ODNR ConTAC Members Present to the Great Lakes Commission

Published: Thursday, December 17, 2020

Three members of the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Conservation Teen Advisory Council (ConTAC) will share their passion for preserving and protecting Ohio’s waters with the Great Lakes Commission at its annual meeting that took place on Thursday, November 19, 2020.

The Great Lakes Commission is composed of delegations from each of the Great Lakes states and Canada dedicated to promoting a strong economy, healthy environment, and high quality of life for the Great Lakes-St. Lawrence Basin and its residents. This year’s annual meeting will focus on collaboration toward a resilient Great Lakes future.

High school students selected to serve on ConTAC act as the voice of Ohio’s youth to ODNR and help expand the reach, impact, and quality of the agency’s youth initiatives. Members develop innovative and practical ideas that empower young people to protect and preserve Ohio’s natural resources, provide feedback, and make recommendations to enhance outdoor outreach. Council members also get the chance to explore careers in the natural resources sector and develop valuable networking and leadership skills.

Three 12^th grade girls will talk about their experience serving as members of ConTAC as well as their hopes and wishes for the future of Lake Erie.

Gabby Dennis is a senior at Ohio Virtual Academy.

“A lot of people don’t realize that the health of Lake Erie impacts all of us,” Dennis said. “Young voices can make a difference and it’s through meetings like this that we can start.”

Lily Schwartz, a senior at St. Ursula Academy, has turned her sailing hobby into a passion for conservation.

“I think by introducing people to the beauty and wonder of Lake Erie at a young age, you can instill a passion for keeping it clean,” Schwartz said. “My dream for the lake is to eliminate plastic pollution and keep it clear for everyone who wants to spend time on the water.”

Pettisville Local Schools’ Madeline Shumaker’s passion for water conservation was inspired by the Toledo water crisis in 2014.

“I remember people not having water during the Toledo water crisis,” Shumaker said. “I would watch people line up outside grocery stores to get cases of water because tap water wasn’t safe.”

The girls have spoken to the Commission virtually on Thursday, November 19 at 2:30 p.m.

ODNR ensures a balance between wise use and protection of our natural resources for the benefit of all. Visit the ODNR website at ohiodnr.gov.