Press Release: Governor Evers Declares September Coastal Awareness Month

STATE OF WISCONSIN

DEPARTMENT OF ADMINISTRATION

Tony Evers, Governor

Kathy Blumenfeld, Secretary

Governor Evers Declares September Coastal Awareness Month

Madison, Wis. – Governor Tony Evers has proclaimed September as Coastal Awareness Month in Wisconsin, in recognition of the important impact that the Great Lakes have on the state. Lake Michigan and Lake Superior are integral to Wisconsin’s economy, recreation, tourism, cultural history, and quality of life. The Governor’s proclamation is a reminder for the people of Wisconsin to protect, promote and enjoy the state’s Great Lakes.

“Our Great Lakes shoreline is an engine of economic as well as recreational activity in Wisconsin,” echoed Department of Administration Secretary Kathy Blumenfeld. “It supplies fresh water, jobs, and opportunities for us enjoy Wisconsin’s scenic beauty. This month and every month, it is incumbent upon all of us to protect and preserve these coastal resources for generations to come.”

In recognition of Coastal Awareness Month, the Wisconsin Coastal Management Program (WCMP) is proud to announce the release of the 2023 Wisconsin Great Lakes Chronicle. The Chronicle promotes public awareness of Wisconsin Great Lakes issues, creates an historical record of Great Lakes events and perspectives, and shares success stories and ongoing projects to address coastal resilience, public access, and more.

The 2023 edition of the Wisconsin Great Lakes Chronicle features several articles, focusing on Wisconsin’s late Governor Tony Earl, Milwaukee’s Maritime Future, Wisconsin Clean Marina Program, Coastal Hazards of Superior, the Nation’s first completed Bipartisan Infrastructure Law project located in Bayfield County, and more. The 2023 edition of the Chronicle, including past issues, is available at http://coastal.wisconsin.gov.

The following events are also supported by WCMP during Coastal Awareness Month:

• Clean Rivers, Clean Lakes Conference, Mequon
  Thursday, September 7, 2023
• Harbor Fest, Milwaukee
  Sunday, September 24, 2023
• Sturgeon Fest, Milwaukee
  Sunday, September 24, 2023
• Valley Week, Milwaukee
  September 23-30, 2023

Finally, Coastal Grant applications are currently open, with approximately $1.6 million in grant funding available. Proposals should address needs and priorities for public access, historic preservation, Great Lakes education, community development, wetland protection, habitat restoration, or pollution control. Applications are due November 3, 2023, and application materials and additional information is available on the WCMP website. 

The WCMP was the first program in the Great Lakes and among the first 10 nationally established through the federal Coastal Zone Management Act. Its mission since 1978 is a balance of resource protection and sustainable development within Wisconsin’s 15 Lake Michigan and Lake Superior counties.