It’s always just a few miles away, a constant presence giving our region abundant resources and wonderment.  But what must be done to ensure we don’t take the world’s 11th largest freshwater lake for granted?

LakewoodAlive, a nonprofit community development organization, today announces it will host a community forum – entitled “A Deep Dive: Lake Erie Starts at Home” – from 7-8:30 p.m. on Tuesday, June 14, at the Lakewood Public Library Main Branch (15425 Detroit Avenue).  The forum seeks to explore the monumental role Lake Erie plays in our lives, the issues facing our Great Lake and how we as citizens impact its water quality and overall health.

Both the general public and members of the media are invited to attend this free community forum.  The interactive discussion will address a big-picture overview of the Great Lakes’ importance on a global scale, as well as environmental concerns specific to the lake within our own backyard, such as the challenges we face with aging water and sewer infrastructure.

Moderator Terry L. Robison, Ph.D. – Director of Natural Resources for the Cleveland Metroparks – will oversee a distinguished group of panelists for one hour of discussion.  The final 30 minutes will be devoted to panelists fielding audience questions.

LakewoodAlive community forum regarding Lake Erie

Lake Erie is the world’s 11th largest freshwater lake by surface area.

 

The panelists participating in this community forum include:

Michael Summers, Mayor of Lakewood
Jared Bartley, Rocky River Watershed Coordinator, Cuyahoga Soil & Water Conservation District
Jill Bartolotta, Extension Educator, Ohio Sea Grant College Program
Jason Wood, Chief of Public Affairs, Cleveland Public Utilities

“We’re thrilled to offer this opportunity for Lakewood citizens to learn more about the benefits and challenges associated with our greatest asset,” said Ian Andrews, LakewoodAlive Executive Director.  “Lakewood has nearly four miles of shoreline along Lake Erie, and we, as a community, recognize the ongoing role we must play in protecting our Great Lake.”

LakewoodAlive hosts community forums pertaining to topics relevant to Lakewood citizens.  For more information regarding the “A Deep Dive: Lake Erie Starts at Home” community forum on June 14, please contact Ian Andrews, Executive Director of LakewoodAlive, at 216-521-0655 or iandrews@lakewoodalive.com.