On a calm day when Lake Erie is like glass, visibility can reach depths not imagined in the early 1970s. Unchecked pollution at that time limited water clarity, which research shows was at best approximately three feet. After a decade of reduced phosphorus inputs, clarity improved to six to 10 feet in the 1980s. When zebra mussels dramatically expanded water clarity to 10 to 17 feet in the early 1990s, many water enthusiasts hailed their invasion as a positive outcome.

This sign will be posted at all major angler access points in Pennsylvania to educate anglers about important steps they can take to help prevent the spread of invasive species. Agencies or watershed groups with an angler access point that is open to the public can request a sign by contacting invasivespecies@psu.edu.

Progress made in eliminating PPCP chemicals from the environment

Knowledge gives us the opportunity to fix problems.
To be sure, educating people about the health and environmental problems caused by chemicals in pharmaceuticals and personal care products (PPCPs) has not solved them. And with worldwide PPCP use increasing dramatically each year, these problems are worsening.

‘Weed Warrior’ interns attack invasive plants at Presque Isle

No one can yet claim victory in solving one of the world’s most visible problems that affects us all: trash in our ocean and waterways.

You might not celebrate this date: Oct.27.

But if you love spending time at the beach, or benefit economically from coastal resources or activities, you may want to commemorate this important day. On Oct.27, 1972, Congress established the Coastal Zone Management Act (CZMA) to preserve, protect, develop, enhance, and restore the nation’s coastal resources.

More rain gardens are cropping up in the Erie region, and that’s fortunate for the environment.

Did the Mari-29 plunge over Niagara Falls?

Early detection and rapid response are the best and most cost-effective approaches to controlling invasive plant species. However, without proper education and the help of every citizen, it’s impossible to achieve either. Once non-native species become established, they’re almost impossible to remove and very difficult to control. Your help in monitoring and removing invasive species around your home, school or community before they have a chance to spread is crucial.