Port Clinton Kiwanis President, Susanna Tomaschek, left, welcomed Captain Peg VanVleet, right, to the Kiwanis’ Aug. 19 meeting at Ala Carte After Hours. (Photo by Sheri Trusty)

BY SHERI TRUSTY

PORT CLINTON – When Captain Peg VanVleet, the founder of Blue Sky Charters, stepped before the Kiwanis Club of Port Clinton at their Aug. 19 meeting at Ala Carte After Hours, she talked about the fragile future of Governor’s Fish Ohio Day, the annual event that brings local, state, and federal leaders and members of the media to Lake Erie for a day of fishing. Since Gov. James Rhodes started Fish Ohio in 1979, the event has been integral in educating political leaders and the community on the importance of protecting Ohio’s greatest natural resource.

For the last 25 years, VanVleet has organized Fish Ohio in collaboration with the Ohio Governor’s Office and the Ohio Department of Natural Resources.

“It’s all about understanding. It’s all about teaching,” she said.

Protecting Lake Erie is not something VanVleet simply talks about. It is something she lives. VanVleet is the VP of Environmental Issues for the Lake Erie Charter Boat Association, is a member of the governor’s Waterway and Safety Council, and is the director of the Great Lakes Sports Fishing Council. She has been fishing in Lake Erie since she was five years old.

VanVleet said the public often does not understand the extent of the economic impact of Lake Erie. Each year, the lake draws millions of visits to Ottawa and Erie counties and generates billions of dollars across the state. For nearly five decades, Fish Ohio has highlighted annual economic data to legislators so they are inspired to keep protecting the lake.

For eight years, Governor Mike DeWine embraced Fish Ohio and its benefits. Now, as Ohio residents elect a new governor this fall, the future of Fish Ohio is in question.

“I hope the new governor is as passionate about the lake as DeWine is,” VanVleet said. “The ODNR has talked to both governor candidates. Both said they don’t want to change Fish Ohio.”

Fish Ohio requires funding, but that funding is an investment with a strong economic return. VanVleet hopes the next governor will commit to funding Fish Ohio so Lake Erie protections will remain at the forefront of legislation.

“Lake Erie is important. It is an economic engine for the state. If we don’t take care of the lake, it won’t be here for our children and grandchildren,” she said. “We have to keep Fish Ohio going to keep the lake in front of our legislators. We have to keep taking care of the lake.”