Published: March 22, 2008 12:00 am      

Great Lakes climate change workshop offered

Sessions will focus on effects on lakes

ONAWAY -- The National Wildlife Federation will host a workshop to teach others how to lecture on climate change and the ways the phenomenon affects the Great Lakes region.

A free workshop will be held next week in Onaway for those interested in learning more about climate change, and specifically, those who wish to spread the word in their own communities.

The session is tailored for hunters and anglers, those most likely to notice year-to-year changes with wildlife and fish in Michigan.

"The sportsman community has been at the forefront of conservation for years. They're in the outdoors and put a lot of effort into preserving habitat over the years," said Zoe Lipman, NWF regional manager for global warming. "Because they are outdoors, it allows them to see the changes more readily and they see this is something that can threaten our outdoor heritage."

Participants will discuss current and expected changes in wildlife and fish populations, historically different weather conditions, how this could affect tourism, alternative energy options and what lies ahead for Michigan's future with green jobs and other potential solutions.

"It's certainly an emerging issue and it's gotten to the point where people are asking what might happen to this region," said Dan O'Keefe, of Michigan Sea Grant in South Haven. "Climate change is an issue that can have big impacts and may already be having an impact."

O'Keefe is set to give a public presentation next month on climate change and the effects on the Great Lakes region, after he attends the workshop in Cheboygan County.

Others intend a one-by-one indoctrination.

Mike Parrott will attend the workshop to arm himself with accurate information about global warming to discuss with acquaintances and customers at Parrott's Outpost in Onaway, his hunting and fishing store.

The workshop will be March 26 from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at the UAW Family Education Center, 2000 Maxon Road in Onaway. For more information about this or future workshops, call event organizer Brenda Archambo at (231) 625-2776, or send e-mail to archambogb@hughes.net.