The Northland will celebrate Lake Superior the third week in July aimed at raising awareness and protection of our world-class resource. Promoted by the Lake Superior Bi national Forum, cities and groups are encouraged to hold special events. In the Duluth-Superior and North Shore areas, local organizations will sponsor education booths, kite flying, and an awards ceremony. Come out, learn about Lake Superior issues and have some fun too!
Events at the Canal Park Maritime Museum and Split Rock Lighthouse State Park will feature experts and materials on a variety of invasive species. DNR watercraft inspectors will be on hand to educate where boaters should look and how to inspect and clean a boat to avoid spreading Aquatic Invasive species. U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary will provide information on vessel safety checks, safe boating, and marine environmental protection.
Environmental and conservation groups will provide information on the history of Lake Superior, ballast water legislation, and toxics. Lake Superior Magazine will sponsor kite flying along the lake. “This annual celebration is an opportunity to celebrate Lake Superior and the North Shore - A place that Minnesotans clearly love. It is also an opportunity to educate - both our visitors and those who call the North Shore home - on what is being done locally and nationally on legislation to continue to protect and restore Lake Superior,” said Rosie Loeffler-Kemp, NE MN Coordinator, Clean Water Action.
One of the key messages of area events for Lake Superior Day 2008 is “Clean Boats Everyday.” Boaters and anglers are reminded to take action to prevent the spread of harmful aquatic invasive species. “Clean Boats Everyday” is a summer long initiative by that highlights efforts of the Stop Aquatic Hitchhikers! Campaign. “Protecting Lake Superior from the introduction and spread of aquatic invasive species is paramount,” said Doug Jensen, Aquatic Invasive Species Program Coordinator, U of Minnesota Duluth Sea Grant Program. Sea Grant has identified at least 88 non-native species that are in the basin. Of these, 66 species are considered to be invasive.
Local events sponsored by: Clean Water Action, Lake Superior Binational Forum, Lake Superior Magazine, Minnesota DNR, Minnesota Environmental Partnership, Minnesota Sea Grant, Save Lake Superior Association, and the Duluth - U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary.
To learn more about what you can do to celebrate Lake Superior Day 2008
Visit www.superiorforum.info
For more info on Stop Aquatic Hitchhikers!, visit www.protectourwaters.net
For more info on the Great Lakes, visit www.healthylakes.org
