July 25, 2005

Department of Environmental Quality Director Steven E. Chester today named Ken DeBeaussaert, Director of the Office of the Great Lakes, to head up Michigan’s efforts to work with other U.S., Canadian, state, county, and local officials in the implementation of a recently released Lake St. Clair management plan and coordinate other Lake St. Clair activities.

“Governor Jennifer M. Granholm has expressed her desire for coordinated efforts to protect and restore Lake St. Clair,” said Director Chester. “Ken DeBeaussaert’s role as Director of the Office of the Great Lakes, along with his past legislative responsibilities representing Lake St. Clair communities, makes him a natural choice to lead this effort for Michigan.”

Beach closings along Lake St. Clair in recent years have raised concerns about the quality of its water and its long term health.

“Great efforts have been made to tackle the problems of Lake St. Clair but it’s obvious that there’s much more work to be done,” said Director DeBeaussaert. “I look forward to building on the partnerships that have developed between the department and local officials who have demonstrated great bi-partisan leadership to protect and restore the ‘heart of the Great Lakes'.”

Editor’s note: DEQ news releases are available on the department’s Internet home page at www.michigan.gov/deq.

“Protecting Michigan’s Environment, Ensuring Michigan’s Future”

Revised July 25, 2005 by Pat Watson