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Investing In Our Lakeshore

As both visitors and residents enjoy the Wisconsin summer, the Fund for Lake Michigan is continuing to make wide-ranging investments to improve swimming beaches, protect wildlife habitat, and promote water quality. The Fund announced another $1.9 million in grants for 27 projects this summer – including major investments along the lakeshore and at popular tourist destinations.

“When people take their family to visit a beach or hike along the shoreline the last thing they want to see is green scum,” said Vicki Elkin, executive director of the Fund for Lake Michigan (FLM). “I’d like to think the Fund is doing its part to help Wisconsin protect its hard-earned reputation for clean water, great parks, and wonderful natural resources.”

Crafted out of a legal settlement related to construction of the coal-fired Oak Creek Power Plant, the FLM receives a $4 million annual contribution from plant owners including We Energies, Madison Gas and Electric, and WPPI Energy.

The professionally managed fund then works to ensure those monies are invested wisely throughout the Lake Michigan basin. Among the grants approved is $75,000 for Ridges Sanctuary to build rain gardens, manage storm water, and enhance educational programming at The Ridges Sanctuary in Baileys Harbor.