Lake Erie Foundation Champions:
- Reporting, accountability, measurement and reporting for the dollars spent to reduce algae including the amount of phosphorous – both total and dissolved, and nitrogen for each project.
- Reducing targets and selected Best Management Practices to achieve the 40% phosphorous reduction in the US and Canada.
- Decreasing manure soil phosphorous to amounts allowed in commercial fertilizer – ie., the crop need/agronomic rate instead of almost four times as much or more, as is currently allowed.
- Following the Clean Water Act which includes a Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) implementation plan using the US EPA nine step watershed management process.
- Funding to construct the Asian Carp barriers to keep Asian Carp out of the Great Lakes.
- Asking candidates and elected officials to support funding and policies for nutrient reductions for Lake Erie as outlined by the scientist’s white paper entitled: Summary of Findings and Strategies to Move Toward a 40% Phosphorus Reduction.
- Requesting US EPA to adopt standards for recreational contact and drinking water standards for the toxin Microcystin, and PFAS.
- Funding for technology for manure distribution and other reductions of phosphorous and nitrogen to Lake Erie.
- Continuing education and outreach to inform the public/organizations about Lake Erie’s waters and fish.
- Collaborating with all organizations helping Lake Erie.
- Opposing wind turbines in Lake Erie and all of the Great Lakes without more knowledge and standards.
How We Save Lake Erie
Lake Erie Foundation (LEF) and its members, over 500 strong, are the strongest and most effective voices that exist for protecting and restoring Lake Erie and its rivers and streams. We work at local, state and federal levels for effective laws and regulations that will reduce pollution, restore vital natural systems like coastal wetlands, and encourage smart growth in our communities.
LEF acts as a watchdog to elevate good practices for healing our waterways, while being vigilant about projects that could degrade water quality. LEF often submit comments to governing bodies regarding agricultural practices, nutrient reduction strategies, fisheries management, wastewater management issues, and more. LEF is a well-respected resource on environmental issues that impact Lake Erie, its rivers, and streams.
Join us and become a member: https://lakeeriefoundation.org/join-lef/
Contact Your Elected Official
It is so important that elected officials representing the Lake Erie watershed hear from you on an ongoing basis about the importance of protecting and restoring Lake Erie. The more we talk with local, state and federal officials to emphasize the importance of the lake, the better Lake Erie will be served. For information about establishing an ongoing dialogue with our public officials, please call or email us at (419) 301-3743 or info@lakeeriefoundation.org.
LEF acts as an advocate to elevate good practices for healing our waterways, while being vigilant about projects that could degrade water quality. LEF often submits comments to governing bodies regarding agricultural practices, nutrient reduction strategies, fisheries management, wastewater management issues, and more. LEF is a well-respected resource on environmental issues that impact Lake Erie, its rivers, and streams.
How We Advocate
Lake Erie Advocacy
LEF engages the public to protect and restore Lake Erie and its many tributaries by participating in and coordinating public meetings and conferences, hosting informational displays at various events, coordinating water quality testing activities, and completing a variety of additional outreach activities.
But our work doesn’t stop there. We also:
- Support local restoration efforts spearheaded by community organizations throughout the watershed.
- Work with the agricultural communities by supporting farmers to target funding and implement conservation practices that will dramatically reduce pollution running off their land.
- Participate as a member of the Healing Our Waters Coalition to work on advocacy and funding for the Great Lakes.
Report a Concern
Lake Erie and its watersheds need our careful vigilance. If you see a spill, release or other environmental threat, immediately call Ohio EPA at (800) 282-9378, Michigan 800-292-4706, Indiana 800-292-4706. Please also share the information with the foundation by emailing mmlavelle@lakeeriefoundation.org.
