Celebrate Jill’s 25 Years of Clean Water Advocacy with Us! Will You Support Jill’s Challenge?
With your support, Freshwater Future has been fighting for safe, clean water resources from source to tap for nearly 30 years – and you can make a big difference today by donating to Freshwater Future’s Walk Paddle and Roll Challenge! Through the end of September, Freshwater Future’s Staff and Board are taking on activities around the Great Lakes Region to raise $5,000. We will be cherishing our Great Lakes by cleaning up our parks and getting active – will you join us? Please consider a donation, big or small, to support Jill’s challenge and Freshwater Future’s work. Thank you for helping to make a difference! Click HERE to donate now
[Volunteers Needed] Don’t Miss The Water is Life Festival This Weekend!
It’s time! Come see Freshwater Future at the 6th annual Water is Life Festival this Saturday, August 31st, from 12:00 – 9:00 pm at Petoskey’s Festival Park! We will celebrate our relative, nibi (water), through music, art, food, youth learning, and community building. From the Friday Night Feast to the phenomenal lineup of musical talent including Seth Bernard, Alina Moor & Urban Tropical, David Kroon, The Accidentals and more – you won’t want to miss it! This event is free, family-friendly, and open to the public. See you there – Bimaadiziwin Nibi | Water is Life!
Volunteers are still needed for the festival! Could you man the hydration station for a while? Lend a helping hand at mealtime or clean up as you head out? We would appreciate you endlessly – Register to attend or sign up to be a much needed volunteer and perhaps win a fabulous door prize at the festival website: waterislifefestival.org!
A separate event, Pipe Out Paddle Up includes a feast and flotilla in St. Ignace from 9 am to Noon on August 31!
Pennsylvania’s Privatization Problem: Water Rates Soar
Our second blog post on the mounting threat of water privatization focuses on Pennsylvania, the Great Lakes’ ground zero for privatization. Since Fair Market Value legislation was passed in 2016 (see our last blog post!), more than 30 public water systems have been sold to multinational corporations, and residents are paying for it. Learn more about how one such community is suffering under private water – and fighting back – in our latest post.
Advocates Say No Thanks: New Approach to Open Pit Copper-Nickel Mine in Minnesota
After failing to receive wetland and waste disposal permits, a proposed copper-nickel mine in Minnesota isn’t giving up. The estimated $1 billion project is rebranding with a new name and states they are replanning the project to be more energy efficient. There has yet to be a metal mine in sulfide-bearing ore that hasn’t resulted in water pollution.
Paula Macabee of WaterLegacy said of the news “It’s no surprise that a multinational corporation joint venture refuses to walk away from a mine project that the courts, scientists, and even federal agencies have concluded would violate state, tribal, and federal laws if permitted. This is their chance to get a public relations story about possible changes into the press without any commitment to protect wetlands, water, air, human health, or downstream communities.” Freshwater Future will keep you posted on this issue.
[Take Action] Save Our Public Lands and Waters: Say No to the Energy Permitting Reform Act
A dangerous piece of legislation, the Energy Permitting Reform Act of 2024, threatens our environment, public health, and climate. If adopted, it would weaken critical environmental protections, opens up vast areas of public lands and offshore waters to more oil and gas drilling, and fast-track approvals for Liquefied Natural Gas exports without sufficient review. Please tell your senator to vote NO on this harmful bill that prioritizes fossil fuel and mining interests over community safety, undermines federal oversight, and diminishes the ability of impacted communities to challenge harmful projects. Don’t wait, voting could start as soon as September 9th. We have made it quick and easy for you to send your email – click HERE to take action!
Get Ready for Funding with Our Fall Grant Program!
Does your grassroots organization need funding for your water protection work? Our Fall Project Grants are open for applications until September 30th! You can learn about other successful grant projects from our spring grantees here and sign up to attend our Q & A Webinar on September 12th at noon here!
