Nominations Sought For Lake Erie Advocates

TOLEDO, OHIO - The Ohio Lake Erie Commission is accepting nominations for the 2009 Ohio Lake Erie Award, which will recognize individuals and organizations that have made outstanding contributions to enhance Ohio's Great Lake.

OLEC annually honors one person and one organization that have worked to protect and restore Lake Erie and its watershed. Nominating a person or organization for the award shows special appreciation for those who work to improve the lake's watershed and support the goals of the Lake Erie Protection & Restoration Plan.

Nomination forms for this year's awards are available by calling 419-245-2514. They are also available online at http://lakeerie.ohio.gov.

All nominees must comply with established award criteria. Elected officials and state employees are not eligible. A nomination should represent efforts in Ohio performed by Ohioans.

Nomination forms must be completed and returned to the Ohio Lake Erie Commission offices by 5 p.m. on July 16. Winners will be announced at the Commission's annual meeting on Sept. 23 at the University of Toledo's Lake Erie Center.

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.

Contact:
Edwin J. Hammett, Lake Erie Commission
419. 245. 2514

Beth Ruth, ODNR Media Relations
614. 265. 6860