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September 12, 2006
OHIO LAKE ERIE COMMISSION AWARDS $10,000 GRANT
TO UNIVERSITY OF TOLEDO
TOLEDO, OH The Ohio Lake Erie Commission (LEC) has awarded $10,000 to the University of Toledo for a comprehensive study of the Old Woman Creek watershed in Huron County.
The project, directed by Andrew Heydinger, aims at developing water movement models for the watershed, using computer software that simulates local hydrology and geology. By studying the movement of water in this unique Lake Erie estuary, scientists can better determine the effects of climate and land-use practices in the watershed. Long-term goal of the study is to improve water quality in the creek and its feeder streams.
Each quarter, the LEC awards grants of $10,000 or less for short-term research projects to study an environmental or recreational aspect of the Lake Erie watershed. Most projects are limited to one year, unless the specific nature of the effort warrants a longer time period. Small grants may be used as seed money to test the feasibility of both large and small projects. Small grant proposals are reviewed and selected at each quarterly meeting of the Lake Erie Commission.
The Ohio Lake Erie 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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