MARQUETTE, Mich. — Patty Birkholz, newly appointed director of the State of Michigan Office of the Great Lakes, will make a free presentation titled “Our Great Lakes” at 3 p.m., Monday, April 18 in the Mead Auditorium of the West Science Building.

Birkholz served as chair of the Senate of Natural Resources and Environmental Affairs Committee where she provided leadership on a variety of key Great Lakes legislation, including the adoption of the Great Lakes Water Compact, passage of state regulations for water withdrawal and ballast water regulations. She also served two years in the Michigan Senate and three terms in the Michigan House of Representatives.

Birkholz will speak on topics currently impacting the Great Lakes, such as Asian carp and other aquatic invasive species, water diversion, algae problems, mining concerns, water levels, health of the lakes and Indian fishing rights.

The presentation is sponsored by the NMU Political Science and Public Administration Department, College of Arts and Sciences and Office of the President.