Press Release

Contact:
Joe Verkennes,
Director of Marketing,
(734) 384-4207

March 13, 2008

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

SCIENTIST TO DISCUSS ECOLOGICAL RECOVERY
OF WESTERN LAKE ERIE AND DETROIT RIVER REGION

MONROE, Mich. – Dr. John Hartig, a scientist and manager of the Detroit River International Wildlife Refuge, will speak at Monroe County Community College on March 27 about how more than 30 years of pollution prevention and control have led to the significant ecological recovery of the western Lake Erie and the Detroit River region.

The presentation will take place at 7 p.m. in MCCC’s La-Z-Boy Center, Meyer Theater, which is located on the Main Campus at 1555 S. Raisinville Rd.

Hartig’s presentation is entitled “Coming Home!” and details the return of lake sturgeon, walleye, peregrine falcons, bald eagles and mayflies and their importance to our environment.  He will also provide critical information on key challenges to ensuring ecosystem health and long-term sustainability.

 “Coming Home!” is based on the 2007 State of the Strait: Status and Trends of Key Indicators report.  This comprehensive assessment of ecosystem health is the result of the work of nearly 50 organizations and more than 75 scientists during a three-year, joint U.S.-Canada effort to compile and interpret long-term trend data.

Hartig was one of the participating scientists in the study and one of seven editors of the report, which is available at www.stateofthestrait.org.
 
The presentation is sponsored by Monroe County Community College, the International Wildlife Refuge Alliance, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the National Wildlife Refuge System.

Admission is free.  For more information, call (734) 384-4201.