Press Release: Governor Evers Declares September Coastal Awareness Month

STATE OF WISCONSIN

DEPARTMENT OF ADMINISTRATION

Tony Evers, Governor

Kathy Blumenfeld, Secretary

Governor Evers Declares September Coastal Awareness Month

Coastal Management Program Grant Application Period Opens

Madison, Wis. - Governor Tony Evers has proclaimed September as Coastal Awareness Month in Wisconsin in recognition of the important impact that Lake Michigan and Lake Superior have for Wisconsin’s economy, recreation, tourism, cultural history, and quality of life. The Governor’s proclamation is a reminder for the people of Wisconsin to protect, promote, and enjoy the state’s Great Lakes.  

“The Department of Administration is proud to work cooperatively with Great Lakes stakeholders to help protect and promote our incredible coastal resources while encouraging sustainable economic development,” said DOA Secretary Kathy Blumenfeld. “The Wisconsin Coastal Management Program is a unique and wonderful way we can have an impact for our local communities, and I encourage everyone to learn more about the role that our coastal communities play in supporting our great state.”

In honor of Coastal Awareness Month, Wisconsin Coastal Management Program (WCMP) is proud to announce the release of the 2024 Wisconsin Great Lakes Chronicle. The Chronicle promotes public awareness of Wisconsin Great Lakes issues, educates public policy leaders, and creates an historical record of Great Lakes events and perspectives. The 2024 edition features articles on Clay Bluffs Cedar Gorge Nature Preserve, Climate Impacts on Manoomin, Partnership to Protect Pebble Beach, Green and Healthy Schoolyards in Milwaukee, Lake Superior Cyanobacterial Blooms, Restoring Habitats in Great Lakes Coastal Watersheds, and a View of Coastal Management. The 2024 Wisconsin Great Lakes Chronicle, including past issues, is accessible at coastal.wisconsin.gov.

The WCMP is currently accepting grant proposals to enhance and protect resources within Wisconsin’s coastal zone. The Department of Administration’s WCMP anticipates awarding approximately $1.6 million in grant funding. Application materials and the Request for Proposals are available on the WCMP website. Interested applicants are encouraged to discuss proposal ideas and application requirements with WCMP staff. Applications are due November 1, 2024.

The following events are also supported by WCMP during Coastal Awareness Month:

• Paddle Palooza, Two Rivers
Saturday, September 14, 2024

• Valley Week, Milwaukee
September 14-21, 2024

• Harbor Fest, Milwaukee
Sunday, September 29, 2024

• Sturgeon Fest, Milwaukee
Sunday, September 29, 2024

The WCMP was the first program in the Great Lakes and among the first ten nationally established through the federal Coastal Zone Management Act. Its mission since 1978 is a balance of resource protection and sustainable development within Wisconsin’s 15 Lake Michigan and Lake Superior counties. The policy direction for WCMP is set by the Wisconsin Coastal Management Council. Members of the Council are appointed by the Governor and represent state agencies, local and tribal governments, and the general public. To learn more about WCMP please visit http://coastal.wisconsin.gov.