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Statewide Events Oceans and Great Lakes Task Force Public Listening Session - October 29 On June 12, President Obama announced the creation of a 23-member Interagency Ocean Policy Task Force to develop within 90 days: 1) a national policy that ensures the protection, maintenance, and restoration of the health of ocean, coastal, and Great Lakes ecosystems and resources; 2) a framework for agency coordination in implementing the policy; and 3) a set of priority actions that will help advance the policy and, within 180 days, develop a framework for coordinated coastal and ocean spatial planning. Join Nancy Sutley, Chair of the Council of Environmental Quality, Joan Lubchenco, Administrator for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, and other high-level Administration official at a public listening session on October 29 in Cleveland. Cleveland Marriott Hotel at Key Center Salon D & E, 127 Public Square Cleveland, OH 44114 For more information and talking points, please contact Kristy Meyer, the OEC's Director of Agricultural & Clean Water Programs, at Kristy@theOEC.org or (614) 487-7506. Lake Erie Management Plan Public Forum - November 6-7 Join presenters from Canada and the U.S. for the 2009 LaMP Public Forum: The Fight Against Phosphorous. Workshop and discussion topics include improving water quality, wildlife habitat, biodiversity, and recreational/ educational opportunities in Lake Erie watersheds. Cost is $75 per person, which includes one night lodging (double-occupancy) and most meals. There are a few scholarships left so register today! For details and to register, visit www.theoec.org/LaMP09.htm or call (614) 487-7506. 9th Annual Great Lakes Conference - November 13 Historically, water law has been the province of lawyers and policymakers in the arid western United States. In recent years, however, lawmakers in the Great Lakes region have come to recognize the critical role that water management plays in securing a healthy and vibrant society over the long term. In recognition of this development, the University of Toledo College of Law and its affiliated Legal Institute of the Great Lakes sponsor an annual conference on water issues of importance to the Great Lakes region and the nation. This year's 9th Annual Great Lakes Water Conference will be held on November 13 at the University of Toledo College of Law. Keynote speakers will be U.S. Congressman Bart Stupak of Michigan and Cameron Davis, Senior Advisor to the USEPA Administrator. The Ohio Environmental Council's Kristy Meyer, Director of Agricultural & Clean Water Programs, and Ohio EPA Director Chris Korleski will discuss "Stimulating and Restoring the Great Lakes." Other topics include "The Reach of the Clean Water Act" and "The Compact in Action." To register or for more information, call (419) 530-2628 or e-mail Ann Elick at ann.elick@utoledo.edu. Regional Events Central Ohio Friends of Alum Creek and Tributaries (FACT) Annual Meeting & Potluck Dinner - November 12 Join FACT for their 2009 year in review dinner, including annual elections and awards. The guest speaker will be Brad Westal, Greenways Planner for the Columbus Recreation & Parks Department. He will present information about the Alum Creek greenway trail and discuss its forthcoming expansion plans. 6:30 p.m. 126 S. Parkview Ave. Bexley, OH 43209 Please bring a dinner dish to share. To sponsor, RSVP, or for more information, contact the FACT office at phone (614) 409-0511 or kwilliams@friendsofsalumcreek.org. www.friendsofalumcreek.org. Northeast Ohio Don’t miss your next opportunity to discuss water quality issues in Northeast Ohio. The next NEOW Council meeting will be held on January 20 from 6:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. Mark your calendar and contact Joe Logan at Joe@theOEC.org or (614) 487-7506 for details. Southeast Ohio Huff Run Watershed Restoration Partnership Meeting - November 17 The next Huff Run meeting will be held at the Huff Run office at 8728 North High Street in Mineral City at 5:30 p.m. All are welcome. For more information, call (330) 859-1050 or visit www.huffrun.org. Huff Run Environmental Explorers Club Meeting - November 21 Geared for children ages 6-13, Environmental Explorers Club meetings teach children about nature and the world around them through games, crafts, field trips, and new friendships. Noon to 3:00 p.m. at the Mineral City Park. For more information, call (330) 859-1050 or visit www.huffrun.org. Southwest Ohio Don’t miss out on your next opportunity to network, mentor, and discuss water quality issues in Southwest Ohio. Please mark your calendar for the next SEOW meeting on January 22. For details, contact Coby Williams at Coby@theOEC.org or (614) 487-7506. Water News Ohio Attorney General Appeals Lake Erie Decision Hunter, angler, and nature groups file separate appeal The continuing battle over ownership of Ohio's Lake Erie shore is headed to the state's top court. Leading the way is the state's top attorney – Ohio Attorney General Richard Cordray. On October 7, the office of the Attorney General filed an appeal with the Ohio Supreme Court contesting in its entirety a lower court ruling that outlawed the public from strolling and anglers from fishing along Ohio's 312-mile Lake Erie shore. The ruling also hobbled the state's authority to control the placement of fill and structures along the shore. Read more on the Ohio Environmental Council's website. Newly Formed Ohio Watershed Council's First Meeting On October 1, the Ohio Watershed Council met for the first time. At this meeting, the Council decided to focus their work on strengthening the watershed coordinator program within the state. No small feat. Members of this new Council include:
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