Working Groups

The RSC participates and hosts various working groups focused on education and research issues.

E. coli Taskforce

This group is composed of representatives from the RSC, Erie County Department of Health, Gannon University, Penn State Erie, PA DCNR, PA DEP, PA Sea Grant, and the U.S. Geological Survey. This group of beach managers, researchers, and outreach specialists work together to develop strategies for monitoring bacterial concentrations at the public swimming beaches at Presque Isle State Park. Research is focused on developing more rapid techniques using predictive modeling, qPCR, and basic water quality measurements. This group has developed procedures for issuing “Pre-cautionary Advisories” to prevent the public from swimming if bacterial concentrations are suspected to be elevated.

Tick Taskforce

This group is composed of representatives from the RSC, Erie County Department of Health, Gannon University, Grove City College, Mercyhurst University, L.E.C.O.M., PA DCNR, and PA Sea Grant. This just recently formed (February 2014) to identify previous research on various tick species in this area and determine the focus of future research and outreach needed. Currently researchers are examining the population diversity and density, and occurrence of pathogens (Lyme disease).

Go Native Erie!

This initiative targets homeowners, landscapers, residential/commercial developers, greenhouses, and nurseries to promote and utilize native plants. The mission of Go Native Erie! is to educate Erie County residents on the importance of using native plant species. Learn how to be a part of this “Native Friendly” initiative!

P.A.S.S.T. – Pennsylvania Archeological Shipwreck and Survey Team

This group is composed of representatives from the RSC, Flagship Niagara League, Indiana University of PA, PA DCNR, PA DEP – Coastal Management Program, PA Historical Museum Commission, PA Sea Grant, S.O.N.S. of Lake Erie, and Tri-County Intermediate Unit #5. This volunteer working group is dedicated to the documentation, scientific study, and educational promotion of Pennsylvania’s underwater archeological resources.