TOLEDO, OH -- Environmental organizations, schools, libraries, community groups and individuals throughout the Lake Erie region are encouraged to begin planning now for the 2003 Coastweeks observance, August 23 to September 21.
Ohio's Coastweeks, coordinated by the Ohio Lake Erie Commission, is part of a nationwide effort to educate the public about the importance of restoring and maintaining America's coastlines as valuable natural resources. Beach walks and cleanups, nature programs, and shoreline conferences are examples of the popular and successful Coastweeks activities that take place each year around the country.
Organizers are encouraged to tie events to pre-existing community activities - especially those that involve families and students. Local businesses can often supply additional support for Coastweeks events in the form of promotions, funding and positive public relations.
Registering an official Coastweeks event with the commission assures organizers of assistance with general media relations and a listing on the commission's official web site. Registered cleanup events will also receive Coastweeks supplies such as trash bags, pencils and data cards. Events registered by May 23 will also be publicized in an upcoming issue of the North Coast Newsletter.
Ohio Coastweeks 2003 registration forms are available by calling 419-245-2514 or through the Ohio Lake Erie Commission web site at www.epa.state.oh.us/oleo .
The 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 Environmental Protection Agency serves as the commission's chairman, while the director of the Ohio Department of Natural Resources serves as secretary. Additional members include the directors of the state departments of transportation, health and agriculture.