April 21, 2006

Office of the Great Lakes Director Ken DeBeaussaert will mark Earth Day 2006 by joining the Clinton River Watershed Council, the Marine Environmental Education Foundation, and the Anchor Bay Yachting Association’s 29 boat club members in a training workshop to help protect our Great Lakes waters on April 22.

“Earth Day is an opportunity for us to ponder the global challenges the planet faces and to take action on a local level to do our part for the planet,” DeBeaussaert noted. “This workshop is one of the many successful efforts by local organizations supported by the Department of Environmental Quality to act locally to protect our waters from the threats of pollution and invasive species.”

DeBeaussaert will make brief remarks on Michigan’s efforts to stop the introduction of new invasive species and the important role played by individuals to stop the spread of invasives that have already entered our Great Lakes. The workshop is being held at the Windmill Pointe Yacht Club, 77795 Dyke Road in Ira Township. Participants will receive training to prepare them to educate other boaters about environmentally sound boating practices.

The Clinton River Watershed Council along with the Anchor Bay Yachting Association and seven other groups statewide received a grant from the Office of the Great Lakes to conduct this workshop and other activities to combat invasive species. Grant funds came from sales of 2005 Great Lakes Protection Fund decals, a voluntary program administered by the Secretary of State.

“By purchasing a 2006 decal, boaters and all lovers of the Great Lakes can help support our efforts to attack the invasive species that have threatened our waters,” DeBeaussaert concluded.

The $35 Great Lakes Protection Fund decal is tax deductible and can be purchased online at www.michigan.gov/michiganmall or at Secretary of State offices.

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 April 21, 2006 by Pat Watson