General Purposes

Alliance for the Great Lakes

To support an organization whose mission is to protect Lake Michigan and the Great Lakes.

Since 1970, the Lake Michigan Federation has worked throughout the Lake Michigan basin to rally citizen support for protection of the lake's water quality and habitat, and to constructively engage in policy discussions. In the spring of 1998, after careful examination of the organization's mission and focus, the board elected a new executive director who reoriented the organization to focus on three primary issue areas -- protecting and restoring fish and wildlife habitat in the Lake Michigan watershed; stopping toxic pollution to the lake environment that threatens health; and promoting better water- and land-use practices to ensure more livable communities in the watershed. Funding will provide continued support to the organization during its transition under new leadership. During 1999-2000, activities will include remaining engaged in sand dune protection efforts; working closely with and providing policy-related support to groups from around the basin through the Lake Michigan Community Council; serving as the Illinois hub of the Great Lakes Aquatic Habitat Network and Fund; and implementing a demonstration project on urban aquatic habitat restoration. Funding also includes a grant increase to support travel costs and staff time associated with convening key staff of seven Great Lakes groups for an information sharing and strategy session. Specific program accomplishments during 1998 included publishing a report documenting the continuing negative impacts of sand dune mining; recommending policy changes required for the protection of critical dunes; organizing a strategy session of the key leaders of the major Great Lakes environmental groups; and coordinating the Lake Michigan Community Council to address local issues that constitute basin-wide threats;

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