MDEQ News Release: Grants to Support River Cleanups in Eight Communities

Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy sent this bulletin at 03/30/2017 09:00 AM EDT

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For Immediate Release: DRAFT, 2017   

                                                                                   

Contact:

Marcy Knoll Wilmes, Water Resources Division, knollm@michigan.gov, 517-284-5544

Melody Kindraka, MDEQ Public Information Officer, kindrakam1@michigan.gov, 517-284-6716

 

Grants to Support River Cleanups in Eight Communities

 

Today, the Great Lakes Commission and Michigan Department of Environmental Quality (MDEQ) announced nearly $21,000 in grants to fund river, stream, and creek cleanup events around the state.

 

Michigan’s Volunteer River, Stream, and Creek Cleanup Program provides $500 to $5,000 in grants to clean and improve Michigan’s waters. Local governments often partner with nonprofit organizations or other volunteer groups for the cleanups, which include removal of trash and other debris from streams and stream banks. Removal of natural materials like fallen trees, branches, and rocks is not allowed to ensure the continued health of the waterway.

 

The groups selected to receive grants in 2017 include:

  • Macomb County Public Works Office, “Keeping It Clean with the Clinton River Watershed Council” - $4,917.50
  • Huron River Watershed Council, “Huron River Coordinated Cleanups” - $4,310
  • City of Grand Haven, “7th Annual Ottawa County Grand River Cleanup” - $3,000
  • Grand Traverse Conservation District, “Boardman River Clean Sweep 2017” - $2,050
  • Shiawassee County Health Department, “22nd Annual Shiawassee River Cleanup” - $1,900
  • St. Joseph County Conservation District, “St. Joseph River Cleanup” - $1,775.50
  • Barry Conservation District, “22nd Annual Thornapple River Cleanup” - $1,525
  • Calhoun Conservation District, “Kalamazoo River Cleanup & Celebration” - $1,210

 

The cleanup grant program began in 1998 and is funded by the sale of the state’s water quality protection license plates. Grants are administered by the Great Lakes Commission, under contract with the MDEQ. These grants help foster local stewardship and a sense of community while protecting Michigan’s waters.

 

For more information, visit http://www.glc.org/work/VRSCCP.

 

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