Reflecting on 20 Years of Impact

For 20 years, LNRP has been committed to the ideals of conservation, collaboration, and community as we serve 2,400 square miles of the Lakeshore Basin. You can find an overview of our impact below, and we encourage you to explore the 2021-2022 Impact Report for more details, reflections, and voices!

Conservation

Through invasive species control, tree planting, and other conservation measures, our LNRP Team has restored 1,500 acres of waterways, wetlands, and forests. The restoration of the Little Manitowoc River is one example of LNRP’s dedication to improving the Lake Michigan Basin. In response to its deteriorated condition in 2008, LNRP partnered with the Fund for Lake Michigan, the City of Manitowoc, the Friends of the Manitowoc River Watershed, and other key interest groups to revitalize the river. Nowadays the vastly improved water quality of the river better supports wildlife, recreational opportunities, the local economy, and a cleaner Lake Michigan. Similar stories of collaborative revitalization permeate LNRP’s history.

Collaboration

At LNRP we believe that collaboration is key to addressing today’s urgent environmental issues. That’s why we partner with 17 groups throughout the Lake Michigan Basin to clean up our waterways, restore our forests, and engage community members in building climate resilience. LNRP is proud to showcase the impact of the many passionate individuals that make up our partner groups. These dedicated community-level volunteers represent powerful grassroots efforts taking place across the Lakeshore region. They are at the core of our collaborations!

Community

Over the years we have seen how people can overcome seemingly insurmountable challenges through trust-based relationships and collaborative community action. In the face of climate threats to Wisconsin’s coastal communities, LNRP partnered with Water 365 to launch our “Coastal Resiliency Community Impact Project'' (CRCIP). The program provides resources and expertise for municipal partners so they can become more adaptive and prepared for disruptions caused by the climate crisis.

In Closing…

Jim Kettler, a long-time leader at LNRP, has embodied the ideals of conservation, collaboration, and community throughout his 15-year tenure. In our impact report we detail the progress Jim has facilitated and celebrate his legacy as we wish him well on his upcoming retirement. We’re comforted knowing that Jim will never truly leave LNRP!