Lake Huron science and policy conference coming to Saginaw October 9–11

For IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 7, 2019

Ann Arbor, Mich. — Lake Huron will take center stage this week, when more than 230 scientists, natural resource managers, and beach health experts head to Saginaw, Michigan, for the 2019 State of Lake Huron Conference. The event will be held October 9–11 at Saginaw Valley State University.

This year’s State of Lake Huron Conference (SOLH19) is hosted by the International Association for Great Lakes Research, the Great Lakes Beach Association, and the Council of the Great Lakes Region. Part of an annual series of State of Lake conferences aimed at connecting the science and policy communities, SOLH19 will feature nearly 125 oral and poster presentations on beaches, fisheries, harmful algal blooms, invasive species, technology, and more.

“IAGLR is dedicated to promoting the use of science to address some of the most pressing issues facing our Great Lakes,” says IAGLR President Paul Sibley, professor of environmental sciences at Guelph University, in Guelph, Ontario. “The State of Lake conferences provide an important opportunity to engage local community and interest groups as well as regional policy."

SOLH19 will offer opportunities for scientists to share the latest Lake Huron environmental research with each other, the community, and policy makers, notes David Karpovich, director of the Saginaw Bay Environmental Science Institute at SVSU. “We are especially pleased to host the conference on our campus. This will enable the broader Lake Huron research community to connect with important restoration efforts in the Saginaw Bay Watershed.”

KEYNOTE SPEAKERS

Wednesday and Thursday plenary sessions will be live-streamed.

Wednesday, Oct. 9, Noon
SVSU’s Rhea Miller Recital Hall
Watch online

Saginaw Bay WIN: Building Support for Restoration in Michigan's Largest Watershed featuring MICHAEL KELLY, Director, The Conservation Fund Great Lakes Office

Thursday, Oct. 10, 11:50 a.m.
Conference Center at SVSU, Banquet Room
Watch online

A Science Policy Conversation with the Council of the Great Lakes Region and IAGLR featuring MARK FISHER, CEO, Council of the Great Lakes Region and PAUL SIBLEY, President, IAGLR with closing remarks by U.S. REP DAN KILDEE (D-Flint Township)

Free Public Gathering
Wednesday, October 9, 7–8:30 p.m.
SVSU’s Rhea Miller Recital Hall
All are welcome for a free public event to discuss the state of Lake Huron, agency actions, and what we all can do to protect the lake. The evening also features guest speaker JANE KEON, secretary and founding member of the Pine River Superfund Citizen Task Force, who will present 21 Years and Counting: A Toxic Town Fights Back.

For media attending SOLH19

Please check in at the registration desk (2nd Floor Atrium in the Conference Center at SVSU). You will need to show your media credentials to receive a complimentary registration for the days you wish to attend the conference. All events are open to the media. Press ribbons will be provided for your name tag.

Contacts

Ed Verhamme
IAGLR SOLH Committee Chair
LimnoTech & IAGLR Board of Directors
(734) 681-0577
[email protected]

Dave Karpovich
Department of Chemistry
Saginaw Valley State University
[email protected]

Shannon Briggs
Great Lakes Beach Association &
Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy
[email protected]

View the conference program at iaglr.org/sol/solh19/program/

Conference hashtag: #SOLH19