Press Release: Governor Evers Declares September Coastal Awareness Month

Madison, Wis. - Governor Tony Evers proclaimed September 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.

In recognition of Coastal Awareness Month, the Wisconsin Coastal Management Program (WCMP) at the Wisconsin Department of Administration is proud to announce the release of the 2025 Wisconsin Great Lakes Chronicle. The Chronicle promotes public awareness of Wisconsin Great Lakes issues, provides a vehicle for experts to educate public policy leaders, and creates an historical record of Great Lakes events and perspectives. The 2025 edition will feature articles on the importance of Coastal Management, Pike River Restoration, Great Lakes Fish Initiative, and the Coastal Byways. The 2025 Wisconsin Great Lakes Chronicle, including past issues, is available on the WCMP website at coastal.wisconsin.gov.

• Natural Resource Foundation Field Trip: Gile Flowage Paddle
• Friday, September 5, 2025 

• Paddle Palooza, Two Rivers
• Saturday, September 13, 2025

• Harbor Fest, Milwaukee
• Sunday, September 28, 2025 

• Sturgeon Fest, Milwaukee
• Sunday, September 28, 2025

WCMP is once again accepting grant proposals to enhance and protect resources within Wisconsin’s coastal zone, anticipating the award of approximately $1.3 million in grant funding. Application materials and the Request for Proposals are available on the WCMP website. Applications are due November 3, 2025. Interested applicants are encouraged to contact WCMP staff early to discuss proposal ideas and application requirements.

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. To learn more, please visit http://coastal.wisconsin.gov.