WC133 NovDec 2023 - Magazine - Page 31
Making the Pledge
Actively partnering with municipal governments is a cornerstone of the Lake Huron Forever movement, and its Lake Huron
Forever Pledge is a way for coastal communities to come
together to show their public support and commitment to sustaining the health of Lake Huron and its surrounding resources.
The Pledge serves as a roadmap, helping municipal leaders
understand how they can protect their communities’ natural resources. To date, three municipalities in Michigan have adopted
the Pledge: Au Gres, Bay City, and Alpena area (City of Alpena,
Alpena Township, and Alpena County).
Lake Huron Forever initiative welcomes
anyone with a personal connection to
Lake Huron interested in learning what
they can do, individually or collectively,
to steward this critical international
asset,” said Abigail Ertel, community
program director with Huron Pines and
Lake Huron Forever liaison. “Our goal is
to create a network that can support the
needs of communities around Lake Huron in order to elevate natural resources
protection in their decision-making and
resource allocation.”
Leveraging partnerships for regional impact
Fostering collaborative partnerships is at the heart of the initiative. Through ongoing support and generous investment from
communities and partners on both sides of the border, Lake
Huron Forever has been able to offer grants to regional environmental projects. In 2023, four Ontario projects kickstarted
community conversations and actions to design and complete
on-the-ground work to strengthen the health and well-being of
residents, as well as natural resources. Four Michigan projects
were also similarly awarded grants for stormwater management
and nature-based solutions. “The initiative strives to engage
communities and activate collaborations with the goal of sustaining Lake Huron,” said Patrick Heraghty, executive director
of Community Foundation for Northeast Michigan. “It can
be tailored to support on-the-ground solutions to stormwater
management and we’re seeing that in the projects we’ve been
able to fund.” By focusing on the residents and the resources,
WAT E R C A N A D A . N E T
Lake Huron Forever aims to integrate Great Lakes stewardship
into all aspects of coastal community life.
A commitment to education and shared knowledge also led
to Learning Circles and in-person One Water Gatherings. In
the Learning Circles, Lake Huron Forever partners meet to
share updates on projects happening in their communities and
opportunities on the horizon. These conversations help identify
the unique challenges faced by partners across the region and act
as powerful reminders of a unified mission and goal of protecting
Lake Huron.
Also shepherded by Lake Huron Forever are annual international One Water Gatherings. These conference-like events
draw people from both sides of Lake Huron to explore solutions, share best practices, and celebrate a sustainable future for
shared waters. Jo-Anne Harbinson, co-chair of The Sustainability
Project notes that the gatherings “provide a terrific overview of
the efforts and happening in Ontario! First Nations, not-forprofits, Conservation Authorities, The Sustainability Project, and
volunteers truly care about our water and the Great Lakes basin
ecosystem which was showcased in many of the tour stops along
Lake Huron.”
As it looks ahead, Lake Huron Forever seeks to solidify its
role in the Lake Huron watershed to increase positive impacts
both for local communities and natural resources. Partners will
continue to collaborate directly with local leaders to address
challenges and opportunities, focusing on climate change and
aging infrastructure. The initiative aims to continue serving as a
unifying force, bringing local leaders and communities together
to create resilient, healthy ecosystems.
To learn more about Lake Huron Forever visit lakehuronforever.org
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