GLIN==> ANNOUNCING - "Life on Lake Erie" 2006 Photo Contest Winners

News Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

September 14, 2006

FOURTEEN IMAGES NAMED “JUDGES’ FAVORITES” IN ANNUAL

LIFE ON LAKE ERIE PHOTO CONTEST

Photo by Ottawa County resident of Green Cove at sunrise named “overall favorite”

TOLEDO, OH – A photo depicting sunrise over Green Cove, captured by Ottawa County resident Chuck Snider, was named the “Overall Judges’ Favorite” in the 2006 Life on Lake Erie Photo Contest, sponsored by the Ohio Lake Erie Commission (LEC). Thirteen additional images were named “Judges’ Favorites” in the competition.

The 14 winning photographs were chosen from 182 entries – each showcasing day-to-day life and activities in the Lake Erie watershed.

“The Life On Lake Erie photo contest captures life along Ohio’s coastline as seen by those who visit or live there,” said Edwin J. Hammett, executive director of the Ohio Lake Erie Commission. “It reflects the heartfelt enthusiasm many feel for the lake, its wildlife and its landmarks. Congratulations to all who participated in this worthwhile endeavor. And, a special congratulations to the 14 winners.”

The 14 winning photographs will be on tour throughout the Lake Erie region in coming months. Exhibit dates and locations are posted on the commission’s web site or can be obtained by calling the commission office in Toledo.

This year’s winners are:

· Chuck Snider of Oak Harbor (Ottawa County) for “Sunrise at Green Cove.” This photo was named the “Overall Judges’ Favorite.” Snider placed a second winner among the Judges’ Favorites with a winter sunset scene at Frank M. Harris Nature Preserve.

· Richard McBride of Conneaut (Ashtabula County) for a sunset image snapped at Conneaut Township Park.

· Andrea Aldrich of Fremont (Sandusky County) for a sunny day photo of Wolf Creek Park in the county.

· Eric Yarberry of Maumee (Lucas County) for white egrets at Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge near Oregon.

· Jennifer Pasztor of Oregon (Lucas County) for a frog playing peek-a-boo at Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge at Oregon

· Liz Spangler of Circleville (Pickaway County) for a sunset photo at Catawba Island’s north point.

· Maggi Dandar of Curtice (Ottawa County) for a photo of anglers fishing off the back of a boat during the Lake Erie Mills Race.

· Evan Layton of Whitehouse (Lucas County) for the image of a gosling at Harbor Marina in Sandusky.

· Brent Russell of Perrysburg (Wood County) for a nighttime photo of a freighter taking on grain, while anchored on the Maumee River in Toledo.

· Connie Maksemetz of Tiffin (Seneca County) for an image of four young girlfriends enjoying the Kelleys Island shoreline.

· Kelly Luter of Elyria (Lorain County) for a photo of a child with a mayfly on its chin, taken at Oak Harbor.

· Dr. Thomas Warneka of Toledo (Lucas County) for an image of the historic sailboat, “Madeline,” anchored at Sandusky.

· Dee Riley of Ashtabula (Ashtabula County) for a winter scene snapped at Walnut Beach.

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EDITORS’ NOTE: Winning images are posted on the Ohio Lake Erie Commission web site at www.epa.state.oh.us

For Additional Information Contact:

Edwin J. Hammett, Ohio Lake Erie Commission

(419) 245-2514