CMS Land Company, which is owned by
CMS Energy, announced last week that it is providing an initial commitment of $250,000 to establish a Little Traverse Bay Watershed Protection and Restoration Fund.
The new endowment's proceeds will be used in pursuing the goals of the Little Traverse Bay Watershed Protection Plan, which was developed in recent years. Some of the main priorities of the plan and fund are to improve both warm and cold water fishing by reducing inputs of contaminants; protect and restore wetlands and vegetation along rivers and streams to provide shade and wildlife cover; and to ensure safe recreation by protecting water quality
The fund will be established at the Petoskey-Harbor Springs Area Community Foundation, with a local advisory committee providing oversight.
CMS is pursuing the initiative separately from its environmental remediation efforts along parts of the Bay Harbor and East Park shoreline.
"As we near the end of our environmental efforts at Bay Harbor and East Park, CMS Land desires to remain a part of the community and a steward for the care of Little Traverse Bay," says CMS Land president David Mengebier. "The establishment of this fund is a way to build on our environmental efforts and create a lasting legacy that will protect and enhance the bay."
Mengebier notes that the gift is an invitation for communities surrounding Little Traverse Bay to support the project and help protect the bay and its watershed for the long term. If other parties provide a match, CMS will make another grant of $250,000 next year. Formal fundraising is expected to begin in spring 2011.
The Little Traverse Bay Watershed covers approximately 174 square miles and includes Walloon and Bay Harbor lakes, the Bear River, and several tributaries, including Tannery and Five Mile creeks.
Writer: Sam Eggleston
Source: David Mengebier, CMS Land Company
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