COLDWATER, MI (WTVB) – Coldwater Solar has announced the recipients of $150,000 awarded through the Apex Clean Energy Conservation Grant Program, with $30,000 going to a conservation project in southern Branch County.
The program allocates funds to conservation efforts near the company’s clean energy projects, contributing up to $1,000 per megawatt of each project’s generating capacity to preserve and restore natural resources in the surrounding area.
The $30,000 grant for Coldwater Lake State Park will allow for a variety of restoration and enhancement activities through a collaboration between Ducks Unlimited, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, the Branch County Conservation District, and Monarch Joint Venture.
The work will include removing invasive shrubs and improving wetland and grassland habitats that will benefit not only waterfowl, but also migratory birds, pollinators, reptiles, and amphibians, as well as enhancing recreational opportunities for the local community.
“This project is a great example of how conservation partnerships can deliver real results for Michigan’s landscapes and communities,” said Colleen Gleason, regional biologist with Ducks Unlimited. “With support from Apex Clean Energy and collaboration with the Michigan DNR and Branch County Conservation District, we’re improving wetland habitat, restoring native plant communities, and supporting pollinators—all in a location that the public can enjoy for generations.”
Coldwater Lake State Park is home to 400 acres of largely undeveloped park land situated between Copeland Road and the southern shoreline of Coldwater Lake.
The park features a mixture of former farmland, wetlands, hardwood forest and native grasslands. The lake is situated at the back of the park property and is not easily accessible.
Coldwater Solar, a project of Apex Clean Energy, is a 150-megawatt solar energy project located in Coldwater and Ovid Townships in Branch County.
That should about cover the sign saying they donated the money.
I think it’s just a big tax right off. The lake is not accessible.I’m certain it’s because the lake association does not want the public to be able to use the lake
The article really says nothing about what they’re going to do.It suggests they’re going to clean up some brush.That’s thirty thousand dollars. The article also states.That the lake is at the back and not accessible, I must be silly, but perhaps we use the 30000 to actually open up the lake for use.Since you know it is a state park.