Muskegon Lake in western Michigan was polluted by industrial waste for decades, and the water was so dirty that residents weren't able to tell that it was even a lake from the shoreline of factories. But thanks to 40 years of restoration, the lake has gone through a complete transformation, according to Michigan.gov.
"Being able to access the shoreline and know that the water is so much healthier is more than gratifying," said Kathy Evans, an advocate for the lake's revival. The news became official on Oct. 1, when the U.S. and Canada formally agreed to remove Muskegon Lake from the list of Great Lakes Areas of Concern.
The effort to revive the lake took more than $84 million in total from a combination of federal, state, and local investments through programs like the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative, the Great Lakes Legacy Act, and the Clean Michigan Initiative.
The transformation of Muskegon Lake comes at a time when climate scientists warn that extreme heat and humidity are rising globally, which directly affects bodies of water.
According to NASA, heat-stress events have more than doubled in the past 40 years and have been putting people's health at risk as bodies of water become critical for cooling and recreation. Extreme heat conditions emphasize the value of spaces like Muskegon Lake, where the natural shoreline and native wetland plants help moderate local temperatures and provide relief from heat.
Cleanup and conservation efforts also strengthen communities. According to the EPA, lake and wetland restoration projects improve flood mitigation, resilience, and self-sustainability, and vegetation. Similarly, transformations like the restoration of California's Big Bear Lake and Michigan's Maple River, by way of conservation efforts and lots of undoing "man-made problems," are examples of how taking local action can make a major difference over time.
Get a new phone with unlimited 5G and zero activation fees — for just $40 a month Metro by T-Mobile gives you smart value, whether you need a new phone or are just looking for a better plan. This holiday season, get a free 5G phone with no activation fees, for just $40/month. That includes unlimited talk and text, already bundled with taxes and fees. Or, keep your existing phone and number and get unlimited 5G for just $25/month. Either way, enjoy T-Mobile’s Scam Shield technology at no extra cost. Plus, you can even level up to an iPhone 16e this month. Just bring your number and ID and sign up for $50 with the auto pay plan. Learn more → |
Locals who spent years pushing for Muskegon Lakes cleanup see the results as a victory for both people and the planet.
"Today's delisting is not only an environmental victory but a testament to what's possible when people come together with a shared vision for a healthier, more sustainable future," said Muskegon Mayor Ken Johnson.
|
How often do you worry about the quality of your drinking water? Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. |
Never 👎 
Join our free newsletter for good news and useful tips, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
Cool Picks
