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| Voyaging for the Earth |
"Healthy lakes, healthy lives." That's the motto of the 60-foot trimaran Earth Voyager, a berth mate to the U.S. Brig Niagara at the Erie Maritime Museum. Earth Voyager is one of the fastest boats on the Great Lakes, achieving speeds of 26 to 30 knots.
"We're hoping to raise awareness of the Great Lakes and what a resource they are," Earth Voyager Captain Wayne Jurs told the Erie Times-News. "We want politicians and local leaders to adopt a blueprint for the lakes."
This blueprint, Jurs said, should include separation of sewers from storm drains, the promotion of better fish habitats and inspections for and solutions to invasive species. Jurs said it would cost about $26 billion.
To accomplish this goal, Earth Voyager is on a 13 city tour to promote their cause. Each member of the five-person crew is a treasure trove of Great Lakes knowledge and environmental issues and, in conjunction with the Healing Our Waters Coalition, are taking their message to the people.
The Healing Our Waters Coalition, composed of 90 environmental and conservation organizations around the Great Lakes, received a $5 million grant from the Peter Wege Foundation to help fund the tour and other events to promote Great Lakes protection.
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