Big Win for Muskegon Lake and Its Residents

From the early days of logging to decades of industrial pollution, Muskegon Lake has long been a source of concern. The community's restoration effort hits a major milestone.

There was a time in Michigan when industry lacked the knowledge we have today about environmental stewardship. Fortunately, knowledge has been applied for nearly four decades to help restore Muskegon Lake to a safe and clean environment.

Muskegon Lake Industry History

Muskegon Lake is a 4,150-acre freshwater lake that has played a crucial role in the economy and growth of Muskegon, Michigan, for hundreds of years. However, that growth came at the expense of the lake’s environment.

It’s common for cities and industries to develop near major waterways. Muskegon Lake's access to the Muskegon River and Lake Michigan made it a no-brainer location for settlers to set up shop.

Read More: Man Uses Wood Washed A Shore From Muskegon Lake To Build Guitar

This can come at a cost since Muskegon Lake has been polluted over the years by the lumber industry, foundries, chemical/petrochemical companies, coal gasification operations, a paper mill, foundry sand and slag, and a coal-fired power plant. These industrial activities resulted in sediment contamination from heavy metals, PCBs, and PAHs.

Marquee Moment For Muskegon Lake And Its Residents

According to FOX 17, after nearly four decades, Muskegon Lake has been officially removed from the list of 'Areas of Concern' this September. The Muskegon Lake Watershed Partnership spent nearly 40 years in restoration efforts to clean this amazing body of water.

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The Watershed Partnership is excited about the accomplishment, but the work is not done. With the progress Muskegon has made with the lake restoration, a 10-year plan has been put together to increase economic development and growth, as well as freshwater stewardship to keep the work moving forward.

👇BELOW: Vintage Photos of Muskegon👇