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Jun
22
Written by:
news editor
6/22/2012 1:00 AM
The OLEC administers Ohio’s Lake Erie Protection Fund, which helps finance research and implementation projects aimed at protecting, preserving and restoring Lake Erie and its watershed.
SANDUSKY, OH - The Ohio Lake Erie Commission (OLEC) administers Ohio’s Lake Erie Protection Fund, which was established to help finance research and implementation projects aimed at protecting, preserving and restoring Lake Erie and its watershed. The fund is supported by Ohioans who purchase a Lake Erie license plate displaying the Marblehead Lighthouse or the Toledo Harbor Lighthouse, designed by Ohio artist Ben Richmond.
On June 6, the Commission awarded the following four Lake Erie Protection Fund grant projects:
The Ohio State University was awarded $12,379 to conduct a survey to assess angler fishing behavior and determine how behavior is influenced by water quality changes. The data collected will allow for an estimate of demand for fishing trips and changes in demand due to water quality fluctuations.
The U.S. Geological Survey was awarded $15,000 to test a new molecular based method for monitoring Harmful Algal Blooms (HABs) and provide an early warning system for HAB production. This data will provide an understanding of which types of harmful algae produce microcystin, a common toxin that can be produced by harmful algae.
The City of Sandusky was awarded $12,770 to install 550 feet of a living shoreline demonstration project through soil amendment, erosion control and native grass/sedge establishment. Benefits of a living shoreline include shore stabilization and water quality improvement via filtration of upland runoff.
The Ohio State University, Ohio Sea Grant was awarded $14,571 to establish preliminary data on copper accumulation in sediment at marinas and quantify the amount contributed by boat bottom washing. This data will provide a clearer view of the contribution of vessel washwater to copper concentrations in near shore sediments.
OLEC was established 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 (ODNR) 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.
Citizens wishing to help fund projects that protect and restore Lake Erie and its watershed can also send a donation directly to the Ohio Lake Erie Commission office at 111 E. Shoreline Drive, Sandusky, Ohio 44870. All donations and proceeds from the sale of the Lake Erie license plate are utilized for funding grants to benefit Ohio’s Great Lake.
For more information on the Lake Erie Protection Fund or to read about past grant projects, visit: http://lakeerie.ohio.gov/.
For more information, contact:
Rian Sallee, Ohio Lake Erie Commission
419-621-2040
Bethany McCorkle, ODNR Office of Communications
614-265-6873
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