The Michigan Department of Environmental Quality (MDEQ) and Great Lakes Commission today announced the availability of more than $21,000 in grants to support local efforts to clean up rivers, streams and creeks across the state.
Michigan’s Volunteer River, Stream, and Creek Cleanup Program provides grants to local units of government to clean and improve Michigan waterways. 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 funding in 2018 include:
- Huron River Watershed Council, “Huron River Coordinated Cleanups” – $4,350
- Missaukee Conservation District, “Muskegon River Cleanup” – $2,862
- St. Joseph County Conservation District, “River Country Cleanup” – $2,797.50
- Grand Traverse Conservation District, “14th Annual Boardman River Clean Sweep 2018” – $2,200
- Shiawassee County Health Department, “23rd Annual Shiawassee River Cleanup” – $1,900
- Allegan Conservation District, “Gun River Cleanup Event” – $1,840
- Benzie Conservation District, “Betsie River and Platte River Clean Sweeps” – $1,126
- Kalkaska Conservation District, “Annual Cleanup on the Manistee River” – $1,077.50
- Village of Estral Beach, “Swan Creek Cleanup” – $1,039
- City of Monroe, “2018 River Raisin Cleanup” – $1,025
- Antrim Conservation District, “Jordan River Cleanup” – $975
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.