The Western Lake Erie Association/WATERKEEPER is a nonprofit 501c3 organization.
The area served are the watersheds from Sandusky Bay to the Ohio line of the Maumee River.
Programs include observations of the waters, permit reviews, water quality improvement and public outreach.
Western Lake Erie Association Mission Statement:
“To preserve, protect, and improve the waters and fish of the Western basin of Lake Erie, the warmest, shallowest, most biologically productive area in all of the Great Lakes through collaboration, education and advocacy.”
Our next meeting is Thursday, April 19th at the U.T. Lake Erie Center on Bayshore. As we know –our key asset in this region is water. These are the Great Lake’s warmest, shallowest, ‘fishiest’ waters. Your membership in the Western Lake Erie Association helps to protect, improve, and promote these incredible waters. We have formally changed the name of the organization from Maumee Bay Association to Western Lake Erie Association to more accurately reflect the mission and goals we have. The 2006 Western Lake Erie Association (WLEA) accomplishments include:
•Western Lake Erie Conference – 100 attended
•Funding from BP toward the ‘Toledo Lighthouse and its Lake Erie and Maumee Waters’ documentary with WGTE targeted for spring 2007
•Water sampling program for ‘Adopt a Mile’ – new name ‘Stream Watch’ soon after first flush
•A trip to Gibralter Island – Eco Tour
•Tracking issues relating to dredging, factory farms, fish kills in power plant intakes, phosphorous, foam,
dead drum and perch from a virus, Great Lakes Diversions and other water matters
•Thirteen local government resolutions in support of Great Lakes Restoration
•Attendance and comments on wetlands and factory farm permit issues
•Fourteen power point presentations on the Great Lakes/Western Lake Erie and the Toledo Lighthouse
•Feature - no till farming - National Waterkeeper Alliance publication
•Western Lake Erie Waterkeeper featured in publications - Fundraiser Toledo Lighthouse Festival
•Grants for various works in the basin & continuing collaboration with national, state and local groups i
The WLEA continues to grow with membership in the basin and beyond. There are new board members and the organization is growing to become a voice for our great Western Lake Erie waters. A strategic plan has been adopted.
Call any time with questions and suggestions. You membership and any contributions are tax deductible and go toward the operating expenses of the organization. Your support insures an ongoing growing voice for this great Western Lake Erie watershed. Please ask a friend to join too. Thanks in advance for helping our waters for today and tomorrow – for the benefit to our children and grandchildren. A healthy sustainable watershed is key to our future.