Founded by local residents passionate about protecting the lakeshore we call home, CSCLS advocates for Lake Superior’s shoreline and watershed in Marquette County, Michigan. We imagine a future where Lake Superior thrives as much as the people who depend on it. To get there, we utilize community engagement, education, and policy advocacy to create tangible change. Our current efforts are focused on advocating for wetland protection in Marquette County, as well as supporting Powell Township's efforts to strengthen their sense of community and connection to their environment.
We have campaigned to prevent the Granot Loma spaceport project since 2020, when the ill-conceived plan was announced, through our "Stop the Rocket" campaign. In November 2023, we successfully defeated the proposed spaceport by negotiating the passage of a Powell Township Board Resolution, determining that the plan was incompatible with current and future versions of the Zoning Ordinance and township Master Plan. Learn more about these efforts!
In the wake of the 2023 Supreme Court decision in Sackett v. EPA, wetlands have less federal protection now than they have for half a century. The health of Lake Superior and its communities hinges on the health of its connected wetlands; however, around 50,000 acres of wetlands have been destroyed in Marquette County to date, 20,000 of which are located in coastal areas.
Wetlands improve water quality, mitigate flooding and erosion, and provide critical habitat. Even small and isolated wetlands have a significant impact on these factors, storing rainwater and snowmelt to recharge groundwater stores. Wetlands also slow the flow of water, trapping sediment and pollutants before they can reach our aquifers or lakes.
CSCLS plans to launch a wetland education campaign in our communities and advocate for planning and policymaking that reflects the importance of wetland ecosystems to the health and well-being of our communities. Learn more about these ongoing efforts!
If you’re passionate about safeguarding the health of the coast and fresh water of Lake Superior and its watershed, join us! Any donation to CSCLS makes you a member.
If you’d like to stay updated on volunteer and action opportunities, please sign up for our email alerts.
The mission of Citizens for a Safe & Clean Lake Superior is
