Follow-up conference to be held Dec. 15 at Lake Superior State University
SAULT STE. MARIE, Mich. - More than 40 area residents gathered at Lake Superior State University recently to discuss the ecological and economic sustainability of the Eastern Upper Peninsula during the fifth annual Environmental Summit.
The conference was hosted by LSSU's Biology Dept. and the Bi-national Public Advisory Council for the St. Mary's River Area of Concern. A follow-up to the program will be held at 6:30 p.m. on Dec. 15 in the LSSU Cisler Center.
Area businesspersons, representatives from the government, community leaders and educators outlined goals that would provide for the creation of economic opportunity while preserving the natural, historical and cultural values that make the Sault and the surrounding area a great place to live.
"As a community, we need to choose what we want our future to look like and to start planning for that future," said Shannon Rowell-Garvon, conference coordinator and LSSU affiliate faculty member.
John Erkkila Ph.D., LSSU Professor of Economics, started the discussion by describing economic inputs and outputs with an emphasis on the need for investment in our community to see future benefits.
Kristine Bradof, from Michigan Technological University's Center for Science and Environmental Outreach, described how towns across the Copper Country are building their economic base while preserving the unique natural resources that attract residents and tourists to the area.
Representatives of the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, Bob Devillez and Richard Stevenson, described the DNR's ecosystem approach to resource management and how it could be applied to sustaining communities as well as the environment.
A business owner from Cedarville, Jessie Hadley, shared that community's experience with advertising ecotourism in the region and the possibilities of receiving grant money to fund future endeavors.
Greg Krause, an E.U.P farmer and member of the Big North Cooperative, related how the co-op has built a market for locally produced foods and discussed the importance of supporting local agriculture.
Lee Shirey, director of the Sault Ste. Marie, Mich. Downtown Development Authority, discussed the city's goal of building homegrown business opportunities and downtown revitalization as a way of promoting the Sault.
Steve Gordon, assistant superintendent of Sault Area Public Schools, described the E3 project, which is, "Education + Economy + Environment = Community." This consists of a group of local educators, business people and municipal officials working to enhance the Sault's economic future through recognition of the natural resources present in this region, along with smart planning and development.
The final presenter, Jim Hendricks, director of the Sault Ste. Marie, Mich. Economic Development Corporation, further detailed the city's efforts in building the community's future, which includes enhanced opportunities for outdoor recreation via waterfront walkways and parks scattered throughout the city.
Conference participants said they realized that a sustainable future for the region would be enhanced by uniting these efforts, and through community involvement and support. In order to address this need, a follow-up series of community workshops are being planned in which the specific aspects of a sustainable Sault will be defined and implemented. The first of the workshops will be held at 6:30 p.m. on Dec. 15 in the LSSU Cisler Center. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Great Lakes Program Office, has provided funding for the workshops.
Each workshop group will select its specific area of interest. Topics may include: enhancing local agriculture, city-friendly transportation, renewable energy, support for entrepreneurship, improved waste handling (including electronic waste), "industrial ecology," which is use of one industry's waste as feedstock for another industry, and other topics as participants see fit. Workshops will continue through the spring.
Anyone interested in creating an economically and ecologically sustainable Sault is encouraged to contact conference coordinator Shannon Rowell-Garvon in the LSSU Biology Dept., 906-635-2267 or sgarvon@lssu.edu.
