Alpena Awarded Grants for Coastal Projects
Fencing installed at Mich-e-ke-wis Park in 2023 helps capture windblown sand and rebuild dunes, creating a shoreline that's more resilient to storm damage.
The City of Alpena has been awarded a $37,500 state grant to improve coastal habitats and address stormwater runoff at two waterfront parks through community-driven collaboration with Huron Pines. This funding advances key priorities identified in the city's Lake Huron Forever Pledge Road Map, demonstrating how community commitments are turning into tangible conservation projects.
The grant, provided by the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) Coastal Management Program, will support two significant projects: the restoration of dunes at Mich-e-ke-wis Park and the installation of a pollinator and rain garden at Bayview Park. These initiatives directly align with the City of Alpena's pledged goals to implement green infrastructure and renaturalize coastal parks to improve both habitat value and visitor experience.
A rendering illustrates how a pollinator & rain garden could look at Bay View Park in Alpena.
"These projects show how the Lake Huron Forever initiative is helping communities put their conservation goals into action," said Samantha Nellis, Director of Conservation Science at Huron Pines. "By restoring natural features like dunes and creating rain gardens, we're helping protect Lake Huron while creating more resilient and enjoyable public spaces."
The Charter Township of Alpena is also making strides in coastal protection, receiving an $11,250 grant to update their Master Plan with a dedicated chapter on coastal issues and community resilience. This effort fulfills key objectives from their Pledge Road Map, which emphasizes incorporating natural resource protection into planning processes and updating zoning practices to support green infrastructure.
The Lake Huron shoreline along Birdsong Bay, Alpena Township
The City of Alpena, Charter Township of Alpena, and Alpena County have all joined the Lake Huron Forever initiative, demonstrating regional commitment to protecting Lake Huron's water quality. Their collaborative approach focuses on reducing stormwater runoff, preserving natural areas, and engaging community members in local conservation efforts.
These projects represent the kind of locally-driven solutions that make the Lake Huron Forever initiative effective. As these projects move forward, they will serve as examples of how communities can take meaningful action to protect their coastal resources while enhancing public spaces for residents and visitors alike.