Lake Ontario Coastal Initiative Conference: August 25

[Captain's Cove]

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

The Lake Ontario Coastal Initiative will sponsor a day-long conference, “Coastal Connections II†on Tuesday, August 25 from 9 am until 4 pm in the New York State Room of Cooper Hall at SUNY Brockport.

“Coastal Connections II†offers a brief scientific and ecological overview of Lake Ontario and its watershed. Speakers on the “State of the Lake and Influence of Its Watershed†will include Dr. Joseph Makarewicz of SUNY Brockport and David Klein of The Nature Conservancy.

“Coastal Connections†is pleased to be able to host John C. Austin, a fellow of the Brookings Institution, whose 2007 study, “America’s North Coast: A Benefit-Cost Analysis of a Program to Protect and Restore the Great Lakes,†has attracted considerable attention from Great Lakes stakeholders, policy-makers and the general public. Dr. Austin will speak on “Great Lakes: Healthy Waters, Strong Economy†after lunch.

An EPA Great Lakes official will be speaking and will also answer questions about the recently passed Great Lakes Restoration Initiative funded at $475 million.

Panel discussions will deal with Public Education efforts, Land Use Regulations for Water Quality, and Infrastructure and its Alternatives. Information presented during “Coastal Connections II†will assist local officials in framing successful proposals to the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative and other current funding sources.

Lunch will be provided, and the cost of the conference is $25. Advance registration is recommended, but you may pay at the door. Call (585) 262-2870 or register electronically with a form at www.ceinfo.org.

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For more information, call Stephen Lewandowski at (585) 394-5030 or George Thomas at 262-2870.