The Department of Environmental Protection will hold a public information session on the comprehensive Walnut Creek Watershed assessment on May 23 in Erie.

The meeting will begin at 3 p.m., on May 23, in Room 112 of the Tom Ridge Environmental Center, 301 Peninsula Dr., Erie. The public is invited to review the watershed report from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m., listen to a DEP presentation from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m., and participate in an open discussion from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Walnut Creek is home to one of the foremost steelhead fisheries in the Great Lakes region. It is a tributary to Lake Erie, and contributes to the source of drinking water for the entire Erie region. It supports recreational opportunities for local residents and tourists, and provides habitat for threatened and endangered species.

DEP scientists performed the evaluation to determine if the environmental conditions in the watershed are supporting public health and safety, economic stability, and quality of life for Erie County residents.

As part of the watershed study, DEP scientists evaluated: public water supplies and source water protection activities; groundwater quality and sustainability; biological health and diversity; pollution control programs; education and conservation initiatives; and Land use and planning activities.

As a result of the study, DEP developed recommendations that will direct resources and efforts that help improve and protect the watershed’s health.

The assessment will be published on DEP’s Northwest Regional Office, Community Involvement webpage.

For more information, contact Ron Lybrook at 814-332-6984 or send email to: rlybrook@state.pa.us .

5/18/2007