OHIO LAKE ERIE COMMISSION AWARDS $39,576 IN GRANTS
TOLEDO, OH Nearly $40,000 has been awarded by the Ohio Lake Erie Commission for four small grant projects that will benefit Lake Erie and its environmental, recreational and economic resources.
Grant recipients include: The University of Toledo ($9,576), Rebecca Bushon of the U.S. Geological Survey ($10,000), Toledo Harbor Lighthouse Preservation Society ($10,000), and Amie Brady of the U.S. Geological Survey ($10,000)
These quarterly grants are limited to $10,000 or less and are generally awarded for one year unless the specific nature of the project warrants a longer time period. The grant proposals are reviewed and selected at each quarterly meeting of the Lake Erie Commission.
The 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.
The commission oversees the Ohio Lake Erie Protection Fund, which is the source of grant funding. 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, as designed by Ohio artist Ben Richmond.
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Ohio Lake Erie Commission Grantees
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| The University of Toledo |
$9,576 |
For the project “Survey Fish Diversity: Testing the impact of vegetative encroachment.” The project is led by Dr. Johan Gottgens and Todd Crail. The project will involve the comparison of the structure and composition of fish communities in agricultural streams with and without vegetated encroachment. The research will be focused on the headwaters of the Ottawa River, a tributary to western Lake Erie. |
| Rebecca Bushon of the U.S. Geological Survey |
$10,000 |
To continue the study: “Rapid Method for E.coli in the Cuyahoga River.” The Survey will test the accuracy of a previously introduced model for testing E. coli and, if necessary, develop a more accurate model. Results obtained from this study will provide for more timely testing results. |
| The Toledo Harbor Lighthouse Preservation Society |
$10,000 |
To construct a floating access dock and ramp system for visitors to more easily access the Toledo Harbor Lighthouse. This is a first step towards renovation of the lighthouse. The project director is Sandy Bihn. |
| Amie Brady of the U.S. Geological Survey |
$10,000 |
To examine the discharge of E. coli and suspended sediment from the Berger Ditch and Maumee Bay State Park beach into Lake Erie. The results will help in determining the E. coli levels in the water and provide information for the design of a wetland to treat water before it enters Maumee Bay. |
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