The designation would apply to an approximately 740-square-mile area of water off Pennsylvania’s 75 mile-long shoreline.
HARRISBURG — President Joe Biden’s administration took the first step Thursday toward designating the Pennsylvania-owned section of Lake Erie as the state’s first national marine sanctuary.
A formal designation could take several years, and it wouldn’t change existing regulations around the use of the lake. The announcement sets up a public comment period before the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration writes a draft plan for theThe designation would apply to an approximately 740-square-mile area of water off Pennsylvania’s 75 mile-long shoreline.
That history includes being home to indigenous people who once lived there, its role as a hub on the Underground Railroad, and a maritime history as hosting the nation’s largest fleet of steamboats before the Civil War. The area possibly includes scores of yet-to-be-discovered shipwrecks, according to NOAA.
There are 35 known shipwrecks in the area, from pre-Civil War steamboats to speedboats, tugs, barges and workboats lost before 1940, the agency said. There are two other national marine sanctuaries in the Great Lakes and a third in Lake Ontario nearing designation, all focused on shipwrecks. There are 15 total national marine sanctuaries, some of which focus on preserving endangered aquatic life, as well as two marine national monuments.If you purchase a product or register for an account through one of the links on our site, we may receive compensation.
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Wheeling & Lake Erie Railway train derails in Spencer in Medina CountyA Wheeling \u0026 Lake Erie Railway Company train derailed late Tuesday night in the village of Spencer in Medina County.
Read more »
Biden-Harris Administration considers national marine sanctuary in Pennsylvania’s Lake ErieJust in: NOAA is considering designating a new national marine sanctuary in Lake Erie, adjacent to Pennsylvania. Get the details here, and find out how you can participate in the first step of the designation process: sanctuaries
Read more »
Road rage shooting on DuSable Lake Shore Drive leaves man hospitalizedA man was shot twice after a traffic accident on DuSable Lake Shore Drive escalated into a violent confrontation Thursday morning on Chicago's South Side.
Read more »
Chicago police: Man wounded in fight over gun after DuSable Lake Shore Drive accidentA minor traffic accident led to a shooting on DuSable Lake Shore Drive on the South Side Thursday morning, Chicago police said.
Read more »
DuSable Lake Shore Drive road resurfacing prompts extensive northbound lane closures overnightIf you use DuSable Lake Shore Drive to get around Chicago, you should be aware of some overnight closures.
Read more »
Overnight Closures Coming to Northbound DuSable Lake Shore Drive Next WeekOfficials with the Chicago Department of Transportation are warning drivers that northbound DuSable Lake Shore Drive will completely shut down overnight several times in the next week due to ongoing resurfacing work.
Read more »