Muskegon Community College (MCC) is collaborating with the Muskegon Lake Watershed Partnership, Muskegon River Watershed Assembly, and Great Lakes Outreach Media to present “Muskegon Lake: Avoiding an Erie Situation” at the Frauenthal Theatre on Thursday, February 23.
The focus of the free community event is to raise awareness about the threat algae blooms pose to lakes and human health. The main features include a screening of award-winning film “The Erie Situation,” a 2022 documentary by local filmmaker David Ruck, a panel discussion, and resource exhibits.
In 2014, the citizens of Toledo, Ohio had to go without running water for three days when a bloom of highly toxic algae entered the drinking water plant from Lake Erie. “The Erie Situation” examines that event and explores the confluence of science, public sentiment, politics, and agriculture residents wrestle with how to confront the drivers of toxic algae in our lakes.
Dan Egan, journalist and author of “The Death and Life of the Great Lakes,” says the film is “a searing look at a Great Lake gone bad” and “required viewing for the millions of Midwesterners whose health is tied to the health of the Great Lakes, whether they know it or not.”
The “Muskegon Lake: Avoiding an Erie Situation” event begins at 3:30pm with information displays and the opportunity to discuss environmental and health issues with a range of local experts. The screening of the 72-minute film starts at 6pm and is followed by a panel discussion moderated by Al Steinman from the Annis Water Resources Institute at Grand Valley State University. The panel includes local health and environment experts including:
- David Ruck, Great Lakes Outreach Media, (“The Erie Situation” filmmaker & Muskegon local)
- Kathy Evans, Muskegon Lake Watershed Partnership
- Kathy Moore, Public Health of Muskegon County
- Marty Holtgren, Muskegon River Watershed Assembly
- Tom Zimnicki, Alliance for the Great Lakes
- Bill Bobier, Earthscape Farms
“Understanding how biology, geology, and chemistry work together in the Earth system is essential for solving public health problems like harmful algal blooms,” explains Amber Kumpf, an MCC science instructor. “If you are passionate about the environment, or just want to understand what goes into keeping people fed in a sustainable way, come find out more about local volunteer opportunities.”
In addition to toxic algal blooms, “The Erie Situation” also examines pertinent questions about water security, industrial agriculture, citizen advocacy, runoff of forever chemicals, and sustainable farming. The film received the “Global Heath Competition Award” after its debut at the Cleveland International Film Festival and the “Shine A Light Award” from the Detroit Free Press FREEP Film Festival for journalistic excellence.
The film is co-produced by Plastic Oceans International, a global NGO with extensive experience in developing strong impact programs for films, including the award-winning documentary “A Plastic Ocean.”
The Frauenthal Theatre is located at 425 W. Western Avenue in downtown Muskegon. Seating for the free event is on a first-come basis.
MCC offers over 80 areas of study including environmental science, geology, and other sciences. In addition, the college provides a variety of community resources including a planetarium, natural area, science museum, health and wellness center, art gallery, and golf course. Visit www.muskegoncc.edu to learn more.