The Department of Environmental Quality, Department of Natural Resources, and the Partnership for the Saginaw Bay Watershed will be hosting a presentation on an upcoming study to examine E. coli and algal toxins in the nearshore waters of Grand Traverse Bay, Little Traverse Bay, and Saginaw Bay, on May 2, at 7 p.m. at the Bay City State Recreation Area Visitors Center.

Dr. Richard Rediske, a Professor of Water Resources at the Annis Water Resources Institute, Grand Valley State University, will provide an overview of their research project related to the ability of Cladophora to concentrate E. coli and algal toxins in the nearshore waters. The data collected as part of this project will be used to determine the occurrence and potential significance of Cladophora mats as a source for pathogens in the nearshore waters of Northern Michigan. The project is funded by the Department of Environmental Quality and will begin in July, 2008.

Dr. Rediske's presentation is the second in a series of discussions that will occur over the next few months on phosphorus impacts on Saginaw Bay and approaches to reduce these impacts, a priority issue identified through the Saginaw Bay Coastal Initiative.

Details of the Saginaw Bay Coastal Initiative and additional information are available online under "Issues to Watch."