Pennsylvania DEP Sponsors State of the Lakes Ecosystem Conference in Erie

Great Lakes Event to Focus on Watershed that Spans States, Lower Canada

ERIE, Pa., Oct. 25, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ – Top researchers and decision-makers from government, industry, academia and environmental groups will meet Oct. 26 and 27 at the ninth State of the Lakes Ecosystem Conference (SOLEC) at the Erie Sheraton Hotel on the West Bayfront Parkway.

The two-day meeting is jointly hosted by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and Environment Canada, with sponsorship from DEP.

“Lake Erie is not only a state and national treasure that defines the identity and character of the Erie area, it is also a major contributor to our economic vitality,” DEP Secretary Mike Krancer said. “SOLEC is bringing decision-makers and scientists from both sides of the border to our doorstep. This conference will help us make decisions about what actions we can take not just in Erie, but throughout the Great Lakes, to address environmental challenges.”

The theme for SOLEC 2011 is “Linking Land to the Lakes,” with presentations focusing on land-based issues that impact water quality. Using a new framework, environmental indicators will be used to describe the current conditions of the Great Lakes, recent trends and how human activities are impacting the lakes.

The latest information on issues such as pollution, nutrients, invasive species and climate trends will also be discussed. The indicators in the new framework will help guide decision-makers in taking steps to protect the Great Lakes.

Established in 1992 by the United States and Canada, SOLEC is the only forum that comprehensively focuses on the health of all the Great Lakes. It also reports on progress toward achieving the goal of the Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement, which is “to restore and maintain the chemical, physical and biological integrity of the waters of the Great Lakes ecosystem.”

For more information, go to www.SOLECregistration.ca. The State of the Great Lakes 2009 report, based on information presented at SOLEC 2008 and other background information, can be found at www.binational.net.

Media contact: Freda Tarbell, 814-332-6816

Source: Department of Environmental Protection Northwest Regional Office

SOURCE Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection