The Michigan Department of Natural Resources and Environment and the Partnership for the Saginaw Bay Watershed will be hosting a presentation by Ms. Amy Babcock, DNRE, regarding Toxics and the Environment, on March 10, at 3 p.m. at the Bay City State Recreation Area Visitors Center.

Ms. Babcock's presentation, "Toxicology 101:  Toxics and the Environment," will provide an overview of the main "toxics" of concern in Saginaw Bay, how "toxics" get into and affect the environment, persist, and affect wildlife and natural systems.  

Ms. Babcock is a toxicologist for Water Resources Division within the DNRE and the current chair of the DNRE Toxics Steering Group.  Her primary role with the DNRE is to perform risk assessments for the groundwater program and provide support to the surface water and drinking water programs.  In addition to her duties at the DNRE, Amy is an adjunct professor in the science department at Lansing Community College.

This presentation will be the first of a number of presentations discussing toxic pollutants in Saginaw Bay, a priority issue identified through the Saginaw Bay Coastal Initiative. 

Details of the Saginaw Bay Coastal Initiative and additional information are available online at http://www.michigan.gov/deq under "Issues to Watch."  

The DNRE is committed to conserve, manage, protect, and promote accessible use and enjoyment of the state's environmental, natural resource, and related economic interests for current and future generations.