Freshwater Future Weekly: April 25, 2025

This Week: Freshwater Future Hero Spotlight; No Oil in the Great Lakes: Stop Permits for Canadian Pipeline Project; Water Watchers & Wellness Webinar: Fundraising Basics

Freshwater Future Hero Spotlight:

Joanie McGuffin – Sault Ste Marie, Ontario

Joanie’s love for the Great Lakes grew from activism at an early age to a lifetime of conservation. One of Joanie’s proudest achievements is launching the Lake Superior Watershed Conservancy Canoes for Conservation program that fosters a deeper connection to water. Read more about our Freshwater Heroes’ inspiring stories in our most recent newsletter.

No Oil in the Great Lakes: Stop Permits for Canadian Pipeline Project!

Governor Whitmer and the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) Director, Phil Roos have the opportunity to protect our Great Lakes from the devastation of building a four-mile underwater tunnel and the possibility of oil leaks from the still operating 72-year-old pipeline that will eventually be housed within the tunnel. Last week, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers announced the fast-tracking of the federal permit for Line 5 tunnel in the Straits of Mackinac after the administration declared a “national energy emergency.” This means the federal permit will likely be granted without a full environmental review and a shortened timeline. Because the Canadian company still needs permits from (EGLE) please ask EGLE Director, Phil Roos and Governor Whitmer to deny all permits for Line 5. This proposal could jeopardize all that the lakes provide, including drinking water for over 40 million people, sustainability of our economy, and amazing recreational and spiritual opportunities.

Water Watchers & Wellness Webinar: Fundraising Basics Webinar

Wednesday, April 30 at 1 pm ET (12 pm CT)

Your organization’s important work requires funds. Join us at the Fundraising Basics Webinar on Wednesday, April 30 at 1 pm ET (12 pm CT) to learn about different sources of funds and methods to get donations. We’ll share tips to connect with potential supporters and boost your confidence to start fundraising immediately. Register here!