Maine Nonprofit Propelled Into International Spotlight
 

Nobleboro, Maine - (August 31, 2004) The Maine Lakes Conservancy Institute (MLCI) is presenting at the 13th Annual International Conference on Invasive Aquatic Species in Ennis, Ireland, on Tuesday, September 21, 2004. Chosen from a field of more than 200 applicants from 30 countries, MLCI is among an exclusive group of governmental and nongovernmental organizations selected to present due to the level of MLCI's programs' ingenuity and breadth of impact.

Executive Director Ship Bright will outline Maine's anti-invasive aquatic plant legislation, commonly known as the Milfoil Bill, with which he was involved. This legislation has been hailed as a national model which has subsequently led to his appointment as the only New England representative on the Federal Invasive Species Advisory Committee. Director Bright will be speaking to an international group of scientists on public policy and the role of science in the creation of successful legislation.

Director of Education Mary Ann McGarry will profile MLCI's school program and Students' Portal website and the role of invasive species education within MLCI's Lake Science curricula. MLCI's award-winning lake science programs have been hailed by the State of Maine as an example of transformative education featured by The George Lucas Educational Foundation as an unsung hero of American education, and recognized by the North American Lake Management Society as an innovative, exemplary model.

The Institute of Technology, Sligo is delighted to host this year's conference in Ennis which starts September 20th. "Ireland is a wonderful venue for the International Conference on Aquatic Invasive Species and we have managed to attract participants from 32 countries", commented Frances Lucy of the Institute of Technology, Sligo.

This conference is considered the most comprehensive international forum for the presentation of the latest field research, introduction of new technologies and discussion of policy and legislation. Sharing information about what works and what doesn't to combat the introduction of nonindigenous aquatic species that cause significant and often irreversible damage to freshwater and coastal ecosystems is the conference's goal. MLCI's Director Bright and Dr. McGarry will present alongside representatives from New Zealand, Germany, Russia, Australia to name a few and organizations such as the National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).

"The introduction of invasive species is the second leading cause of species loss worldwide," stated Executive Director Bright. "In North America, freshwater aquatic species have an extinction rate similar to tropical forest species and five times more rapid than that of terrestrial animals according to a recent report by the Global Invasive Species Programme."

Bright remarked that students who participate in MLCI programs not only gain greater understanding of local issues but also an international perspective where issues and policy options are being discussed and explored on a global scale. He hopes that through attending and presenting at the conference, MLCI can make connections that could result in adding an international school to its Student's Portal.

"Maine Lakes Conservancy Institute's mission is to facilitate students' understanding of freshwater issues," remarked Bright. "MLCI's is developing better stewards for today and leaders for tomorrow."

The Maine Lakes Conservancy Institute was founded in 1999 to understand, preserve, and sustain the health and values of Maine's lakes and the communities' dependent upon them. Learn more by visiting the web site at www.mlci.org or writing to MLCI, P.O. Box 55 Nobleboro, Maine 04555