Years of industrial activity and development have left numerous Great Lakes tributaries contaminated with heavy metals, PCBs, PAHs, and other toxic pollutants. The result is stressed and degraded ecosystems -- unsafe for people and unsuitable for some fish and wildlife. The Illinois-Indiana Sea Grant College Program (IISGCP) helps EPA-GLNPO remediate, restore, and revitalize these water bodies through Extension activities that help policymakers, resource managers, and local stakeholders make informed decisions that improve coastal health and ensure continued enjoyment and use of coastal resources. IISGCP will continue to help GLNPO engage communities through Great Lakes Restoration Initiative work in Areas of Concern (AOC) and will work to facilitate revitalization. IISGCP will establish outreach teams in new communities, provide outreach to AOC communities as projects are being planned and implemented, perform assessments on AOC communities to inform outreach, and connect students to nature through AOC education.
Funding:
FY 2023: $192,787
FY 2022: $170,057
FY 2021: $218,502
FY 2020: $468,323
Contacts:
Chelsea.Berg@noaa.gov