GLIN==> NOTICE: ANNOUNCING OHIO'S 2010 COASTWEEKS PROGRAM

NEWS RELEASE

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

April 22, 2010

 

 

EARTH WEEK IS A GREAT TIME TO THINK COASTWEEKS

Annual event focused on celebrating Ohio's coastal resources

 

TOLEDO, OHIO-Ohioans are invited to celebrate the natural diversity of Lake
Erie's coastal region by planning a local coastal cleanup event to coincide
with Ohio Coastweeks in September, according to the Ohio Lake Erie
Commission.

 

Environmental organizations, schools, scouts, community groups and
individuals throughout Ohio's Lake Erie watershed are encouraged to organize
local litter collection events along beaches and streams. Participants will
receive cleanup planning assistance and materials.

 

This year's event marks the 25th anniversary of the International Coastal
Cleanup Day on September 25. The Ohio Lake Erie Commission (OLEC)
coordinates the state's observance, which gives Ohioans a chance to help
keep the state's beaches and streams healthy and safe.

 

"Ohioans who participate in Coastweeks will positively impact their natural
surroundings while improving the quality of life for all of us," said Ed
Hammett, executive director of the Ohio Lake Erie Commission. "Taking part
in a Coastweeks cleanup is a great way to give back locally."

 

In addition to litter collection, Coastweeks volunteers are instrumental in
charting the progress of local events. Last year during Ohio Coastweeks,
more than 65 miles of shoreline was cleaned and 15,154 pounds of trash was
removed. Fast food wrappers, beverage cans and plastic bags are just a few
of the commonly found items.

 

Interested organizations are encouraged to sign up by July 6. To learn more
about 2010 Ohio Coastweeks, visit http://lakeerie.ohio.gov/ or call (419)
245-2514. The OLEC will provide the tools needed to promote an
organization's Coastweeks events.

 

The Ohio Lake Erie Commission was established in 1990 for the purpose of
preserving Lake Erie's natural resources, protecting the quality of its
waters and ecosystem, and promoting economic development in the region. The
director of the Ohio Department of Natural Resources serves as the
commission's chair. Additional members include the directors of the state
departments of Transportation, Health, Development, Agriculture and the Ohio
Environmental Protection Agency.

 

The commission oversees the Ohio Lake Erie Protection Fund, a grant fund
which promotes environmental protection and economic development in the Lake
Erie watershed. This fund is supported by Ohioans each time they purchase a
Lake Erie license plate displaying either the Marblehead Lighthouse or the
Toledo Harbor Lighthouse, designed by Ohio artist Ben Richmond.

 

-30-

For further information, contact: 

Edwin J. Hammett, Lake Erie Commission

419. 245.2514 

 

 

 

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