The Lake Erie Basin has a higher population density, more urban area, heavy industry and agriculture than any of the other Great Lakes. As a result, Lake Erie also receives larger loads of pollutants, than any other Great Lake. Add to that the fact that Lake Erie's ecosystem is in constant turmoil—with invasive species, water quality and habitat issues and we all have a responsibility to protect and conserve the lake.
There are a number of governmental and non-governmental organizations involved in the management, research and restoration of Lake Erie. These organizations offer education programs, fellowships, research grants and best management plans for continued awareness, study, and policy regarding the lake's ecosystem. There are a number ways to donate time and resources or to take advantage of funding for research and education. Below is a list of resources for those Ohioans interested in donating to Lake Erie causes.
LAKE ERIE ORGANIZATIONS
"Erie...Our Great Lake"—lighthouse plate—When you purchase a 'lighthouse plate' for $25 the Ohio Lake Erie Protection Fund receives a $15 contribution that goes to research and improvement grants for enhancing the Lake Erie shoreline and watershed.
Ohio PIRG (Protect Our Waters, Lake Erie Legacy)—Ohio PIRG's mission is to deliver persistent, result-oriented public interest activism that protects our environment, encourages a fair, sustainable economy including the Restore Lake Erie Initiative.
Great Lakes United—Great Lakes United is an international coalition dedicated to preserving and restoring the Great Lakes-St. Lawrence River ecosystem. Great Lakes United is made up of member organizations representing environmentalists, conservationists, hunters and anglers, labor unions, community groups, and citizens of the United States, Canada, and First Nations and Tribes.
Great Lakes Environmental Research Laboratory—GLERL is an ecological prediction, aquatic invasive species, physical environment prediction and environmental observing system.
Ohio Sea Grant and Stone Laboratory—"Fish Lake Erie" licenses plates are available. Click here for an online application.
The Lake Erie Islands Historical Society—The mission of LEIHS is to preserve, interpret and educate our community and our visitors on the rich history of the Lake Erie Islands.
Earth Share—Earth Share manages environmental giving campaigns in workplaces for environmental and conservation charities, more than 40 national and international organizations. You can also donate to Earth Share or specifically to Great Lakes United by writing in a “donor choice” option.
LAKE ERIE GRANTS & FELLOWSHIPS
Ohio EPA Ohio EPA is responsible for restoring and maintaining the quality of Ohio's rivers and streams—restoration and maintenance of Ohio's water resources which reflects the national water quality objective as contained in the Federal Clean Water Act (CWA).
Ohio Department of Natural Resources—Provide leadership and services that enable Ohioans to conserve, protect and enhance soil, water and land resources.
Lake Erie Lakewide Management Plan (LAMP)—Lakewide Management Plan, or "LaMP", is a plan of action to assess, restore, protect and monitor the ecosystem health of a Great Lake. It is used to coordinate the work of all the government, tribal, and non-government partners working to improve the Lake ecosystem.
Ohio PIRG—The Ohio Environmental Fellowship Program was created to help Ohio's college students study, learn about, and act on the pressing environmental challenges facing our state.
Ohio Sea Grant fellowships—The Sea Grant’s national outreach team of extension agents, educators and communicators, translate research into usable information and products for a variety of audiences—to ensure that science is delivered to those who need it in ways they can use this information.
2006 Great Lakes Summer Student Fellowships—The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's (NOAA), Great Lakes Environmental Research Laboratory (GLERL), and the Cooperative Institute for Limnology and Ecosystems Research (CILER), administered by the University of Michigan, distribute funding for the Great Lakes Summer Student Fellowship Program.
