70,000 Gallon Oil Spill + Pipeline Reroute in Wisconsin
A Canadian oil company’s pipeline spilled around 70,000 gallons of oil west of Milwaukee, Wisconsin last month due to a defective connection at a pump transfer station. A report from the federal Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration suggests that the leak occurred over an extended period indicating failure of the leak detection system. Currently, 60% of the contaminated soil has been removed. The same company is also facing pushback from water protectors over a proposed reroute of another pipeline. Last week, a coalition of environmental groups, including the Bad River Band of Lake Superior Chippewa challenged the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources’ permitting of the reroute plan for a 41-mile segment of the pipeline in northern Wisconsin.
Win! No Tax Dollars for Copper Mine in Michigan’s Porcupine Mountains
Thank you to everyone who spoke up to Michigan legislators to demand they reject a 50 million dollar grant to the proposed copper mine in the Porcupine Mountains State Park. Over 13,000 of you emailed your concerns and they heard you! We are pleased to announce that, although all other funding proposals were approved, the Copperwood grant was blocked by the Michigan Senate Appropriations Committee. We do not anticipate the grant to rise again, but we will remain vigilant. Jill Ryan, Freshwater Future’s Executive Director, said of the decision: “The people of Michigan spoke loud and clear that using state funds to assist in the development of a mine that could harm the great Lake Superior, a beloved state park and community water supplies is not how state funds should be used. We applaud the Senate Appropriations Committee for hearing this message and all who spoke out for our waters and lands.”
Environmental Justice Grants Available to Great Lakes Communities
A new source of funding is available for community-based organizations working to address environmental injustices in the Great Lakes region. The new Great Lakes Thriving Communities Grantmaking Partnership program funds projects that uplift environmental and public health efforts in Disadvantaged Communities. Applications are open now on a rolling basis until November 2026, with first consideration given to applications submitted by January 31st, 2025.
Additionally, the Great Lakes Environmental Justice Grant Program administered by Restore America’s Estuaries will be distributing nearly 20 million dollars to Cities, states, Tribes and nonprofit organizations across the basin – check out the program timeline for next year here!
Your Year-End Gift Is Urgent Now More Than Ever to Protect the Great Lakes
Now more than ever, Freshwater Future is dedicated to supporting the needs of our Great Lakes region. The challenges to our Great Lakes are pressing, but when we stand together, we can make a lasting difference. Please consider your year-end gift to help safeguard the Great Lakes and support our communities.
Start 2025 Off with Our Grant Writing Webinar and Mindfulness & Movement Sessions
Kick off 2025 with a commitment to gain expertise and self-care skills by registering for two upcoming events:
- Water Watchers: Practical Grant Writing Tips on January 9, 2025, at 1 pm ET
- Mindfulness & Movement with Jonathan Relucio on January 30, 2025, at 11:30 am ET
The Grant Writing session will provide step-by-step tips on how to prepare a successful proposal. The Mindfulness & Movement session will provide a space for healing through trauma-informed mindfulness, led by our practitioner Jonathan Relucio. Register today for the Grant Writing event and the Mindfulness & Movement session.
The Great Lakes Region Sees Record Snowfall
Across the region, the past few weeks have brought some of the snowiest days in decades and in some cases centuries. Cattaraugus, New York accumulated the highest snowfall around, over 6 feet in total. While the lake-effect snow has slowed down roads, winter activities are in full swing! From skiing to sledding, the Freshwater Future team hopes that you are staying safe and enjoying the snow while it is here.
