NEWS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 15, 2010

Lake Erie Conservationist is Recipient of the
2010 Wildlife Diversity Conservation Award

COLUMBUS, OH – Lisa Brohl of Put-In-Bay, South Bass Island, received the Wildlife Diversity Conservation Award at last week’s Wildlife Diversity Conference, sponsored by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR), Division of Wildlife.

Lisa Brohl receives her award from ODNR Deputy Director Anthony Celebrezze (left), Division of Wildlife Chief Dave Graham, and Wildlife Program Administrator Kendra Wecker.

Brohl is the chairperson of the Board of Directors of the Lake Erie Island’s chapter of the Black Swamp Conservancy, a conservation organization committed to preserving the integrity of the natural environment of the Lake Erie Islands.  She has committed thousands of hours of volunteer time for years to coordinate land acquisition and easements on the islands to dedicate them as conservation areas for the public.

Brohl was instrumental in assisting the Division of Wildlife in its acquisition of Haunck’s Pond on Middle Bass Island, now known as Kuehnle Wildlife Area.  She coordinated a deal that raised funds from island property owners, persuaded the realtor to contribute their commission, and convinced the property owned to reduce the sale price.  This allowed the division to purchase the 20.12 acres of the last remaining wetland on the island.  Brohl is the ninth recipient of the award, which is given annually at the conference.

In presenting the award to Brohl, Wildlife Diversity Coordinator and conference host Kendra Wecker shared the text of the plaque with attendees that read in part “she has helped create more wildlife habitat and made more lands accessible to the public.  She embodies a conservation ethic and sense of stewardship that serve to inspire all who care about Ohio’s natural resources.”