Great Lakes photo contest underway

Shutterbugs, warm up your trigger fingers.

The second annual Great Lakes Photo Contest is now underway, with a Feb. 1, 2010, deadline for all entries.

Winning photos will be featured in the 2010-2011 “Discover Wisconsin’s Great Lakes” calendar, which will be distributed at the 2010 Wisconsin State Fair.

“Last year, we had a flood of fantastic photos and we hope for the same this year,” says Jo Temte, the DNR water resources specialist who is coordinating the contest. “People feel a deep connection to Wisconsin’s Great Lakes and their photos really show it.”

The winning images from last year’s contest featured in the 2009 calendar are available for viewing on the DNR Web site.

Photographers can submit their work in any of four categories: Natural Features and Wildlife, Cultural and Historic Features, People Enjoying Wisconsin’s Great Lakes, and Lake Protection Activities. Photos must be taken in Wisconsin, but anyone may enter the contest.

“Last year, we received photos from all over the state, from as far away as California, and even one from an exchange student in Germany,” Temte says. “Our youngest photographer was 16 years old, our oldest was probably 80.”

In addition to photos, the DNR is also seeking writing submissions about the Great Lakes. The writings may be used in the calendar as well as other publications, the DNR Web site and displays. Last year’s writing search brought in several poems and a song, all of which can be found online.

For more information about photo and writing submissions, visit the Office of the Great Lakes page of the DNR Web site.

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: Jo Temte (608) 267-0555

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