Ontario saves flagship Canadian Experimental Lakes Area

Scheduled for closing when the Canadian government axed their budget, the Experimental Lakes Area received a last minute reprieve from the provincial Ontario government, reports Science Insider.

Operating continuously since 1968, the research area has made important contributions to lake research and management, including the discovery of phosphorus of a major contributor to eutrophication.

Despite the reprieve, provincial funding is temporary and the government has not yet decided on the funding levels. It is believed the program needs roughly $600,000 for operating costs and another $1,400,000 for labor costs for the staff of 16. Talks are underway to try to identify long term funding options.

The temporary funding will enable researchers to continue ongoing projects at the facility through 2013.