The Ohio Lake Erie Commission will hold its annual meeting at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, September 30, at the Lake Erie Nature & Science Center, 28728 Wolf Road in Bay Village, OH.

Commission Chairman Sean Logan, director of the Ohio Department of Natural Resources and the Commission members will finalize the 2008 Lake Erie Protection & Restoration Plan. The purpose of this Plan is to identify the strategic direction and the near-term actions of the State of Ohio related to Lake Erie and its watershed. The Plan also provides a statement of what Ohio is doing to implement the Great Lakes Regional Collaboration.

Winners of the 2008 “Life On Lake Erie” photo contest will be announced. Commission members are expected to approve the 2008 Ohio Lake Erie Award nominations and vote on the latest round of Lake Erie Protection Fund small grant proposals. Executive Director Edwin Hammett will discuss the 2008 Coastweeks program that took place September 12-21 and provide a report on the Lake Erie Balanced Growth Program which includes a viewing of the newly developed Best Local Land Use Practices DVD.

All meetings of the Ohio Lake Erie Commission are open to the public and include a public comment period. Organizations and citizens are encouraged to attend this meeting and provide input on issues of concern.