SANDUSKY - The Erie MetroParks board of directors plans to use a $24,000 contribution from Cedar Point to fight invasive, nonnative plant species in 1,200 acres of marshland along East Sandusky Bay.

Cedar Point made the payment to fulfill an obligation to offset an impact to wetlands caused by the park's construction of the Lighthouse Point camping complex. The Ohio Environmental Protection Agency allowed Cedar Point to fortify about 1,500 feet of shoreline.

Jonathan Granville, director-secretary of Erie MetroParks, said the agency will combat invasive plants, especially fragmites, with a combination of herbicides, controlled burns, and mechanical removal.

"We're extremely grateful that OEPA and Cedar Point recognized the need," he said. "Our neighbors are essentially rallying to help the wetlands just a few miles from this shoreline impact. ... It's a stroke of good luck for the citizens of Ohio."

First Published April 2, 2004, 10:59 a.m.