was also an
integral player in the designation of the Lake Erie Coastal Ohio Trail as Ohio’s latest scenic byway.
Dr.
David Baker is director emeritus of Heidelberg College’s Water Quality Laboratory
and is also professor emeritus of biology. His legacy recently was honored when
the newly built Gillmor Science Hall at Heidelberg
College with a Water Quality Lab and National Center for Water Quality Research was
named for him in tribute. Dr. Baker has led the region in researching the
impacts of agriculture on water resources in streams, rivers and lakes as well
as the evaluation of the effectiveness of agriculture pollution abatement
programs. He has played an important role in the formation of the
Sandusky River Watershed Coalition and continues to be active.
The Ohio Lake Erie Commission was created
to preserve Lake Erie's natural resources,
enhance its water quality and promote economic development in the region. The
director of the Ohio Department of Natural Resources serves as the commission's
chairman. Additional members include the directors of the departments of
transportation, development, health, agriculture and the Ohio Environmental
Protection Agency.
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For Additional
Information Contact:
Edwin J. Hammett,
Ohio Lake
Erie Commission
(419) 245-2514